Manual sampling and video observations : an integrated approach to studying flower-visiting arthropods in high-mountain environments
Date
2020-12-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Despite the rising interest in biotic interactions in mountain ecosystems, little is known about
high-altitude flower-visiting arthropods. In particular, since the research in these environment can
be limited or undermined by harsh conditions and logistical difficulties, it is mandatory to develop
effective approaches that maximize possibilities to gather high-quality data. Here we compared two
different methods, manual sampling and video observations, to investigate the interactions between
the high-mountain arthropod community and flowers of Androsace brevis (Primulaceae), a vulnerable
endemic alpine species with a short flowering period occurring in early season. We manually sampled
flower-visiting arthropods according to the timed-observations method and recorded their activity
on video. We assessed differences and effectiveness of the two approaches to estimate flower-visiting
arthropod diversity and to identify potential taxa involved in A. brevis pollination. Both methods
proved to be effective and comparable in describing the diversity of flower visitors at a high taxonomic
level. However, with manual sampling we were able to obtain a fine taxonomic resolution for sampled
arthropods and to evaluate which taxa actually carry A. brevis pollen, while video observations were
less invasive and allowed us to assess arthropod behavior and to spot rare taxa. By combining the
data obtained with these two approaches we could accurately identify flower-visiting arthropods,
characterize their behavior, and hypothesize a role of Hymenoptera Apoidea and Diptera Brachycera in
A. brevis pollination. Therefore, we propose integrating the two approaches as a powerful instrument to unravel interactions between flowering plants and associated fauna that can provide crucial
information for the conservation of vulnerable environments such as high-mountain ecosystems.
Description
CITATION: Bonelli, M. et al. 2020. Manual sampling and video observations : an integrated approach to studying flower-visiting arthropods in high-mountain environments. Insects, 11(12): 881, doi:10.3390/insects11120881.
The original publication is available at https://www.mdpi.com
The original publication is available at https://www.mdpi.com
Keywords
Arthropods, Arthropoda -- Conservation, Plant conservation, Androsace brevis -- Pollination, Insect-plant relationships, Pollinators, Mountain ecology, Arthropods -- Effect of climatic changes on, Androsace -- Effect of climatic changes on
Citation
Bonelli, M. et al. 2020. Manual sampling and video observations : an integrated approach to studying flower-visiting arthropods in high-mountain environments. Insects, 11(12): 881, doi:10.3390/insects11120881.