Finally some answers to my beech tree beastie questions! Check out these links: 1. Insect Images  2. Beech Blight Aphid PDF 3.The Harvester Butterfly larva eat them. The American Beech Fungus grows on the "honeydew" (Aphid Sh*t?) that drips on the branches and on the ground around the tree. Another American Beech Page and another Harvester Butterfly Page. And then - there's always Beech Tree Beasties - The Movie! (double click the picture)

 Thanks to Doug Sprouse of the Triangle Land Conservancy for the reference links.