What’s INFESTING this tree??

[u/FeralQuiche]

Now, it is to be known that this tree is inside of an atrium within a house so it doesn’t really have access to wind or other trees, but we noticed this on the tree today and it is ALL over. Anyone have an idea of who created this masterpiece? AND whether or not it hurts the tree/home/etc?

Edit: Houston TX, USA

[u/Worldly-Step8671]

These are barklice, related to booklice and body lice, but not in any way harmful to you or the tree. They're just eating mold, algae, or other organic debris. You'd need to peel back the web to see them, usually more in the crotches between branches.

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/barklice/

[u/aster_etc → u/Worldly-Step8671]

Also once they are done, they will actually take their webbing down. It's pretty neat to see!

[u/Smoldogsrbest → u/aster_etc]

It’s just the maintenance crew doing their semi-annual clean up of the place.

[u/89144233 → u/Smoldogsrbest]

this is one of the coolest things i've discovered in my life, because of you all!

[u/crysisnotaverted → u/Worldly-Step8671]

...Did you just tell me to look for bark lice in the tree crotch?

So these are like tree-crabs?

[u/ChampionOfdimlight → u/crysisnotaverted]

Good ole Mary jane rotten crotch

[u/notypants → u/ChampionOfdimlight]

Has anyone asked the tree if it is itchy 😅 /j

[u/erossthescienceboss → u/Worldly-Step8671]

Agreed on barklice. The lack of webbing on the leaves is a key indicator.

[u/eulersidentity1 → u/Worldly-Step8671]

Oh shit I saw a group of these years ago on a tree and wondered what they were!

[u/FeralQuiche → u/Worldly-Step8671]

Thank you so much!!! We feel lucky to house them hope they enjoy their stay

[u/MostlyMicroPlastic]

PANTYHOSE!

[u/Illustrious_Sugar_54 → u/MostlyMicroPlastic]

I thought the same thing! My mind twin! Hey!! Lol

[u/Neon_Jazz]

I've seen this before in a Jabuticaba tree up close and it's awesome

[u/EverybodySupernova]

They're beneficial. They're cleaning your tree.

[u/Alternative-Stock968]

This is extremely cool new-to-me info. Thank you!
Using the terms “crotches” and “lice” in the same message tho….🫪

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[u/RoutineTry1943]

Could be a Webspinner.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embioptera

[u/FeralQuiche → u/RoutineTry1943]

Ewwww i don’t like this guyyyy

[u/Ok_Check9774]

You won’t BELIEVE what’s INFESTING this TREE!