In the eucalyptus forests of Australia, this tiny mosaic of color flutters high among the leaves with restless curiosity. It feeds on lerps and minute insects clinging to foliage, carefully plucking them from gum leaves with delicate precision. What makes it extraordinary is its subtle care for the trees themselves β by controlling sap-sucking insects, it helps keep vast eucalypt canopies healthy and resilient. A jewel no bigger than a thumb, yet a diligent guardian of the gum forest.
Spotted Pardalote π
