The larvae then burrow into the bark to the depth of the next years phellogen creating long arcs, which tighten to squiggles as they develop into larger instar stages.

The second-last instar will backtrack along the original mine, doubling its width or creating a parallel track depending on species.

The final instar, a caterpillar with legs, will then follow the path one last time, feeding on the nutritious scar tissue that they tree lays down in the previously damaged areas.

[2] The scribbly gum moth is found on the east coast of Australia, from Tasmania to Southern Queensland.

[3] The patterns created by the scribbly gum moth are only visible after the caterpillar exists the tree and the top layer of bark sheds, which historically made it difficult to identify the species which caused the marks.