I found this on the ground in Maryland. I believe the twig is from a tulip poplar tree. The structure looks like a tiny honeycomb except that the cells are individual tubes rather than a true hexagonal honeycomb shape. It's one layer deep and wraps completely around the branch. I assume it was made by some tiny insect, but what?
1 Answer
Many insects lay eggs in tight clusters; because of the shape of the eggs (like honeycomb cells themselves), the cluster looks a bit like a honeycomb. If you had a high quality macro shot, the eggs might be easier to identify definitively.
Newly hatched Beet Armyworms:
Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) Eggs:
Wheel bugs are common in eastern North America, but are confirmed to occupy areas of Mexico and Guatemala.
With wheel bug for size:
My guess is that you found a cluster of Wheel Bug eggs.
Females lay eggs at a low elevation on trees, bushes, twigs, and other objects.[5] Secreted glue serves as an adhesive which maintains the cluster formation of the eggs. - Wikipedia