Sunday 15 April 2012

Scribbly Gum


 Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma) is an Australian eucalypt that is named after the 'scribbles' on its bark. These zigzag tracks are tunnels made by the larvae of the Scribbly Gum Moth (Ogmograptis scribula) and follow the insect's life cycle. Eggs are laid between layers of old and new bark. The larvae burrow into the new bark and, as the old bark falls away, the trails are revealed. The diameters of the tunnels increase as the larvae grow, and the ends of the tracks are where the larvae stopped to pupate.





2 comments:

  1. Love the top image Jo, great perspective and beautifully show effects of the Scribbly Gum Moth's journey around that tree!!

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