FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 September 2006
(Columbia, SC) You might think that Halloween has come early if you look at live oak trees in downtown Charleston. The eerie-looking webbing seen on many trees isn’t holiday decoration . . . it’s actually made by an insect.
According to Forestry Commission scientists, the culprits are small insects called barklice, tree cattle, or psocids (pronounced so-sid). They live on the outside of trees where they feed on fungi, pollen, mold, and other organic material. Barklice often congregate in large clusters and move as a group when disturbed.
Barklice webbing is usually seen in August and early September on a variety of trees: live and laurel oaks, magnolias, or maples. The webbing doesn’t harm the tree, but it protects the barklice from the weather and predators such as birds, anoles, or other insects.
If only the barklice could wait until October to spin their webs. Then homeowners could have nature-made Halloween decorations.
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