Thrips as primary pollinators of sympatric species of Chamaedorea (Arecaceae) in Belize

Chamaedorea is the largest genus among the New World palms. These dioecious palms often represent a dominant component of the forest understory, where they play an important role in the ecosystem by providing a source of fruit for frugivores when other food resources are unavailable. In addition, Chamaedorea palms play an important economic role in Mexico and Guatemala, where leaves of several species are harvested from the wild as Non-Timber Forest Products for use as greenery in the floral industry. Although many species possess characteristics typically associated with both wind and insect modes of pollination, the majority of Chamaedorea are believed to be entomophilous.;This thesis involves an investigation into the reproductive biology of four sympatric palm species, Chamaedorea ernesti-augustii, C. oblongata, C. neurochlamys, and C. tepejilote, in Belize. The main questions addressed are: (1) What is the flowering phenology for each of the study species? (2) What is the primary pollination vector for each of the study species? (3) What differences exist between the study species with respect to floral morphology, insect visitation and behavior, and floral activity during anthesis?;Fieldwork was conducted at the Las Cuevas Research Station, Belize, Central America. A series of study plots were established in June 2002 and adult Chamaedorea individual were identified to species, measured, and mapped. Phenological data was collected on a monthly basis for 24 months. Field observations, bagging experiments, and laboratory tests were implemented to identify the mode of pollination and pollen vectors for each study species. Insect specimens were collected and the general sequence of floral events including insect visitation and behavior was documented for each of the species under study.;The main conclusions are as follows: study species are pollinated by single species of thrips, these thrips are engaged in a dependant mutualism with the palms, and this mutualism is supported by the flowering phenology of the Chamaedorea community.