18/10/2026
I spy with my little eye, a darling noolbenger perched on a scarlet banksia. π
Did you know that the noolbenger (Noongar, honey possum) feeds exclusively on nectar and pollen? They are the only marsupial in the world known to have such a specialised diet.
This species is an incredibly important pollinator of banksia flowers, and they have actually developed a symbiotic relationship with these plants.
The dependence of honey possums on the banksia flowers means they are able to discriminate ripe, nectar-bearing banksia flowers from immature unripe flowers. This skill enables the species efficiently to collect large quantities of pollen and nectar. Despite only weighing 5-20 grams, they can drink up to 7ml of nectar a day!
This stunning photograph was taken by Naidu Kumpatla (), on Western Australia's south coast. Tag your nature and wildlife photos with for a chance to be featured in our feed.