Biodiv Sci ›› 2007, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (6): 576-583.  DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.070155

Special Issue: 植物与传粉者相互作用 传粉生物学 昆虫多样性与生态功能

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On methodology of foraging behavior of pollinating insects

Yanbing Gong, Shuangquan Huang   

  1. College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072
  • Online:2007-11-20 Published:2007-11-20

Abstract: Foraging behavior of pollinating insects can directly influence plant–pollinator interactions in many aspects, thus studies on pollinator behavior are important for understanding plant diversity and ecological processes of plant reproduction. In this paper, we describe the characteristics of major pollinating insects and discuss the methods for studying foraging behavior of pollinating insects and factors potentially influencing pollinator behaviors. We also suggest some practical methods for studying the roles of nocturnal pollinators and how to conduct studies of insect foraging behaviors at community level. The purpose of this introduction is to provide some useful information for future studies on this multidisciplinary research in China, particularly for botanists and entomologists.