Bees visiting flowers of Thymus longicaulis (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the bee fauna foraging on Thymus longicaulis flowers. Samplings were conducted walking along a transect during the T. longicaulis blooming period (April–June). A total of 547 bee specimens, belonging to 40 different species, were recorded during the survey. Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris were the most abundant visitors that foraged on thyme. Pollen grains collected on the bodies of the bees suggest that these pollinators may play an important role in the pollination of this plant.

Keywords::

• Apoidea
• wild bees, Apis mellifera
• thyme
• aromatic plants

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Dr Giacomo Falcone for the help provided in taking photographs in the field. The authors are also grateful to the reviewers' valuable comments that greatly improved the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper. The mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the authors.

Notes

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