Neutral processes related to regional bee commonness and dispersal distances are important predictors of plant–pollinator networks along gradients of climate and landscape conditions

Understanding how niche-based and neutral processes contribute to the spatial variation in plant–pollinator interactions is central designing effective pollination conservation schemes. Such schemes are needed reverse declines of wild bees other pollinating insects, promote services cultivated plants. We used data on bee with plants belonging four tribes Loteae, Trifolieae, Anthemideae either spring- or summer-flowering Cichorieae, sampled systematically along a 682 km latitudinal gradient build models that allowed us 1) predict occurrences pairwise bee–flower across 115 sampling locations, 2) estimate contribution variables hypothesized be related assembly structuring (viz. annual mean temperature, landscape diversity, sociality, phenology flower preferences bees) regional commonness dispersal distance conspecifics). While were important predictors distributions, reflected contrasting distributions solitary bumble temperature gradient, influence distribution species plant types. In particular, separated into three main groups, albeit some overlap: visitors spring-flowering Cichorieae; Trifolieae Loteae. Our findings suggest both significant contributors so actions our region should directed towards areas: near high concentrations known regionally rare bees; mild climatic conditions; surrounded by heterogenous landscapes. Given observed differences, proportion functionally distinct flower-mixes could chosen target species, guilds, concern.