Nymphaea pulchella (Nymphaeaceae) and Trigona spinipes (Apidae) interaction: From florivory to effective pollination in ponds surrounded by pasture

摘要: Abstract Aquatic macrophytes that occur in isolated ponds hostile pasture matrices may be subject to setbacks the delicate balance of animal-plant interactions, such as pollination systems. In this work we took a model Nymphaea pulchella DC., species which occurs pastures Northeast Brazil. study, hoped elucidate how complex mechanisms can survive human-dominated landscapes. We conducted studies involving floral biology determine morphological structure whorls and anthesis sequence. also analyzed behavior frequency visitors, well organs were used resources tried if there was pollinator dependence through pollen tube analyses controlled experiments. recorded gradient differences timing extent opening between days. Trigona spinipes consumes all indiscriminately (configuring direct indirect florivory). Despite florivory, bee most abundant visitor only one confirmed effective pollinator. N. is autogamous with delayed self-pollination, but significantly more fruits formed flowers exposed bees than spontaneous even partially consumed ovaries produced fruits. Since interaction T. contributes greater fruit formation, believe supergeneralist, native an important factor ensuring success occupying matrix studied.