The effects of neighbouring tree islands on pollinator density and diversity, and on pollination of a wet prairie species, Asclepias lanceolata (Apocynaceae)

摘要: Summary 1 The Everglades (Florida, USA) is a mosaic of different habitats. Tropical and temperate trees grow on patches high ground (tree islands) surrounded by lower elevation wetland communities (marl prairie). 2 Tree islands various sizes provide nesting substrate, larval host plants floral resources for insect pollinators. Herbaceous in the open surrounding wetlands may also depend these pollinators. 3 We investigated pollinator diversity abundances both tree island marl prairie habitats using transect sampling methods estimated pollination success milkweed Asclepias lanceolata, an insect-pollinated species, relation to distance from size closest island. 4 On total 11 bayhead islands, we found that abundance were greater edge larger (20–30 m2) than smaller (5–10 m2). Pollinator decreased with increasing islands. 5 Pairs potted A. lanceolata placed at distances up 1000 m small large islands. Fruit seed production highest less 25 m distance. 6 Our results suggest are important source pollinators habitats. 7 This landscape-based study illustrates how overall landscape structure affects biotic interactions, particularly plant–pollinator relationships. Our findings have far-reaching ecological implications reproductive small, isolated populations vectors pollination.