Identity of mass-flowering crops moderates functional trait composition of pollinator communities

Abstract Context Pollinator declines and functional homogenization of farmland insect communities have been reported. Mass-flowering crops (MFC) can support pollinators by providing floral resources. Knowledge about how MFC with dissimilar flower morphology affect groups trait compositions wild bee is scarce. Objective We investigated two morphologically different MFC, land cover local semi-natural habitats (SNH) landscape diversity bees their traits (body size, tongue length, sociality, foraging preferences). Methods conducted landscape-level surveys in SNH 30 paired study landscapes covering an oilseed rape (OSR) ( Brassica napus L.) gradient. In 15 faba beans Vicia were grown, respective control without grain legumes. Results Faba bean cultivation promoted bumblebees Bombus spp. Latreille), whereas non- densities only driven the SNH. High enhanced species richness. proportions social bees, on Fabaceae slightly long-tongued bumblebees. Solitary increased high covers OSR. mitigated changes mean sizes caused cultivation. Conclusions Our results show that specific adapted to alter pollinators` composition. conclude management practices need target functionally diverse crops, combined create heterogeneous landscapes, which sustain pollinator communities.