Jane Prior

It’s hard not to take photos of Scribbly Gum trunks, Eucalyptus Haemastoma, because every tree has a fascinating and unique map of scribbles. These seemingly random patterns are made by moth larvae burrowing tunnels under the bark. They meander on purpose: once the caterpillar grows legs, it turns around, retraces its steps, only now feasting on the nutritious “scar tissue” that the tree has had time to grow to fill their tunnels. The tracks are exposed when the tree sheds bark, after the caterpillar leaves.

Digital paintings, Procreate