Quantitative historical change in bumblebee (Bombus spp.) assemblages of red clover fields.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Flower visiting insects provide a vitally important pollination service for many crops and wild plants. Recent decline of pollinating insects due to anthropogenic modification of habitats and climate, in particular from 1950's onwards, is a major and widespread concern. However, few studies document the extent of declines in species diversity, and no studies have previously quantified local abundance declines. We here make a quantitative assessment of recent historical changes in bumblebee assemblages by comparing contemporary and historical survey data.

Methodology/principal findings

We take advantage of detailed, quantitative historical survey data from the 1930's on bumblebee (Bombus spp.) abundances and species composition in red clover (Trifolium pratense) fi

SUBMITTER: Dupont YL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3180388 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature