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Keywords
Colombian bee biodiversity
montane tropical forest
shaded coffee
sun coffee
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Abstract
Although coffee in Colombia is predominantly an autogamous species, bee pollination optimizes its production and quality; in the absence of coffee flowering periods, bees must depend on alternative floral resources within the landscape. Here, we assessed the contribution of flowering weeds and habitat use by bees in a coffee-growing region of Cauca, southwestern Colombia. Bee assemblages were sampled in 16 forest patches adjacent to 16 coffee farms (eight sun-grown, eight shade-grown) during periods with no coffee flowering using jar traps and active netting. Concurrently, flowering weeds, ornamental plants, and environmental variables were recorded across forests, forest edges, sun/shade coffee plantations, and home gardens. A total of 93 bee species and 782 individuals were recorded. Sun-grown plantations and gardens in shade-managed farms supported the highest richness and abundance. Floral richness showed a strong positive correlation with bee richness. Species composition varied significantly among habitats, and generalist and specialist bees responded differently to management regimes. Interaction networks in forests, edges, and shade-grown coffee exhibited higher connectivity and specialization, whereas sun-grown coffee was dominated by generalist interactions. Sixty-five flowering weeds, 25 ornamentals, and six additional crops attractive to bees were documented. Lasioglossum spp. occurred across all habitats, representing the most ubiquitous bees. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining diverse floral resources and minimizing agrochemical use to sustain bee communities during periods of coffee floral scarcity.
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