Ecosystem services offered by insect foragers in the
coconut system are exceptional in utilizing pollen and
nectar resources and, thereafter, rewarding effective
pollination in coconut palms. The pollinator community recorded from dwarf varieties of coconut comprised
35 insect species, out of which 30 could be identified,
belonging to 6 orders and 17 families. Insect fauna belonging to families Formicidae (ants), Apidae (bees)
under Hymenoptera and Curculionidae (weevils) under
Coleoptera were recorded in abundance from the coconut inflorescence. However, a considerable quantity of
pollen grains clings onto the body parts of bees and
assumes likely pollination services in coconut. Ants,
though noticed in large numbers, may not be involved
in pollination, probably because of their apterous nature
and smooth body surfaces warranting in-depth scrutiny. Abundant floral visitors were registered during January–July compared to August–December. Higher nut
yield in coconut recorded during January–May could
be positively linked to enhanced foraging activities by
insects, a classical instance of ecosystem services delivering economic benefits to farmers. The maximum insect
activity was during the forenoon session, coinciding
with anthesis time of coconut. Modulation among various diversity indices (Menhinick index, Shannon’s index) were recorded for species richness and temporal
abundance for insect visitation in coconut. Conservation
of these pollinators in the perennial coconut system is
crucial for sustaining production and safeguarding the
ecosystem. As coconut produces inflorescence around the
year and ensures continuous pollen availability, coconut
orchards can also be used for division of honey bee colonies during the brood rearing season.