Oak Apple (made by Gall Wasp)

Description:

Oak Apple Gall Wasps are usually identified by their gall. This very large gall grows up to two inches wide, but is usually golf-ball sized. Apple galls have a thin, papery shell and are spongy inside. They are green at first, turning brown later. The gall itself is actually a mutated leaf.

Habitat:

Oak Apple Galls are found anywhere there are oak trees.

Notes:

Spotted growing near an old cemetery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I was so excited to see one of these still attached to the red oak tree (Quercus sp.) because it absolutely confirmed my suspicion about it and this previous sighting elsewhere: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/246...