This large species is known as the Balsam Beast because it was first discovered on balsam flowers.
The Balsam Beast lives in urban areas, forests and woodlands and heath. It lives in Angophora trees and is most common in Sydney in late winter or spring.
The Balsam Beast is found in coastal eastern Australia from Cape York, Queensland to Batemans Bay, New South Wales.
Feeding and diet
The Balsam Beast feeds at night and, when Angophora flowers become scarce, it moves to garden plants and fruits, including kiwi fruit.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Balsam Beast plays an important role in pollinating the plants it feeds on. As it feeds, pollen attaches to the small hairs covering their bodies and is transported from flower to flower.