Insect visits to some bamboos of the Western Ghats, India

Bee visits in six tropical woody bamboos (Bambusoideae: Poaceae) – Bambusa bambos (native), Bambusa sp., B. vulgaris (both cultivated), Ochlandra ebracteata, O. scriptoria, O. travancorica (all endemic) were studied. The bees were predominantly of order Hymenoptera and belong to genera Apis, Halictus, Trigona, Braunsapis and Ceratina. In Ochlandra spp and B. vulgaris the bees visited the florets only at the male stage. In B. bambos and Bambusa sp., the florets are wide opened and the male and female organs are exposed together. It is presumed that pollination by bees can occur in such species. Grouping of spikelets based on nature of opening of florets is also discussed.