Seasonal Variation in Insect Pollinator Diversity in Two Different Vegetation Zones in Nigeria

This study investigated the seasonal variation in the abundance and species richness of insect pollinators in selected study sites in the savanna and rainforest vegetation zones of Nigeria. Sampling was carried out in two study locations selected in each vegetation zone. Insect pollinators and flowering plants were sampled in eight 25 m × 25 m sampling plots, demarcated in each study location. The results show taxa-specific effect of season and vegetation on insect pollinators. While the abundance and species richness of bees, butterflies and wasps varied between the seasons, there was no effect on other insect pollinator taxa. Furthermore, while the abundance of butterflies was higher, there was lower abundance of bees, beetles and wasps in the rainforest compared to savanna vegetation zone. The results highlight the importance of these pollinator taxa as indicators of fluctuations in season and vegetation dependent resources in both natural and agricultural landscapes.