Morphological constraints and nectar robbing in three Andean bumble bee species (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Bombini)

Andre Josafat Riveros Rivera, Edgar J. Hernandez, Giomar Nates-Parra

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    We report differences in foraging behavior of three Andean bumblebee species on flowers of Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae). Bombus atratus was a potential pollinator while B. hortulanus and B. rubicundus collected nectar by robbing through holes. We attribute behavioral differences to physical constraints. B. atratus has a longer glossa and a larger body size and is able to reach the nectaries, whereas B. hortulanus and B. rubicundus have shorter glossae and smaller bodies and probably must rob nectar through holes at the base of flowers.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)111-114
    Number of pages4
    JournalCaldasia
    StatePublished - 2006

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