Bees visiting flowers of Thymus longicaulis (Lamiaceae) |
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| Authors: | O Campolo L Zappalà A Malacrinò F Laudani |
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| Institution: | 1. Dipartimento di AGRARIA, University of Reggio Calabria, loc. Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy;2. Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95100 Catania, Italy |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to investigate the bee fauna foraging on Thymus longicaulis flowers. Samplings were conducted walking along a transect during the T. longicaulis blooming period (April–June). A total of 547 bee specimens, belonging to 40 different species, were recorded during the survey. Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris were the most abundant visitors that foraged on thyme. Pollen grains collected on the bodies of the bees suggest that these pollinators may play an important role in the pollination of this plant. |
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| Keywords: | Apoidea wild bees Apis mellifera thyme aromatic plants |
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