The African Tulip Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae): Impact on pollinators of an exotic plant in Argentina
The introduction of exotic species constitutes one of the main threats to biodiversity around the world. Spathodea campanulata is a tree species cultivated for its ornamental value, having toxic nectar with insecticidal properties, particularly against bees. In Argentina, its effects on the native entomofauna are unknown. This study explores the mortality effects of S. campanulata on the native entomofauna in a green area of Corrientes city. From the study of three trees, the percentage of flowers with dead entomofauna specimens inside was analyzed and the abundance of the taxa represented was determined. Diversity indices, species richness, inventory completeness and range-abundance curve were calculated. The results revealed the native bee Scaptotrigona jujuyensis was the most abundant, with a total of 46 specimens out of a total of 151 specimens, among which were founded representatives of the orders Himenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae. This exploratory study warns that S. campanulata is a potential threat to native entomofauna in urban areas.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Asociación Argentina de Ecología
2024
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| Online Access: | https://ojs.ecologiaaustral.com.ar/index.php/Ecologia_Austral/article/view/2352 |
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