Raided

This was one of many goldenrod round galls with holes pecked out, causing me to wonder about them.

Per Finger Lakes Land Trust:
"They are the plant’s response to the parasitic goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis. The female fly lays eggs at the base of goldenrod flower buds. Upon hatching, larvae eat into the stem, whereupon they secrete chemical compounds that trigger the plant’s meristem cells to form the gall. The gall grows around the larva, forming a hard outer layer and a softer fibrous interior." 

"As cozy and nourishing as it might seem for a larva, a gall does have its vulnerabilities. During summer, a parasitoid wasp called Eurytoma gigantea seeks out galls. The female wasp inserts her ovipositor through the gall’s outer wall, laying an egg in the chamber that already holds the gall fly’s larva. Upon hatching, the wasp larva devours the fly larva, then consumes gall tissue until it pupates. Then a different threat to gall flies arises in fall and winter, as Downy Woodpeckers and Black-capped Chickadees peck open the galls to get at the fattened larvae inside."

Thanks to loisbiz for hosting.  Thanks for looking in on my late entry!

Raided
Goldenrod Round Gall
Frohring Meadows
Bainbridge Twp, OH