Spatio-temporal arrangement of Chamaerops humilis inflorescences and occupancy patterns by its nursery pollinator, Derelomus chamaeropsis.

ABSTRACT: Background and Aims:Nursery pollination is a highly specialized interaction in which pollinators breed inside plant reproductive structures. Pollinator occupancy of host plants often depends on plant location, flowering synchrony and sex. The nursery pollination system between the dioecious dwarf palm Chamaerops humilis (Arecaceae) and the host-specific palm flower weevil Derelomus chamaeropsis was investigated. For the first time, sex, flowering synchrony and spatial distribution of plants was related to the occupancy probability and the abundance of D. chamaeropsis larvae, important traits influencing both pollinator and plant fitness. Methods:During the flowering season, all inflorescences in anthesis were counted every 12 d and a flowering synchrony index was calculated taking into acc

SUBMITTER: Jacome-Flores ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5838815 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature