Florivory and Pollination Intersection: Changes in Floral Trait Expression Do Not Discourage Hummingbird Pollination

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant-pollinator interactions
• Herbivory

Background:

• Florivory, or flower feeding, can impact plant reproductive success by altering floral traits.
• Understanding how florivory affects floral advertisements and resources is crucial for pollination ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if florivore damage compromises a Neotropical hummingbird pollination system.
• To assess the effects of florivory on floral advertisements (visual and chemical) and nectar resources.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed natural florivory levels and patterns.
• Examined short-term effects of caterpillar damage on floral outline, color, scent, and nectar volume.
• Experimentally tested the impact of severe florivory on hummingbird pollination.

Main Results:

• Florivore feeding altered the corolla outline but did not change intra-floral color patterns, floral scent, or nectar volume.
• Despite changes in floral outline, hummingbird pollination was not negatively affected.
• The most common florivore's feeding did not disrupt the pollination system.

Conclusions:

• Changes in floral outline due to florivory had a neutral effect on hummingbird pollination.
• Florivore-plant-pollinator systems can be maintained without detriment to any partner.
• Visual floral cues, while important, can be compensated for when outlines are altered.