Uni-directional interaction and plant-pollinator-robber coexistence.

A mathematical model for the plant–pollinator–robber interaction is studied to understand the factors leading to the widespread occurrence and stability of such interactions. In the interaction, a flowering plant provides resource for its pollinator and the pollinator has both positive and negative effects on the plant. A nectar robber acts as a plant predator, consuming a common resource with the pollinator, but with a different functional response. Using dynamical systems theory, mechanisms of species coexistence are investigated to show how a robber could invade the plant–pollinator system and persist stably with the pollinator. In addition, circumstances are demonstrated in which the pollinator’s positive and negative effects on the plant could determine the robber’s invasibility and the three-species coexistence.