Gluepot – mallee insect attack

Currently here were lots of birds at Gluepot (well a lot more than the last
couple of times I have been there) – saw 54 species over 2 days on 25 & 26
January. Parts of the countryside look fabulous following good rains.
However, much of the mallee has been decimated by insect attack. The attack
is over a wide area of both Taylorville and Gluepot. I suspect 60 – 70% of
the mallee trees have been attacked and greater than 90% of all leaves have
been completely eaten from most of the mallee trees that have been attacked.
I have never seen such massive and extensive destruction in the mallee
before. The rangers at Gluepot told me:-
. The attack has happened in the last 3 weeks
. They have tried to identify the “inch worm” that caused the
destruction (by talking to the relevant authorities), but have failed
. It also happened 2 years ago.
I have tried searching the internet to learn more about such massive
destruction but largely failed. Can anyone point me to any relevant
literature please? I have a few photos that I can sent to anyone who is
interested.
Thanks,
Bob Sothman
Adelaide