| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2012 |
| Authors: | M. Deyrup, Deyrup L. |
| Journal: | Florida Entomologist |
| Volume: | 95 |
| Pagination: | 711-730 |
| Date Published: | 2012/09/?? |
| Abstract: | A survey of insect visitors on flowers of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) at a Florida site, the Archbold Biological Station, showed how nectar and pollen resources of a plant species can contribute to taxonomic diversity and ecological complexity. A list of 311 species of flower visitors was dominated by Hymenoptera (121 spp.), Diptera (117 spp.), and Coleoptera (52 spp.). Of 228 species whose diets are known, 158 are predators, 47 are phytophagous, and 44 are decomposers. Many species that visited S. repens flowers also visited flowers of other species at the Archbold Biological Station. The total number of known insect-flower relationships that include S. repens is 2,029. There is no evidence of oligolectic species that are dependent on saw palmetto flowers. This study further emphasizes the ecological importance and conservation value of S. repens. |