DESCRIPTION: Also known as the Ram’s-Horn Gall for obvious reason this striking elongated growth is caused by the larvae of a gall-wasp.  Starting green the gall eventually hardens and turns brown with age and can be a mere 5mm long.  Variation in the growing pattern can occur when inquilines take up residence.  Eggs are laid in April, the galls form over the next couple of months with adults emerging in August.  The second generation are in gall from October and emerge the following spring.  DISTRIBUTION: Frequent through southern Britain but spreading Northwards since first being found in the UK in 1997. HABITAT:Located on leaf buds on various Oak trees.  Experience says that young branches lower down on trunks are the best place to find this fascinating structure.