Bumble Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Assess Pollen Availability in Anemonopsis macrophylla (Ranunculaceae) through Floral Shape

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Abstract
Workers of the bumble bees Bombus honshuensis Pérez and B. diversus Smith visit flowers of Anemonopsis macrophylla (Ranunculaceae) for pollen. Their visitation patterns suggest that they use age-related morphological differences in the flowers to discriminate in favor of young, pollen-rich flowers. This ability allows the bees to select well-rewarding flowers rapidly without alighting. Discriminatory behavior has previously been demonstrated in bees among nectar flowers; such flowers often also provide pollen. This study shows that pollen availability in itself can be a significant component in determining bee behavior.