Work

Do the traits of flowers and nectaries in Sapium glandulosum (Euphorbiaceae) shape insect interactions?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ecological communities are shaped by intricate species interactions that influence ecosystem functions, stability, and biodiversity. Among these, plant-insect relationships play a particularly significant role in structuring ecological communities. The coevolution between plants and insects have been a key driver of their remarkable diversification, leading to a wide range of interactions, from mutualism to antagonism. In this study, we investigated the pollination biology of Sapium glandulosum (Euphorbiaceae) within a Cerrado palm swamp.We also recorded nectary visitors and identified the herbivores associated with the plant, particularly those specialized in feeding on latex. Our findings indicate that flies were the primary pollinators of S. glandulosum . Additionally, Neolithus fasciatus (Hemiptera) was the only herbivore observed; as its gall formation may allow it to bypass the plant’s chemical defenses. Our results highlight the importance of Diptera as pollinators of S. glandulosum and the role of social wasps in regulating the herbivore population in the palm swamp.

Source: Plant Ecology

DOI: 10.1007/s11258-025-01559-1

Authors: Renan Oliveira Alves Cardoso Kobal, Rachel Silva Araújo, Alex Riul Fernandes, Helena Maura Torezan-Silingardi

Institutions: Universität Ulm, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso

Language: English

Topic: Plant and animal studies

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,090