Referring to the Xerochrysums of course, planted as previously noted to attract butterflies, but until now, despite frequent checking, bringing in anything but. Finally, a small grey butterfly settled that at first glance was thought to be a Common Grass Blue, but closer inspection showed it to be the Two-Spotted Line-Blue, Nacaduba biocellata.
Native bees and wasps of many different species have been constant visitors to the flowers. On a cool morning with thick smoke haze this male bee, Lipotriches australica slept late in a partially opened flower, held in place by its gripping mandibles.
Although we’re into autumn quite a few native bees are still hard at work, like this tattered-winged Lasioglossum lanarium that worked several flowers.
Flower wasps are great pollinators, for example this Australelis anthracina anthracina.
Click to enlarge.
