Poster
Plant-Insect Interactions: Do herbivores restrict the reproductive output of Spathoglottis plicata?
Registro en:
Autor
Vega, Carlos J.
Ackerman, James D.
Cuevas Padro, Ana A.
Institución
Resumen
Many exotic plants have naturalized
in Puerto Rico, some of which may pose
a threat to native species. One such
exotic is Spathoglottis plicata, an orchid
native to Southeast Asia. Popular as an
ornamental, this orchid has thrived in
disturbed areas in many parts of wet
tropics. In Puerto Rico, S. plicata likely
escaped from gardens and nurseries, and
now thrives in two flower color variations,
white and magenta.
Exotic species often lack natural
predators, often giving the plants an
advantage over the native flora.
However, we found that beetles feast on
the flowers and fruits of Spathoglottis
plicata, which affects reproductive
success of the orchid. Ants also visit
inflorescences but feed on the extra floral
nectar produced by developing flower
buds. Ant—plant interactions involving
native species often are mutualistic:
energy for protection. We have
occasionally observed ants attacking the
beetles on the inflorescence. Here we
ask whether the beetles significantly alter
reproductive success of S. plicata and if
the ants, when present, are effective
beetle deterrents.