Ants contribute to raspberry pollination in protected cropping systems

Abstract Ants are highly abundant insects that occur in almost every environment and exhibit diverse foraging and nesting behaviours. Despite their known ecological roles and ant‐plant associations, the potential of ants as pollinators remains relatively unknown, especially in agroecosystems. This study investigated the potential of ants as pollinators of commercial raspberry ( Rubus idaeus . (Rosales: Rosaceae)) crops. To determine the importance of ants as raspberry pollinators, we conducted visitation surveys and measured pollen loads and fruit set in the presence and absence of ants across six commercial blocks located within a single growing region near Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. Blocks were spaced 15–3500 m apart and selected to ensure uniform cultivar and flowering stage; replication was limited by the availability of suitable blocks. Ants were the most abundant flower visitor of raspberry, followed by European honey bees ( Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)), endemic Australian stingless bees ( Tetragonula carbonaria Smith, 1854 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) and then flies. Temporal flower visitation activity differed across insect groups, with ants more active before midday and honey bees in the afternoon. The three most frequently collected ant species ( Iridomyrmex mjobergi Forel, 1915 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); Iridomyrmex suchieri Forel, 1907 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Nylanderia obscura (Mayr, 1862) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)) all carried raspberry pollen on their bodies. Ant‐mediated pollination resulted in heavier and higher‐quality fruit compared to bagged (non‐pollinated) flowers, though open pollination yielded the best results. The findings show that ants support fruit development and quality, emphasising that integrating diverse insect visitors into crop and habitat management can improve pollination efficiency and agricultural outcomes.