The importance of manna, honeydew and lerp in the diets of honeyeaters

Abstract

Honeyeaters mainly collected manna, honeydew or lerp off the foliage and bark of eucalypts and not insects as has been previously reported. These carbohydrates were more abundant than insects and other invertebrates on the foliage or bark, offered energy rewards similar to those from nectar and were widespread, occurring in many habitats. Manna, honeydew and lerp have chemical compositions similar to nectar and were used as substitutes by many honeyeaters. Honeyeaters shifted feeding sites and showed seasonal movements with changes in the distribution and abundance of these resources and nectar. Manna, honeydew and lerp are important in the ecology of many honeyeaters.