Abstract Information

Arthropod fauna of mammal-pollinated Protea humiflora : ants as an attractant for insectivore pollinators?

• Journal Title: African Entomology
• Volume: Volume 11
• Issue:  Issue 1
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: p.9  - 14
• Authors:  P.A. Fleming;  S.W. Nicolson;
• ISSN: 10213589
• Abstract:  <i>Protea humiflora</i> Andrews inflorescences are cryptic, but strongly scented and borne close to the ground (geoflorous) for ready access by small, non-flying mammals. During a study of <i>P. humiflora</i> pollination, we found that insectivorous elephant shrews (Macroscelididae : <i>Elephantulus edwardii</i> (A. Smith)) carried higher pollen loads on their snouts than simultaneously-trapped rodent species. Elephant shrews seem to be acquiring pollen while foraging for insects in the inflorescences. Compared with the larger bird-pollinated inflorescences of <i>P. repens</i> (L.) L., <i>P. humiflora</i> inflorescences have a substantially lower mass of arthropods, relatively fewer beetles (12 % of arthropod dry mass) and more ants (13 %). The large numbers of ants in these inflorescences may attract insectivore pollinators, suggesting an indirect, mutualistic relationship between plant, insect and insectivore.
• Read this article

For subscription and additional information please contact us on:

• Tel: +27 12 643-9500
• email: info@sabinet.co.za
• alternatively you can complete this form and one of our portfolio managers will contact you!