at Google ScholarTitle data
Burger, Hannah ; Dötterl, Stefan ; Häberlein, Christopher M. ; Schulz, Stefan ; Ayasse, Manfred:
An arthropod deterrent attracts specialised bees to their host plants.
In: Oecologia.
Vol. 168
(2012)
Issue 3
.
- pp. 727-736.
ISSN 1432-1939
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-011-2136-4
Abstract in another language
Many bee species are adapted to just a few specific plants in order to collect pollen (oligolecty). To reproduce successfully, it is important for oligolectic bees to find and recognise the specific host flowers. In this study we investigated the role of floral volatiles used by an oligolectic bee to recognise its host plants. We compared the attractiveness of natural and synthetic scent samples of host flowers to foraging-naïve and -experienced Hoplitis adunca (Megachilidae) bees that are specialised on Echium and Pontechium (Boraginaceae) plants. The investigations showed that naïve H. adunca females are attracted to 1,4-benzoquinone. During their lifetime bees learn additional floral cues while foraging on host flowers. In contrast to naïve ones, experienced H. adunca females use in addition to 1,4-benzoquinone other compounds to recognise their host plants. 1,4-Benzoquinone is an uncommon floral compound only known from the host plants of H. adunca, and is therefore ideally suited to be used as a plant specific recognition cue. Several arthropods use this compound to deter insect predators. Therefore, 1,4-benzoquinone as an attractant in Echium flowers may have evolved from a primary function as a defensive compound against insect herbivores.
Further data
| Item Type: | Article in a journal |
|---|---|
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Additional notes: | BAYCEER100934 |
| Institutions of the University: | Research Institutions > Research Centres > Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research- BayCEER Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Biology > Chair Plant Systematics Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Biology Research Institutions Research Institutions > Research Centres |
| Result of work at the UBT: | Yes |
| DDC Subjects: | 500 Science |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jul 2015 10:24 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jul 2015 10:24 |
| URI: | https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/15812 |