Frankie, G. W., W. A. Haber, I. Baker, H. G. Baker. 1982

Frankie, G. W., W. A. Haber, I. Baker, H. G. Baker. 1982. A possible chemical explanation for differential flower foraging by anthophorid bees among individuals of Tabebuia rosea in a neotropical dry forest.

Abstract

Differences in visitation rates were observed among solitary bees on the flowers of three comparable sized trees of Tabebuia rosea in de Costa Rican dry forest. A chemical analysis of the nectar and an examination of nectar flow patterns revealed that the tree with the greatest phenolic content and the lowest overall production of nectar hand the fewest bee visitors. Difference in visitation activity between the remaining two trees may have been related to apparent differences in daily distribution of nectar since their chemical compositions were quite similar. The posible significance of these kinds of nectar differences as they may relate to outcrossing in population of tropical plants is discussed.