New project: fern associates

I've just created a new project to collect observations of things that feed on ferns, and all are welcome to join! https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/feasting-on-ferns

It may seem like not much eats ferns, but many insects and other animals do, either casually or exclusively--including sawfly larvae, moth caterpillars, agromyzid and anthomyiid fly larvae, leafhoppers, foliar nematodes, deer, moose, humans, and rust fungi, to name a few. I'm always interested to see something new nibbling on a fern, and in particular I would love to solve the mystery of who is leaving this distinctive pattern on interrupted and sensitive ferns just after they unfurl in the spring:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/216683206
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/216683596
This is something I've been noticing for a few years now, and I have yet to catch the culprit in the act!

Posted on May 19, 2024 12:33 PM by ceiseman