G. it. Ent., 3 (15): 261-269
April 30, 1987
Pollination of Leptospermum flavescens Sm. (Myrtaceae)
by beetles (Coleoptera)
in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
by
T. J. HAWKESWOOD
Abstract - A total of 40 beetle species (Coleoptera) from 8 families (Buprestidae, Cantharidae, Cleridae, Elateridae, Lycidae, Mordellidae and Scarabaeidae) were collected from the flowers of the Yellow Tea Tree, Leptospermum flavescens Sm. (Myrtaceae), during 1-12 December 1976 in the Blaxland area of the lower Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. The dominant group, in terms of both number of species and abundance, were the Buprestidae. A high percentage (90-100%) of beetles from all families carried Leptospermum pollen at the time of capture and examination. Larger, more active beetles tended to carry the largest pollen loads. Data presented here and from the previously published literature suggest that L. flavescens is predominantly visited, and pollinated, by beetles.
