O/T Geometry in nature - not machining related

[Ridgerunner]

I had to cut some broken branches from this maple tree from the recent snow storm damage and saw this shape on it. I have no idea of what this is but thought some here might find it of interest.

[Lew Hartswick]

Some kind of eggs. Can't say I've ever seen them, but it sure looks like
that to me.
...lew...

[ZINOM]

Wheelbug eggs is my guess.

John

[lynnl]

Those are eggs of the Horned Hex worm..

I've seen insect eggs in striking geometric order before. But don't remember seeing such a perfect hex. Is there something in the bark features there at that spot that would tend to force such a configuration?

[Ridgerunner]

Wheelbug eggs is my guess.

John

I looked up Wheel bugs and I believe you are correct.There are many of the adults here lately. I had hoped they would eat some of the Stink bugs we are now infested with in this part of the US.
Amazing amount of knowledge on this site!

Those are eggs of the Horned Hex worm..

I've seen insect eggs in striking geometric order before. But don't remember seeing such a perfect hex. Is there something in the bark features there at that spot that would tend to force such a configuration?

I could not find anything on Horned Hex worm? There was nothing remarkable in the bark that I could see. The main branch in the picture was about 3 1/2 inches for scale.
Thanks for the replies. I thought it was a type of fungus. Good grief!

[John Stevenson]

With it having a hexagonal head I thought it was a Whitworth Worm