Question about growth on American hornbeam tree - Ask Extension
We are at the Arborteum at the ESSL in downtown Frederick with our homeschool group. One of the children showed us these growths on the American Hornb...
Knowledgebase
Question about growth on American hornbeam tree #869435
Asked May 21, 2024, 11:50 AM EDT
We are at the Arborteum at the ESSL in downtown Frederick with our homeschool group. One of the children showed us these growths on the American Hornbeam tree and said it looked like little beehives. We were wondering if you could tell us what they are? (Thumb in first picture for scale. Baby hornbeam leaf in child’s hand because she wanted to show you how cute it was :) )
Thank you!
Frederick County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
These are wheel bug egg masses and they have already hatched. They are a type of Assassin Bug- beneficial predatory insects. Good find!
Hornbeams are neat trees- we're glad they enjoyed! The ESSL in Frederick is a great county resource!
Emily