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Apiomorpha sp. - Eucalyptus scale gall
Eriococcidae
Victoria, Australia

photograph © Alex Wild 2006

This bizarre growth on a Eucalypt branch is caused by a scale insect, which sits within feeding on plant juices.  Notice the ant on the gall, feeding in turn on the scale insect's sweet exudate.

 
Australia, VIC: Yandoit, c. 18 km SW Castlemaine.
37º11.310'S 144º04.765'E, 290m, 23.ii.2006
Dry sclerophyll, gall on Eucalyptus tree.

This image is copyrighted by the photographer and cannot be used without permission. To obtain permission to use this image, please email Alex Wild. (alwild (at) myrmecos.net).  Most of the photographs on myrmecos.net are reduced from their original size and compressed for more efficient web transmission.  In some cases, higher quality versions are available.

This image was captured with a Canon EOS D60, using a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens.