Effect of canopy gaps and flower patch size on pollinator visitation of Impatiens capensis

Abstract

WALTERS, B. B. AND E. W. STILES (Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08855). Effect of canopy gaps and flower patch size on pollinator visitation of Impatiens capensis. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 123:184-188. 1996.-We measured pollinator visits of Impatiens capensis flowers found in different-sized patches beneath canopy gaps and beneath closed canopy in a mature, old-growth deciduous forest in New Jersey. Honeybees, bumblebees and halictid bees made up the majority of visitors. Visitation rates per flower increased slightly, but not significantly, in relation to flower patch size (number of open flowers) and floral density. By contrast, pollinator visitation rates, floral density and seed production per pod were all significantly higher in patches located beneath forest canopy gaps compared to patches located beneath closed canopy.