Gall Wasp

Saturday 2nd April 2022

We didn't go to Tom and Laura's this weekend as Laura is still testing covid positive - very disappointed - we were going to have the privilege of looking after Libby for the day - I hope we can do it soon. So instead we went for a walk - we did 15km with no backpacks as Robin is still recovering from covid. He managed it Ok but was tired by the end - a few weeks ago he could do 25km with a back pack no problem - so some work to get back up to speed!

We saw these oak marble gall wasps on our walk - I always think they are fascinating. The larvae of the wasp lives in the gall feeding on the host (oak) but apparently doesnt do much damage. They emerge in autumn leaving a small hole in the gall. Amazing!

In the evening we went over to Lynne and Dave's - it was going to be a carport party to reenact our great get togethers during covid - but it was very cold so we sat indoors instead. During covid we had no choice and we had heaters going and blankets on! We had a lovely evening - great beer, food and company!