RA3 Report: Flower visitation of mānuka and ...

Pugh A, Trower M, Mercier C, Bartlett M, Sutherland R, Cridge A. 2024: Flower visitation of Leptospermum scoparium and the nationally critical plant genus Lophomyrtus spp.

This report is embargoed until 31 Jan 2025. Please contact Dr. Andrew Cridge to request further details.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an established technique for studying plant-arthropod interactions, that has so far had very limited use in exploring flower visiting insect communities. This study provides important evidence of the efficacy of eDNA for studying these flower visiting arthropod communities, proving its ability to provide a comprehensive overview of pollinator communities beyond traditional observational methods. Our data revealed a surprising diversity of flower visiting insects, including both expected pollinators and possible non-pollinating species utilising pollen and/or nectar as a nutritional resource. Notably, native bees, such as Leioproctus spp., and various flies, including those with uncertain roles in pollination, were detected. This study also shed light on the underexplored area of nocturnal pollination, providing evidence of native moth involvement in pollinating plant species. While there was no definitive evidence of rare insects visiting mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) or Lophomyrtus spp., this study did reveal the importance of these plant species and the resources the flowers provide not just to pollinators, but arthropods with other key roles in the ecosystem.