Wild pollinator (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) assemblage structures depending on forest habitat types and trap heights

Abstract

Wild pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystems, but their populations are declining globally. This study examined wild pollinator assemblages, especially bees and wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), in different forest habitat types and at various trap heights in the Gwangneung Forest. For the sampling of wild pollinators during the summer season, yellow and white pan traps were installed at four heights (0 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm, and 150 cm) in three habitat types (herbaceous area, deciduous broad-leaved forest, and coniferous forest). A total of 280 wild pollinators representing 62 species from 16 families were collected. Species richness was the highest in herbaceous areas and the lowest in coniferous forests. While trap height did not significantly affect species richness, it did influence species composition, with significant differences observed between traps separated by at least 100 cm. Pollinator assemblages were significantly different across the three habitats. Abundant families showed habitat preferences likely related to larval feeding habits. The results have implications for pollinator monitoring methodologies in forest ecosystems, indicating that sampling across diverse conditions may provide a more comprehensive representation of wild pollinator assemblages.