Arum pollinators

[Jeff Ollerton]

Dear All,

I am currently involved in a project with colleagues at the University of
Aberdeen and Kew Gardens, looking at plant-pollinator relationships in the
species Arum maculatum (Araceae).  In Britain at least, this species is
pollinated by flies of the genus Psychoda - but elsewhere within its range
(continental Europe, into Russia and Asia - is it naturalised in the U.S. or
anywhere?) we don't have any information.  Part of the project is an assessment
of geographic variability in the identity of the pollinators.

If anyone has access to populations of this plant (or other species of Arum) we
would be grateful for offers of collecting pollinators.  The pollination system
is a "fly trap" - the flies are kept within the inflorescence for 24 hours
prior to release.  It's therefore quite easy to capture pollinators with a
pooter.  Any fly samples should be sent to:

Dr Jeff Ollerton
School of Environmental Science
Nene College
Park Campus
Northampton
U.K.
NN2 7AL

I will gladly send more details to anyone who can help.  All assistance will,
of course, be fully acknowledged.


Many thanks in advance,


Jeff Ollerton