Over the Autumn months I was fortunate enough to take some images of Australian local native species that use the Banksia prionotes (Acorn Banksia) flowers as part of their food and energy source.
All images taken in a 20m radius over a few weeks. Taken with a 350D and a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8
This native bee is seen eating pollen deposited on a style by another creature, possibly by the feral honey bee. These bees look a lot like wasps and stoch they pollen in specialised sacks in their cheeks instead of on their legs as many other bees would. Their slender, almost hairless bodies slip between the flowers anatomy to areas where other feral bees get stuck - becoming feed for the numerous ants.
Pixel Perfect wrote:
Ah the stunningly beautiful Banksia prionotes. Can't grow them in Sydney unfortunately.
Great shots Wayne.
The Banksia sp. do like drier summer conditions don't they.
I'm sure you have many equally splendid plants that us in WA are envious of. Unfortunately very few ppl here grow them and they are not used as street trees as they really should be. Their population is in decline due to clearign and the species that depend on them are on the way out too.
