On the Function of Floral Nectar in Croton suberosus (Euphorbiaceae)

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Abstract
In this paper we propose that the role of the floral nectar in Croton suberosus is the attraction of herbivore predators rather than reward for pollinators. The flowers of this monoecious plant species present several features associated with anemophily and wind is the prime pollen vector. Furthermore, in the field, levels of herbivore damage to the leaves are extremely low, even though laboratory tests indicate that the foliage is readily acceptable. Experimental herbivore addition to plants of C. suberosus shows that Polistes instabilis wasps act as defenders while they forage in search of floral nectar. In the deflowered plants treatment, the rate of activity of wasps on the plants was much lower than in intact controls.