Huge insects destroy 40 foot tree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the observation of large insects that reportedly caused the destruction of a 40-foot tree on a property. Participants explore the identity of these insects, their potential origins, and the implications of their presence in the area, touching on themes of infestation and ecological impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Hanson describes the insects as "some kind of mutant wasps," expressing surprise at their appearance and noting the sudden decline of the tree.
  • Some participants express frustration over the lack of photographic evidence of the insects, suggesting that visual documentation would aid in identification.
  • BoulderHead proposes that the insects may represent a migration of a destructive species into the area, while also considering the possibility that they are simply unfamiliar to the local population.
  • Another participant recalls a recent article about an infestation of super termites from the Philippines, suggesting that these termites could be responsible for the tree's destruction, highlighting their rapid destructive capability compared to regular termites.
  • There is uncertainty about the specific identity of the insects and their potential impact on the local ecosystem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of the insects or the cause of the tree's destruction. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the nature of the insects and their origins.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the insects in question, and there is a lack of definitive evidence to support any single hypothesis about their identity or impact.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in entomology, ecology, or local environmental issues may find the discussion relevant, particularly those concerned with invasive species and their effects on local flora.

Ivan Seeking
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"I think they're some kind of mutant wasps,'' said Hanson after the 40-foot tree on her property fell down and revealed the creatures.

"I've never seen anything like them,'' she whooshed. "I've been on this farm for 43 years and the leaves on this tree were flourishing in July and something killed it.''

http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1064406308242640.xml
 
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You'd think someone would have included a photo...
...that really bugs me!
 
Originally posted by BoulderHead
You'd think someone would have included a photo...
...that really bugs me!

I doubt there is really anything mysterious about the insects. What strikes me is a possible migration of a destructive insect into a new area. On the other hand, maybe she just never saw these bugs before by chance. Since it made the local paper, it seemed worth mentioning. Surely the locals would be aware of this bug were it indigenous to the area.
 
Well, I've never heard of such insects, so I'm most interested what such weird ones come from.
 
Last year or so there was an article in the San Diego paper about an infestation of super termites from the Philipines that was occurring in El Cajon, which is about 7-8 miles from San Diego proper. The danger of these termites was that they can wreck a house in one season, not like regular termites which take years to do the same damage.

I don't know where Milville is, but it sounds to me like it was these Philipine termites that killed this tree. The story about the El Cajon infestation didn't mention their appearance. As far as wings go I know that regular termite colonies produce a few waves of winged specimens twice a year who leave the colony in the hope of starting new colonies.