The Roles of Bees and Hoverflies in the Pollination of Jacquemontia evolvuloides (Moric.) Meisn. (Convolvulaceae) in a Semiarid Region

Abstract

Jacquemontia species are often found in disturbed areas, and their flowers are ephemeral and very attractive to insects. We investigated the interaction between the flowers of Jacquemontia evolvuloides and its visitors, with emphasis on potential pollinators, considering morphological, temporal, and behavioral aspects, between September/2009 and August/2010 in an anthropized area in Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil. Jacquemontia evolvuloides flowers are diurnal, ephemeral (approximately five to six hours duration), are present throughout the year, and offer nectar and pollen rewards. Because of the floral morphology of J. evolvuloides insect visitors have easy access to its resources, and its pollination could be considered generalized. While J. evolvuloides flowers are visited by several insects, only small bees (Augochlora spp.) and syrphids (Toxomerus spp.) appear to play a role in pollination of flowers. Although bees have been considered efficient pollinators of that plant, the significant presence of syrphids (considered occasional pollinators but showing high frequency visitation), may indicate their role as potential pollinators, especially when bees are not abundant in the fall/winter. As such, even in pollination systems that are considered generalized (with flowers allowing easy access to various visitor groups), visitor size may be an important factor for efficient pollination, especially when associated with high visitation frequencies.

Keywords

• Apoidea
• Augochlora
• Caatinga
• ruderal plant
• Syrphidae
• Toxomerus