New records of pollinators and other insects associated with Arizona milkweed, Asclepias angustifolia, at four sites in Southeastern Arizona

Authors

  • Robert Aaron Behrstock Naturewide Images, Pollinator Corridors SW

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26786/1920-7603(2021)621

Abstract

Asclepias angustifolia is a Mexican milkweed that barely enters the U.S.A. Its pollinators and other insect visitors have not been investigated. During 2018 and 2019, insect visitors were photographed at a native population and three gardens in and near the Huachuca Mountains, Southeastern Arizona. A total of 216 site visits produced at least 369 species of insects in seven orders. Images revealed 140 potential pollinators with a preponderance of Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera. Orders of insects are discussed, as are flowering phenology, potential pollinators in functional groups, introduced insects, and the value of A. angustifolia for monarch butterflies and other insects in pollinator gardens and in planting palettes created for restoration sites.

 

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Author Biography

Robert Aaron Behrstock, Naturewide Images, Pollinator Corridors SW

Retired fisheries biologist (lecturer and fish museum curator, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA), bird tour leader. for 39 years, biological survey consultant, ecotourism birding trail consultant, etc. 

Published

2021-02-04

How to Cite

Behrstock, R. A. (2021). New records of pollinators and other insects associated with Arizona milkweed, Asclepias angustifolia, at four sites in Southeastern Arizona. Journal of Pollination Ecology, 27. https://doi.org/10.26786/1920-7603(2021)621

Issue

Section

Articles