Mortality of native bees associated with flowers of the ‘Flame of the Forest’ tree (Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv., 1805) in samples from Atenas and San Ramón, Costa Rica
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The tree Spathodea campanulata, known as the “African tulip tree,” is an exotic species widely used for ornamental purposes. Its flowers produce abundant nectar, which is attractive to various invertebrates such as bees; however, evidence suggests that this resource or the mucilage secreted in floral buds can be lethal to some insects. This study aimed to determine the mortality of native bees associated with S. campanulata flowers in individuals sampled in Atenas and San Ramón, Costa Rica. Biweekly sampling was conducted from June to December 2023 on fallen flowers from five trees, collecting and analyzing a total of 2750 flowers. Of these, 19.5% contained dead insects, totaling 1172 individuals, mainly from Hymenoptera and Diptera. The family Apidae was the most affected, with 651 individuals, of which 640 belonged to stingless bees (tribe Meliponini). Fourteen Meliponini species were identified, with Trigona corvina being the most represented. The results indicate that S. campanulata is attractive to diverse insect groups, particularly stingless bees and flies; however, its flowers can cause mortality, highlighting its potential toxic effect and the risk it poses to native bee populations at the sites studied. Given its ornamental use, the planting of native trees and flowering plants that provide safe floral resources for pollinators is recommended, supporting biodiversity conservation and the ecological balance of tropical ecosystems
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