Floral visitors of Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus in eastern Tasmania

Abstract

Diurnal anthophiles associated with the flowers of Eucalyptus globulus were studied in natural populations in eastern Tasmania. Seven bird and 71 insect species were recorded. Insect species diversity was dominated by native colletid bees, although the introduced honeybee was the dominant species. Geographic variation occurred in the avian species composition, whereas insect communities appeared to vary temporally and according to flowering intensity. However, insects were rarely observed to contact stigmas and showed little evidence of movement between trees. It is argued that birds, particularly anthophilous parrots and wattlebirds, are likely to be the major diurnal contributors to outcrossing in E. globulus.