Flowering, pollen characteristics and insect foraging on Campanula bononiensis (Campanulaceae), a protected species in Poland

Abstract

This study investigated the floral biology and pollen quantity and quality of Campanula bononiensis L. (Campanulaceae), a protected species in Poland. Observations and measurements were made during the years 2007-2009 in natural phytocoenoses from the Festuco-Brometea class situated within the Lublin area, SE Poland. A considerable decrease (approx. 87%) in population density was observed. Significant variations both in the amount of pollen (18.5%-34.8 % of pollen in the total anther dry weight, i.e. 0.5-1.5 mg per 10 anthers) and in pollen viability (38.8-97.0%) were noted. Both a low amount of pollen and low pollen viability may reduce the reproductive success of individuals. The most frequent visiting insects were bees (Apoidea), including solitary bees 45.7%, honeybees 20.4%, and bumblebees 11.4%. Dipterans, coleopterans (weevils), lepidopterans and ants were also recorded, implying a strong impact of C. bononiensis on insect biodiversity within grasslands.