Ecological Patterns of Hymenopteran Pollinators in an Andean Urban Area Derived from Participatory Science

Abstract

Urbanization presents a significant challenge to pollinator communities worldwide, altering ecological dynamics and species interactions. Understanding the impact of urbanization on pollinators is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate pollinator declines and enhance urban biodiversity. This study investigates hymenopteran pollination ecology in the inter-Andean valley of Quito, Ecuador, using participatory science data. Our dataset, consisting of 2113 hymenopteran records and 556 pollination interactions, reveals complex insect-plant relationships in Quitos urban environment. We found that alien plant species interacted with more pollinator taxa on average, in contrast to the more specialized interactions involving native plant species. Non-native honeybees (Apis mellifera) play a dominant role in these pollination networks, strongly shaping overall network structure. Additionally, both native and alien plants acted as pollination hubs, driving important and diverse interactions. The study documents numerous previously unreported pollination interactions, underscoring the value of participatory science in revealing novel ecological insights. Our findings suggest that Quitos green spaces function as important refuges for urban pollinators. The use of participatory science records proved invaluable for advancing knowledge of urban pollination ecology, despite its inherent limitations. Encouraging native plant cultivation and public awareness can help mitigate pollinator declines in urban settings. This study adds to growing evidence on urban pollinator ecology and highlights participatory science as a practical tool for addressing ecological challenges in cities.