Moth pocket, a timber defect in Eucalytpus regnans.  G. C. Marks, J. A. Harris and I. R. Long.  August 1985.  6 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

It is proposed that "bird's eye", a common timber defect of Eucalyptus regnans, be renamed "moth pocket" because of its origin and appearance. The defect is formed by larvae of a species of Leptozestis (Lepidoptera) feeding on the cambium and/or wood tissue over a 3-7 year period. Ultimately a roughly conical cavity filled with faecal pellets and sometimes kino is created. The cavity is formed by localised suspension of wood formation by the larva feeding at the inner bark (phloem) surface. Kino vein formation is usually suppressed until after the insect has emerged through a tunnel traversing radially through the bark. Although the damage done by the defect is negligible, the associated kino veins could impair wood quality.

Also published:

Marks, G.C., Harris, J.A. and Long, I.R. (1983)  Moth pocket, a timber defect in Eucalyptus regnans.  Aust. For. 46 (3): 216-19.