Biotic Resource Needs of Specialist Orchid Pollinators |
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Authors: | Robert W Pemberton |
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Institution: | (1) Center for Tropical Plant Conservation, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, c/o 2121 SW 28th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA;(2) Florida Museum of National History, c/o 2121 SW 28th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA |
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Abstract: | Orchid pollinators have highly varied life histories with complex biotic resource requirements, about which we have limited
knowledge. Among the specialist orchid pollinators are insect predators and parasitoids with specific prey types such as aphids
and subterranean scarab larvae; oligolectic bees that collect pollen from limited sources such as bellflowers; euglossine
bees and butterflies that collect particular plant chemicals for reproduction and self defense; oil-collecting bees that provision
their brood cells with floral oils from a few plants; bees that collect rare floral resins to construct their nest and brood
cells; moths and butterflies that require specific larval host plants; mosquitos and horse flies that need blood; and fungus
gnats and carrion flies tied to fungi and dead animals. Loss of critical biotic resources and relationships can reduce the
abundance of orchid pollinators and/or their effectiveness. Protection of large, plant rich, pesticide-free orchid habitats
is key to conserving essential pollinator resources. |
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Keywords: | |
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