questions for botanists and entomologists

[raymo]

What is the flower, and what are the beetles:
Taken in a mid W.A. national park with kit 55-250mm lens from 1.2 metres.
raymo

[Kev11]

Is the plant a Xanthorrea (grass tree)?

[raymo]

Thanks for the reply Kevin, I've no idea, that's why I asked>:):)
raymo

[gts055]

The flower appears to be a species of Banksia. Mark

[gts055]

The beetle is likely in the family Ripiphoridae. Wedge shaped beetles. Very interesting beetle, read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripiphoridae
There is also information at the "Atlas Of Living Australia" website.
That is why those beetles are on that flower! Amazing. Thanks for sparking my interest to research this. In the dim dark past I studied Botany and Zoology to BSc with a great interest in entomology. As a child I had glass cases of mounted beetles, moths and butterflies, and an array of animal skulls hanging on the bedroom walls :) Weird Mark

[raymo]

Mark, thanks for the info; I'm happy that your interest was sparked.
raymo

[REVEREND]

Looks like Banksia attenuata.
Cheers Reverend.

[raymo]

Cheers Reverend.
raymo