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Kleptoparasitism in the endemic gecko Phelsuma inexpectata: pollen theft from foraging honeybees on Réunion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2013

Johanna Clémencet ,
Cyril Aubert ,
Doriane Blottière  and
Mickaël Sanchez
Johanna Clémencet*
Affiliation:
Université de La Réunion, UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-Agresseurs en Milieu Tropical, 15 avenue René Cassin, F-97715 Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
Cyril Aubert
Affiliation:
Université de La Réunion, UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-Agresseurs en Milieu Tropical, 15 avenue René Cassin, F-97715 Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
Doriane Blottière
Affiliation:
Université de La Réunion, UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-Agresseurs en Milieu Tropical, 15 avenue René Cassin, F-97715 Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
Mickaël Sanchez
Affiliation:
Nature Océan Indien, 6 Lotissement les Magnolias, Rivière des Roches, F-97470 Saint-Benoît, La Réunion, France
*
1Corresponding author. Email: johanna.clemencet@univ-reunion.fr
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Abstract:

Interspecific kleptoparasitism (the stealing of already-procured items from other species) has received little attention in tropical reptiles. We report here the second case of kleptoparasitism in tropical lizards, and the first known case of pollen theft by a vertebrate species. Phelsuma inexpectata, a gekkonid lizard endemic to Réunion, was observed robbing pollen pellets from honeybees (Apis mellifera) foraging on Latania lontaroides flowers. Video-records were used to obtain reliable information on gecko-honeybee interactions occurring on L. lontaroides inflorescences. During the 19 observation periods (total duration 140 min) a total of 78 attempts were recorded, at least 40% were successful. Both males and females displayed kleptoparasitic behaviour. A high level of gecko kleptoparasitism occurred, with an average one-robbery attempt every 2 min. Behaviour of both the kleptoparasitic P. inexpectata and its host A. mellifera are described.

Keywords

Apis melliferaGekkonidaeIndian Oceankleptoparasite–host interactionLatania lontaroides
Type
Short Communication
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , May 2013 , pp. 251 - 254
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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