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


Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 21, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT

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