Absence of nectar resource partitioning in a community of parasitoid wasps

摘要: Parasitoid wasps occur in diverse communities, with the adults of most species sourcing carbohydrates from nectar or honeydew. However, role niche partitioning resources maintaining communities parasitoid Hymenoptera is poorly known. To elucidate patterns resource use and test whether partition resources, we investigated pollen loads a community thynnine biodiversity hotspot southwestern Australia. In total, 304 28 were captured. Eighteen these are undescribed, highlighting high diversity unrecognized Pollen detected on 111 individuals representing 19 species. Six types identified. All that carried primarily visited two tree species, Agonis flexuosa Eucalyptus marginata, Myrtaceae. The other four only recorded single wasps. There was no evidence nectar-resource partitioning. This may be due to Myrtaceae producing abundant, open-faced flowers. Wasp not carrying utilise carbohydrate sources, such as homopoteran Niche predicted during larval phase life cycle. study highlights importance nectariferous supporting wasp communities. Further, nectar-foraging collected here involved pollination rare orchid Hence, conservation management habitats support floriferous important for both maintenance plants they pollinate.