Social Wasp-Flower Visiting Guild Interactions in Less Structurally Complex Habitats are More Susceptible to Local Extinction

Abstract

Several studies have shown that habitat complexity is an important factor for the dynamic and stability of interacting species. However, it is not known how the habitat complexity may affect the tolerance of wasp-flower interactions to local extinction. Based on this perspective, in this study, we aimed to compare the tolerance of wasp flower visiting guild to local extinction in two different types of vegetation (Riparian Forest and Rocky Grassland). Through observations made during one year, we verified that the structure of the plant-wasp interaction network differed between the two areas, as well as that the robustness to cumulative extinctions had different patterns. The simulations of cumulative removal of species showed that the network in the Riparian Forest is more robust against the removal of both plants and wasps than that network in Rocky Grassland, since their extinction curves declined more slowly. Therefore, in our study area, we demonstrate that social wasp-plant interactions in areas with lower structural complexity are less tolerant to extinction (i.e. more fragile). We therefore suggest that studies that aim at biodiversity conservation should focus not only in areas where diversity is high, but also in area with lower species richness for the conservation of ecological roles within communities.

Social wasp guild (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) visiting flowers in two of the phytophysiognomic formations: Riparian Forest and campos rupestres

“…In a study by Clemente et al (2013) in the same site, riparian forest fostered a greater number of interactions between social wasp and plant species, providing support for the idea that vegetation complexity is positively correlated with social wasp diversity. The campos rupestres site showed lower species richness of social wasp floral visitors, likely due to having a less complex vegetation structure composed predominantly by herbaceous plants, grasses, and shrubs that are distributed among quartzite outcrops (Rodela, 1998).…”

“…This area also has strong winds and a higher light incidence, which can lead to strong variation in microclimate (Elpino-Campos et al, 2007). Wasp-flower interactions in campos rupestres tend to be more specialized (Clemente et al, 2013), a situation that increases risk of species co-extinctions (Hernandes et al, 2004). Protonectarina sylveirae Saussure, 1854, P. sericea, P. paulista, A. pallens, B. lecheguana, were among the social wasp species found in this environment.…”

“…Protonectarina sylveirae Saussure, 1854, P. sericea, P. paulista, A. pallens, B. lecheguana, were among the social wasp species found in this environment. The occurrence of these species is unsurprising, as they are known to have high ecological tolerance (Clemente et al, 2013) and to be generally dominant in open ecosystems, thriving under severe environmental conditions. These and other highly tolerant species may thus be important for plant and insect community structure in harsh ecosystems such as campos rupestres.…”

Social wasp richness and species distributions among ecosystem types in Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…The study of biological diversity, species distributions, and richness on social wasps are relevant because biodiversity directly influences natural and agricultural ecosystem function through effects on trophic network structure (Clemente et al, 2012;Clemente et al, 2013), pollination (Suhs et al, 2009;Barros, 2009;Hermes & Kohler, 2006), nutrient cycling (Gomes et al, 2007), and ecological succession, among other processes (Souza et al, 2010).…”

Impacts of Fire in Social Wasps Community in an Area of Regenerating Brazilian Savanna

“…As for generalist species, the limitation of some resources has few negative effects on populations, since they can be replaced by another (Frizzo et al, 2011). Clemente et al (2013) in their study of interaction networks of social wasps and different species of plants, noted that the network was more complex in the riparian forests, presenting a higher number of species and individuals and a larger number of links between them. The degree of specialization of the network was more general in the riparian forests when compared to other phytophysiognomy studied, Rupestrian Field, which presents more strict vegetation characteristics.…”