Ghost refers to wood figuring that is commonly found in the maple species when a tree is infested with the ambrosia beetle. A fungus grows from the remains of the beetle larva and breaks down the wood into a compound for the larva to eat. When the tree is cut, the fungal area will appear on the grain as a grey oblong shape, which is often described as having a ghost-like appearance. The larva tunnels may also be present within the grey shape and can give the appearance of eyes within the ghost figure.