Identification

Despite the evidence left behind on scribbly gum trees, living specimens of Scribbly Gum Moth larvae and adults are rarely seen. The adults are very small and grey. Only one species has been formally described, but there are several undescribed species known from collections.

Habitat

Scribbly Gum Moths live in forests and woodlands.

Distribution

Scribbly Gum Moths are found from south-eastern Queensland to Victoria.

Seasonality

Larvae pupate in November-December, adults are mainly active during April-March

Feeding and diet

Larvae feed on sapwood

Life history cycle

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 diameter of the tunnels increase as the larvae grow. When the larvae have reached their maximum size they emerge and crawl out from between the bark and into the litter, or into cracks in the bark, where they form a elongate ridged grey cocoon. Adults emerge in the following autumn, and are attracted to light.