Does Aconitum septentrionale chemically protect floral rewards to the advantage of specialist bumblebees

摘要: Chemical protection of plants against herbivory is a well-studied phenomenon. However, chemical floral rewards remains relatively unexplored. As with herbivore–plant interactions, toxic may impact generalist and specialist foragers in different ways. This study focuses on the plant Aconitum septentrionale (Ranunculaceae). This visited by bumblebees. Alkaloid concentrations profiles for parts A. were analysed to detect potential toxicity rewards. In same way, sequestration alkaloids was tested pollen species Bombus consobrinus wurflenii. A liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method developed discriminate 16 major compounds plant. These present all plant, but ratios. The concentration high roots also pollen, providing evidence this reward. By contrast, nectar had lowest alkaloids. Only six detected B. tissues, at trace levels. For bumblebee wurflenii, no traces detected. Lappaconitine alkaloid compound tissues. Low accumulation tissues could be an ecological advantage terms pathogen predatory avoidance.