Pollen analysis and interaction networks of floral visitor bees of Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae), in Atlantic Forest areas in southern Brazil

Abstract

Studies performed using interaction networks have helped in the understanding of mutualistic relationships, allowing for the representation of complex community structure. Conservation of the species that form the networks is a prerequisite for the conservation of the very networks. Pollen analysis allows knowledge of bee visitation history and is a complementary tool in studying interactions between bees and flowers. This research had as its aim the mapping of interactions between Eugenia uniflora flowers and floral visitor bees and with palynological studies also know the other plants that interact to form the network. Twenty-nine bee species were found with pollen load and 20 pollen types, and E. uniflora was the only plant that interacted with all bee species. Studied networks are nested, revealing stability for the community of bees and plants. E. uniflora flowers are an important source of resources to visiting bees, and this plant native to the Atlantic Forest is contributing to the stability of biodiversity of the bees in these areas.