The Scribbly Gum Moths: Ogmograptis Species

Unusually for an iconic animal, the scribbly gum moths (Ogmograptis spp. Bucculatricidae) are better known for the distinctive tracks they leave. Larvae feed in the phellogen, or cork cambium, of Eucalyptus bark. It is only months later, when a bark layer sheds, that their larval mines are revealed, appearing as if someone has scribbled on the trunk. The scribbles, an accurate record of larval behaviour of some species, have distinct attributes on different host tree species. Considered monotypic for over 75 years, there are now 12 Ogmograptis species described. Larval behaviour is best understood for the ‘scribula’ group which consists of O. scribula, O. fraxinoides, O. racemosa and O. pilularis. The potential distribution of the scribbly gum moths is indicated by records of the moths themselves and their eucalypt hosts. The life history of Ogmograptis species is described, where known, with an emphasis on bark traits which could explain why only some Eucalyptus are hosts for Ogmograptis species and how larvae identify the bark layer in which to mine. Increases in temperature and fire frequency/severity as climate shifts, together with habitat destruction, are concerning threats to scribbly gum moths.