Floral visitors and potential polinizators of Combretum rotundifolium Rich. (Combretaceae)

Abstract

In angiosperms the evolution of flowers and nectar contributed to its success in regards to variability of species. Floral visitors are attracted by the colors and fragrances, and this visit provides cross-pollination between individuals. The species of Combretum (Combretaceae), are pollinated by small insects, hummingbirds, birds and primates. This article aims to point out the floral visitors of Combretum rotundifolium Rich. The observations were performed in cultured representatives in the natural collection of the Museum of Biology Professor Mello Leitão, Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brazil, located near the Atlantic Forest remnants. The floral visitors were classified according to their frequency during the days of observation, residents (RS) for the species that appeared every day, and Non-Resident (NR) for appearing less frequently than this. In the observations in C. rotundifolium, four orders were identified, namely: Trochiliformes, Lepdoptera, Hymenoptera and Passeriformes. The order Hymenoptera presented with three species RS, a family of three in the family Formicidae and Apidae. Family Trochilidae (Trochiliformes) was the most representative in the observations with a total of nine species observed, among them four RS.