TY - JOUR

T1 - Large-Range Movements of Neotropical Orchid Bees Observed via Radio Telemetry

AU - Wikelski, M.

AU - Moxley, J.

AU - Eaton-Mordas, A.

AU - Lopez-Uribe, M.M.

AU - Holland, Richard

AU - Moskowitz, D.

AU - Roubik, D.W.

AU - Kays, R.

PY - 2010

Y1 - 2010

N2 - Neotropical orchid bees (Euglossini) are often cited as classic examples of trapline-foragers with potentially extensive foraging ranges. If long-distance movements are habitual, rare plants in widely scattered locations may benefit from euglossine pollination services. Here we report the first successful use of micro radio telemetry to track the movement of an insect pollinator in a complex and forested environment. Our results indicate that individual male orchid bees (Exaerete frontalis) habitually use large rainforest areas (at least 42-115 ha) on a daily basis. Aerial telemetry located individuals up to 5 km away from their core areas, and bees were often stationary, for variable periods, between flights to successive localities. These data suggest a higher degree of site fidelity than what may be expected in a free living male bee, and has implications for our understanding of biological activity patterns and the evolution of forest pollinators.

AB - Neotropical orchid bees (Euglossini) are often cited as classic examples of trapline-foragers with potentially extensive foraging ranges. If long-distance movements are habitual, rare plants in widely scattered locations may benefit from euglossine pollination services. Here we report the first successful use of micro radio telemetry to track the movement of an insect pollinator in a complex and forested environment. Our results indicate that individual male orchid bees (Exaerete frontalis) habitually use large rainforest areas (at least 42-115 ha) on a daily basis. Aerial telemetry located individuals up to 5 km away from their core areas, and bees were often stationary, for variable periods, between flights to successive localities. These data suggest a higher degree of site fidelity than what may be expected in a free living male bee, and has implications for our understanding of biological activity patterns and the evolution of forest pollinators.

U2 - 10.1371/journal.pone.0010738

DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0010738

M3 - Article

VL - 5

JO - PLoS ONE

JF - PLoS ONE

SN - 1932-6203

ER -