Experimental field test of the influence of generalist stingless bees (Meliponini) on the topology of a bee-flower mutualistic network in the tropics

摘要

1. Generalists are assumed to play a key role in structuring and stabilising animal-plant mutualistic networks. Until now, analyses on the effects of generalists have been based on empirical field data or simulations. The present natural field experiment manipulated the abundance of a generalist and abundant stingless bee [Melipona (Eomelipona) marginata] to determine the effects on the mutualistic network.