The Colony by Chipka
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Description
The colony is smaller this year, but like every other, it is grown from the very leaf-fabric that feeds the intrepid, arachnid mites.
The reduced bloom of mite-housing is proof of a harsh winter.
They are not like us, these mites. They take what sustenance they need, but they do little damage. They are not lumberjacks, nor are they carpenters; the brilliant, red homes that mark their arboreal towns, are meticulously grown from the very leaves upon which the colonists feed. The trees suffer little...the leaves, soon weighted with their tapering, bulbous homes, will drop naturally, as one season fades into another.
As winter makes its approach, the colonial mites will journey into cracks and crevices...
...into safe shelter in the jagged contours of bark and branch.
If they are lucky, they will survive the snows.
If they are not, then their host tree will sport fewer blooming homes in next year's summer.
***
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting on this and my previous posts. I hope your week is off to a good start.
Comments (25)
RobyHermida
Fantastic!!!!!!
MrsRatbag
How very unusual! I've never seen anything quite like that. Wonderful story and capture!
photostar
Super macro, Chip and the addition of the DOF adds a real dimension to the foto.
ledwolorz
Fantastic macro.
artaddict2
Well that is fascinating to see and to read, Thanks. excellent capture!
Shucoda
Great macro.. love the DOF and clarity.. Well done
SSoffia
GREAT MACRO & DETAIL :)
MrsLubner
Reminds me of skin tags...those little fleshy skin growths that appear as you get older. Wonderful macro. BTW, congratulations on LWITG.
beachzz
Not only do you take the simplest object and give it such beauty, you describe it brilliantly--wonderfully done!!
Rainbowgirl
Brilliant and unusual shot, garnished with a most interesting lesson. I know these homes on leaves but never thought about the architects. In fact I thought it a sign of some tree desease... Must have a look into it now ;-)
Meisiekind
Fascinating story and image. Your narration adds so much value to an already superb image! Well done my friend. :)
durleybeachbum
Brilliant narrative! I posted a pic of these Nail galls some time ago, and even got the ID wrong! You have a marvellous gift for words.
Alz2008
Wonderful capture, Excellent well done..
rainbows
A superb capture, Chip. Interesting information too. I have never seen anything like this. Hugs. Di. xx
NekhbetSun
Wonderful intro and info Chip...those mites don't know how lucky they are to be the subject of your prose :o) Hugz
ladyraven23452
great work 10+
MagikUnicorn
Very very UNIQUE...Could be the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PIC OF THE MONTH ;-0
Janiss
A gorgeous macro Chip!
Biffowitz
Intriguing capture and lifecycle, I like it!
Lunastar
Awesome macro.
mbz2662
Now that's really cool.. Love your narrative!
Mousson
nice and original shot !
romanceworks
You can take the tiniest of things and make them universal - make me care about the life and death struggle of mites. Marvelous. CC
mermaid
ah the gall mites... I love them too, they come in so many colors and variety and I am happy to see them each year coming again... fine shot
marybelgium
super macro !