The pollination potential of free-foraging bumblebee (Bombus spp.) males (Hymenoptera : Apidae)

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Authors

Wolf, Stephan
Moritz, Robin F.A.

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Publisher

Springer

Abstract

Bumblebee workers are efficient pollinators. However, despite their flower visits and less intense grooming the role of males as pollen vectors is largely unexplored. We compared the quantity and diversity of pollen on the bodies (pollination-active pollen) of free-foraging workers and males of two bumblebee species (Bombus lapidarius and Bombus terrestris) to assess their pollination potential. In both species, males exhibit worker-like flower constancy, but differ significantly from workers in the predominantly collected pollen types. Mean pollen loads of approximately 10,000 grains/individual suggest that males can contribute to the colony pollination service. Bumblebee males add to the diversity of pollinators, associated to increased crop pollination and facilitate pollen flow in specific ways, worthwhile further investigation.

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Keywords

Bumblebee males, Pollen loads, Colony pollination service, Flower constancy, Bumblebee (Bombus spp.)

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Citation

Wolf, S & Moritz, RFA 2014, 'The pollination potential of free-foraging bumblebee (Bombus spp.) males (Hymenoptera : Apidae)', Apidologie, vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 440-450.