An ecological approach to bryophytes of beehive yards: Is there a bee-moss relationship?

Abstract

The bryophyte flora composition of three beehive yards in a wide area of Belgrade has been studied. The bryophyte vegetation abundance in the studied areas, as well as its diversity have been compared. The aim of this study was to find out the relationship between bees and mosses, if any. Observations of bees visiting bryophytes were made. According to our observations, bees visit bryophytes only facultatively. However, the indirect relationships statistically supported (PCA, CCA) the influence of bryophytes to bees, and vice versa. The indirect relationship of bryophyte and bees was found and statistically supported. Bryophytes influence humidity and maintain a milder microclimate for flowering plants growing above them and so give them longer turgescency during the dry periods, making them more flurishing. This is of an indirect influence to bees which then do not have to visit distant pastures.