A plant-pollinator network on Fårö island : description, comparison and general patterns

Abstract: The overall aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge of multi-habitat networks. A broad array of basic aspects of the studied plant-pollinator network at Skalasand on the island of Fårö, Gotland was covered and compared witha similar study at the island of Gotska Sandön. The species composition differs considerably between the two networks. The Skalasand network has a richer faunaof insects belonging to the groups Syrphidaeand Apiformes, while Muscidae-flies constitute a considerable part of the Gotska Sandön network. However, the networks also have resembling modules. The modules are always established around one or a few plant species actingas hubs while animals visiting several habitats work as connectors linking the different modules. The Syrphidae and Apiformes are the two taxonomic groups that are the most generalistic when it comes to interacting in different habitats.