Ecology: Lerps
Psyllids, a type of insect, form a large part of the diet of helmeted honeyeaters.
Psyllids are normally covered with a sugary coating called a lerp.
Helmeted honeyeaters also feed on manna, exuded from eucalypts, and honeydew from insects.
Nectar is an important source of winter food for the helmeted honeyeater because there are fewer insects during cooler weather.
Use the 'next' button to see under the lerp.
Sugary coating called a lerp. Photograph by Brian Dumsday