Publication Date

Fall 12-3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biology (MS)

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Amede Rubio

Committee Member

Vijayan Sundararaj

Committee Member

Maya Bhatt

Committee Member

Hongwei Wang

Abstract

With the declining bee population, non-bee pollinators can serve as an alternative source for pollination. Diptera is a potential source of untapped pollinator resources based on their abundance and visitation rate, but they are understudied in the field of pollination ecology. This study aimed to characterize the pollinator community in selected areas of South Texas. It focused on the Diptera and Hymenoptera families to compare their diversity, relative abundance, foraging behaviors, environmental influences, and vegetation associations. Active sampling and line transect were used in the survey to sample the Hymenoptera and Diptera communities to their family taxonomic rank. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate the association's vegetation associations, flower color preference, and the impact of weather conditions on foraging behaviors. The results indicated that both orders exhibited significant associations with flower colors and vegetation types, revealing evidence of resource partitioning. Diptera and Hymenoptera had distinct foraging preferences, with Diptera having a wider range of environmental conditions revealing evidence of spatial and temporal partitioning that could lead to ecological niches. The broader implications of these findings evaluate the role of Diptera in pollination networks in the Tamaulipan Shrublands.

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