Abstract Detail

Pollination Biology

Harkreader, Ian [1], Ross, Nanci [2].

Lilium michiganense Pollination Biology and Habitat Preference.

Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily) is a rare species native to the even rarer long grass prairies. Effective restoration efforts require a solid understanding of native long-grass prairie species; however, there is little published literature about the reproductive biology or habitat preferences of the Michigan Lily. The pollinator is suggested by various authors to be a bee, hummingbird hawkmoth, Swallowtail butterfly, or spangled fritillary. Yet, there is no published data supporting any species. Based on the morphology of the inflorescence, we tested the hypothesis that the pollinator is a bee. Pollinator surveys were conducted in three remnant prairies in north-west Iowa in the summer of 2012. Lily flowers were bagged before they opened and, after opening, the flowers were unbagged for 30 minute observation periods cycling throughout the day till the flower died. In addition, nine 10x10m plots (3/prairie), including Michigan Lilies, were censused for species composition. Soils were collected to test for soil texture. Surveys of the three prairies and soil texture suggest that the lily preferred low-lying areas with primarily silt for soil (66-97% silt). Despite the soil similarities, species composition of the three prairies were found to be significantly different (ANOSIM, R: 0.93, p=.04). Indicator Species Analysis identified distinct indicator species for each prairie; however, none of these species were flowering at the same time as the Michigan Lily. This suggests that species composition does not relate to pollination for the Michigan Lily. It was observed that the primary pollinator is a bee with an 89% success rate. All other potential pollinators were not observed in the prairies during the time of flowering. However, the year of this study Iowa was facing a severe drought which could impact the butterflies and moths in timing their life cycles. Thus, additional studies are needed.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Drake University, 2507 University, Biology Department, 208 Olin Hall, Des Moines, IA, 50311, USA
2 - Drake University, Biology Department, Olin Hall Room 208, 1344 27th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311, USA

Keywords:
Michigan Lily
pollination
long grass prairies.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 43
Location: Melrose/Riverside Hilton
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2013
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 43004
Abstract ID:185
Candidate for Awards:None