Mr Andrew Pugh1, Mr Max Trower1, Dr Céline Mercier1, Dr Michael Bartlett1, Dr Andrew Cridge1
1Scion Research, Rotorua, New Zealand
Biography:
Andrew Pugh is the Team Lead for Entomology at Scion Research and has over 10 years research experience. Originally introduced to eDNA 13 years ago, he has recently been reintroduced to the research area, after mostly working in the bark beetle and biological control spaces. After “hating” molecular work the first time around, he is slowly being converted to the dark side and even ventures into the DNA lab occasionally.
Abstract:
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an established technique for studying plant-arthropod interactions, that has so far had limited use in exploring community structure of pollination webs. We aimed to characterise the arthropod community visiting native Myrtaceae species, particularly the critically endangered plant genus Lophomyrtus. The genus Lophomyrtus has become critically endangered in New Zealand due to the impacts of myrtle rust. We collected flowers from Lophomyrtus plants and employed eDNA techniques to identify which insects had visited the flowers. Our data revealed a surprising diversity of flower-visiting insects, including both expected pollinators and possible non-pollinating species utilising pollen and/or nectar as a nutritional resource. Notably, native bees, such as Leioproctus spp., and various flies, including those with uncertain roles in pollination, were detected. While there was no definitive evidence of obligate pollinators or rare insects visiting these plants, this study did reveal the importance of these plant species and the resources the flowers provide not just to pollinators, but arthropods with other key roles in the ecosystem.