ECOLOGY

Pollen

Some adult moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) are known to feed on pollen. Small beetles are commonly associated with Acacia flowers where they appear to consume some pollen - for example the genus Pyrgoides: Chrysomilidae (Lawrence & Britton 1994). Thrips (Thripidae) are frequently associated with the flowers and probably consume various parts of it. They are also preyed upon by other insects. Reports of other consumers of Acacia flowers include the Common Ringtail possum (Pseudocherirus peregrinus), Brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and the Mountain Brushtail possum (T. caninus) (Strahan 1983), and various parrots and rosellas.

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