Diferencias en la preferencia, conducta de visita y composición de insectos exóticos y nativos que visitan las flores de Teucrium bicolor Smith (Lamiaceae) en la Reserva Nacional Río Clarillo (Chile central)

Abstract

Teucrium bicolor (Smith) shows interspecific variation in its flower colouring, with individuals having pink, dark pink or white flowers. This variation can produce differences in the preference and composition of floral visitors. In the Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo we evaluated visits rates by insects to the different colouring morphs both in the natural and experimental situation. We recorded 10 species of visitors, three of which visited the three colouring morphs. Apis mellifera, the only exotic species, was the most frequent visitar of the three colouring morphs. The native species visited less frequently the dark pink color. However, when the three colouring morphs were offered in equal conditions, neither the native species nor the exotic one, showed preference for anyone in particular. Ali native bees, approached the flower frontally, thus maximizing the contact of the bee thorax with the flower anthers. On the other hand, A. mellifera approached the flower side ways, thus minimizing the contact of its body with the anthers. We concluded that the native species visited more frequently the pink and white color morphs because they are the most abundan! in field. Finally, we discussed the possible consequences of A. mellifera as invader pollinator in the reproduction of this species.