Endozoochory by beetles: a novel seed dispersal mechanism.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Due in part to biophysical sized-related constraints, insects unlike vertebrates are seldom expected to act as primary seed dispersers via ingestion of fruits and seeds (endozoochory). The Mediterranean parasitic plant Cytinus hypocistis, however, possesses some characteristics that may facilitate endozoochory by beetles. By combining a long-term field study with experimental manipulation, we tested whether C. hypocistis seeds are endozoochorously dispersed by beetles.

Methods

Field studies were carried out over 4 years on six populations in southern Spain. We recorded the rate of natural fruit consumption by beetles, the extent of beetle movement, beetle behaviour and the relative importance of C. hypocistis fruits in beetle diet.

Key results

The

SUBMITTER: de Vega C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3064545 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature