Strange mass on a leaf - more shots

[Pizzazz]

Hi Gang

After spending too much time away from my macro work (kitchen
remodeling, daughter's upcoming wedding, family.. you get the point), I
came across this "thing" on a leaf. The core looks like some kind of egg
sack as it appears to be a silk ball, and as you can see, there are some
interesting objects attached to it.

What really catches my eye, are the round "ribbed" objects, that look like
sea-shells in a way.

I have no clue, but maybe someone looking can provide an idea.

Mike

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[BugEZ]

Interesting! An egg mass?

Keith

[Pizzazz]

Hi BugEZ

I have posted another shot. I notice a hard "tear" on the inner item as
if there is an inner shell.

Also the stellate trichomesare visible on the leaf and very reflective.

[BugEZ]

Oh yes, I see the tear . So the shell looking bits in the fuzzy covering. Most interesting.

Where there no hollow shell I would think of the spider egg masses I occasionally find in my basement bug photography studio. Most interesting!

Keith

[MarkSturtevant]

I was going to point out the cutting, which indicates that this is probably a cocoon and the maker has emerged and gone its way.
But the ribbed objects look like insect egg shells, and so this is something of a mystery. A insect that feeds on a batch of insect eggs, then makes a cocoon on the spot. No idea what that could be.