Autecological studies on Audouinia capitata. 2. Insect pollination

Autecological studies on Audouinia capitata (Bruniaceae). 2. Insects as pollen vectors
M.G.Wright, D.Visser & J.H.de Lange 1991 South African Journal of Botany 57 260-263 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6299(16)30927-9

The role of insects as pollen vectors of Audouinia capitata was studied. The frequency of insect visits to flowers and pollen load counts showed that small beetles (Nitidulidae) should be the best insect pollen vectors. Pollen dispersal by these beetles, however, was limited to short distances, which reduced their beneficial impact on the plants. It is suggested that poor pollen transfer may be one of the reasons for the scarcity of A. capitata.

Visitors: (* = significant pollen loads, # n of visotors)
Coleoptera

• Nitidulidae Carpophilus sp * 25
• Nitidulidae Pria sp * 109
• Chrysomelidae: Alticinae 10
• Helodidae Helodes sp * 3
• Buprestidae Sphenoptera sp 1
• Curculionidae (only ate flower parts) 19

Lepidoptera - Psychidae 1
Diptera - Various & Lauxaniidae 5
Hymenoptera - Formicidae 7
Thysanoptera 2

Posted on June 16, 2022 08:35 PM by tonyrebelo