CLOSED: No bug, but the bug's handywork. ID?

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Sep 13, 2007

I figure this was created by some sort of insect, so I figure this is the place to post this question. This is on a Live Oak outside my office building. It started as a patch about a foot long and maybe half as wide, but over the past few weeks has spreak up the centermost branch and outward on some other limbs as well. At first I thought it was a cocoon of some sort, but now I really have NO idea. Can't see any critters at all. If this is some weird form of fungus or something harmful to the tree, then I want to let the landscaping folks know. If it's a bug, then I'm very curious as to what kind. I have a long shot and a two shots from closer up. SHould be obvious in the pics as to what I'm talkin' about. :)
Thanks!
Deb

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Sep 13, 2007

Closer pic...

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Sep 13, 2007

And finally, really close.

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Floridian Lutz, FL(Zone 9b) Sep 13, 2007

This may be caused by Archipsocus nomas aka webbing bark louse

http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F1Column/2003Articles/AUG3.htm

http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/HORT/Aug1304a.htm

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fly_girl The Woodlands, TX(Zone 8b) Sep 13, 2007

I had that last year on my Oaks, I think it's called Bark Lice. They are cousins to the Book Lice and it doesn't look like they do any damage.

http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/HORT/Aug1304a.htm

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Sep 13, 2007

Quoting:
"They start to appear in the summer, especially after there's been an unusually large amount of moisture or rain."
Odd, since we've had a drought all summer. Having said that, it's been very humid. So.... Fly_girl, you've done it again! That has to be it. I'm glad it won't hurt the tree. :) Thanks for the I.D.
Deb

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