Evaluation of the impact on Pyrostegia venusta (Bignoniaceae) flowers due to nectar robbery by Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae).

Abstract

Research indicates that nectar theft or robbery has a potentially negative impact on plants through the action of several mechanisms, including harm to reproductive tissues, decrease in the attractiveness of robbed flowers to effective pollinators and resource expense to restore the removed nectar. In this study, it was observed that Apis mellifera intensely robbed the nectar of Pyrostegia venusta floral buds and flowers. The study results showed strong indications that robbery increased the occurrence of floral abortion and consequently reduced the reproductive effectiveness of the plant, also influencing the competition for the offered floral resource. Therefore, the introduction of apiaries in vegetation remainders needs to be evaluated.