On a tree

Published on by bushboy

Today’s Prompt: Squiggles

The tree is called a Scribbly Gum. How do the “scribbles” get onto the tree I hear you ask? Well, the female Scribbly Gum Moth lays eggs between layers of old and new bark. The larvae burrow into the new bark and, as the old bark falls away, the feeding trails of the larva are revealed.

The two most common scribbles are zigzag patterns, always doubling back on each other, and sine waves. 

Next time, you see a scribbles on a eucalypt stand back and appreciate the handy work of one of Australia’s first bush “artists.”

20 thoughts on “On a tree”

  10. FIrst off, I just liked the squiggles- they are all very lively and natural unlike this:
    When I See Lovers Name Is Carved Into A Tree, I Don’T Think It’S Cute. I Just Think It’s Strange How Many People Take Knives On A Date

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh so true. The only time I take a knife on a date is when it’s a picnic and the trees are perfectly safe but the fruit better watch out 🙂

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