Inhibition of biochemical terpene pathways in Achillea millefolium flowers differently affects the behavior of bumblebees and flies

Flowering Achillea millefolium. Photo J. Kuppler

by Anne-Amélie C. Larue-Kontić & Robert R. Junker

 

Floral scents serve multiple functions in the interactions with organisms. It has been hypothesized that terpenoids often serve defensive functions. Flowers of Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae) emit scent bouquets dominated by terpenoids. These flowers are mainly visited by flies and beetles, whereas bumblebees, common visitors at other Asteraceae, are absent from A. millefolium flowers. In order to test whether terpenoids explain the absence of bumblebees on these flowers, we inhibited the biochemical pathways of mono- and sesquiterpenoids of hydroponic plants in the lab and conducted choice tests with bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) and flies (Lucilia sericata)...

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Read the scientific publication in JPE.

 

Assessment of pollen assemblages from honey and propolis

by Danielle Lloyd-Prichard, Steven Lucas, Tim Roberts and Simon Haberle

 

Internal nest structure of a Tetragonula carbonaria hive

Tetragonula carbonaria are the most common species of stingless bees in Australia. They are generalist flower visitors and play an important role in the pollination of native vegetation and agricultural crops. Tetragonula carbonaria can forage up to 500m from their hives, collecting pollen, resin and nectar from the surrounding plants. Overseas studies have shown that the pollen content in native stingless bee honey is an effective predictor of vegetation in a geographical area around the hive, and can be used to identify rare species of plants.

Read the whole summary in: English!
Read the scientific publication in JPE.