Although the trees around the farm are looking cool and very green, the forest near Clover Cottage appears to be scorched by fire! This is the work of a very small caterpillar larvae of the gumleaf skeletoniser moth, which has devastated the the foliage of the eucalypts in the forest. Department of Environment and Conservation research scientist, Dr Janet Farr said “The defloliation does have an impact on the trees, but most trees recover, although this can take some years!” The oubreak is associated with warm, dry conditions and predicts it will get more severe into February. If you interested in reading more about this little caterpillar with a big impact visit http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=3483&Itemid=99999999 and read the article written by Dr Janet Farr.
