Saturday 28 April 2012

Nature's Graffiti


Take a closer look at this eucalyptus tree. It's known as a scribbly gum, and despite looking as if the junior school group tried to carve their affections for each other all over it, the zigzag tracks are actually tunnels made by the larvae of a moth. They are interesting because they reflect the life-cycle of the insects. Increases in the tunnel diameter show that the larvae is growing, and the end of the track is where it has stopped burrowing and started to pupate.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now, THAT is totally cool graffiti!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Larvae graffiti - how very interesting. The smooth bark of the eucalyptus makes the perfect palate. Did you see any of those little furry animals in the tree eating the leaves?

Bises,
Genie

AL said...

ytaba36: It's great, isn't it? Nature produces some wonderful images.

Genie: Alas, no sightings of Koalas. They are becoming rather rare to see in the wild, and they are now predicting that they may be extinct in 50yrs time.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Now that really is fascinating to see Al.