Background:

Asclepias subulata has been studied in different aspects of its systematics, phylogeny, distribution, and interactions. However, in some areas the knowledge is scarce and isolated, and there are no works that integrate and provide new information on the biology of this species.

Questions:

How much do we know about the biology of A. subulata? Does the information from iNaturalistMX complements the information about the distribution of A. subulata? Who are the floral visitors and which is its possible pollination syndrome?

Study species:

Asclepias subulate.

Site of study:

Mexico and USA.

Method:

The morphologic, phenologic, distribution and interactions study of the species were obtained through the revision of physical and digital herbarium specimens, as well as digital source of information as citizen science. The conservation status was calculated using the criteria from the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Results:

A description of the species, its distribution, phenology, conservation status and interactions were recorded for the first time in all its distribution. The flowers of A. subulata are visited by members of Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera. Among them, members from the families Scoliidae, Apidae, and Pompilidae, mostly from the genus Pepsis are their potential pollinators.

Conclusions:

The integration from the knowledge of scientific collections and citizen science contributed to the study of multiple organisms. In this work, the analysis of multiple sources of information complements and contributes with new knowledge to the biology of A. subulata.

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