Discovered this large, papery ball under the trees in my yard. It’s light as a feather and completely hollow inside. Is it an egg?

for the wasp larvae. This structure is efficient, providing security without the need for a solid mass inside.
Once the larvae mature and leave the gall, what remains is a lightweight, papery shell. This empty husk is what often surprises people who discover them, as the galls may seem solid from the outside, yet are surprisingly fragile and light when handled.
5. How to Tell an Oak Apple Gall From a Real Egg or Nest
Identifying an oak apple gall can be straightforward if you know what to look for. Unlike eggs or nests, oak apple galls are attached directly to the oak tree itself, often on the branches or leaves. They have a distinctly spherical shape and are typically tan to brown in color.
The texture of a gall is also a giveaway. While eggs tend to be smooth and solid, galls are papery and can be easily crushed.