POLLEN FEEDING IN THE EUCALYPT NECTAR FLY, DROSOPHILA-FLAVOHIRTA

Adults of the eucalypt nectar fly, Drosophila flavohirta Malloch (Dipt era: Drosophilidae), feed on Eucalyptus pollen. Flies of both sexes ga ther pollen with the proboscis, forming a large mass of pollen on the anterior surface of the extended proboscis. Pollen gathering alternate s with quiescent periods when the moistened pollen load is continually vibrated. No pollen was found in the adult gut, and it is suggested t hat hydration of the pollen causes release of nutrients which are then imbibed, This 'external digestion' is reminiscent of that employed by heliconiine butterflies.