Insect pollinators of Encinitas Baccharis

In this study, we compared the accuracy of two different methods of monitoring to assess the flower-visiting insect assemblage and likely pollinators of Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae): focal observations and video recordings from camera traps. 

B. vanessae is a rare, endemic species found in Coastal Sage Scrub communities in San Diego County. This federally listed species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, which may also be affecting the availability of its insect pollinators. Results indicate that B. vanessae supports and is supported by a variety of flower-visiting insect groups. 

The diversity of insect visitors at male and female plants were similar across all diversity measurements. The insect vectors identified were as expected given B. vanessae pollination syndrome.  This study has implications for effective monitoring and conservation of endangered plant species and their affiliated pollinators.