Structure of the Complex of Veronica spicata L. Pollinators on the Northern Distribution Border

Abstract

The low number of pollinating insects is the limiting factor for entomophilous plants in the north, and the situation is exacerbated by a short growing season and often unfavorable weather conditions for their life. The paper presents the results of studying the complex of pollinators of the specialized melittophilic species Veronica spicata at the northern limit of its distribution. It is shown that the structure of this complex is determined by the structural features of V. spicata flowers, the latitudinal position, and the fferentiation of ecological niches of the species in the north. Unlike other parts of the range, where solitary bees play an important role in the pollination of V. spicata, this function in the north is performed by representatives of the genus Bombus Latr. (Hymenoptera, Apidae). Considering the level of species diversity and population structure, the pollinator complex of V. spicata is based on short proboscis species of umblebees: Bombus lucorum s.l., B. jonellus, B. pratorum, B. sporadicus, and medium proboscis B. pascuorum. In accordance with the differentiation of ecological niches of V. spicata in the north, differences in the structure of the pollinator complex and foraging strategies of bumblebees were revealed.