Do floral traits influence the natural patterns and rates of florivory in Senna aversiflora (Herb.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Fabaceae)?

Abstract

Among the various plant–animal antagonistic interactions, florivory stands out due to its numerous direct and indirect negative effects on plant reproduction. However, some interfaces of this relationship are still poorly understood, especially which floral traits of certain species are affected by florivory. This study aimed to delimit the florivore guild of Senna aversiflora (Herb.) H. S. Irwin & Barneby and examine the natural patterns of florivory and the possible floral traits that influence florivory in the species. We evaluated seventeen flowering individuals of S. aversiflora, considering the floral development stage, floral display, and floral whorls, besides the corolla size. Florivorous organisms included individuals of the orders Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Blattodea, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. Floral display positively affected the number of flowers and buds damaged by florivory. On the other hand, florivores showed no preference for a particular floral development stage. The gynoecium was the least consumed whorl. In the corolla, damage was caused continuously and discontinuously at the base and apex of the petals. Corolla size had no relation with the proportions of florivory in the whorls, the locations of the damage in the petals, forms of florivory, and the amount of tissue consumed in the petals. We conclude that some traits such as floral development stage and corolla size do not determine florivory in S. aversiflora, but floral display and floral whorls were traits that responded to the pressure by florivores on S. aversiflora and allowed us to gather relevant information about the ecological relationship between this species and its florivores.