You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Student Research » FAU Graduate Student Research

Fire ants in sea-turtle nesting areas: A distribution survey of invasive ants in Boca Raton, FL

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2014
Summary:
The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is native to South America and was introduced to Alabama in the 1930s. This predatory species rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, causing serious ecological and economic impacts. Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants also swarm into sea turtle nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. This study is part of a larger research that aimed to survey the distribution of ants at a sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI. This particular study was conducted in Boca Raton, Florida. Besides providing a baseline dataset on ant species distribution in the area, this study also aimed at validating the survey methodology by finding consistency in the distribution over multiple days surveyed. The results indicate that, although more detailed surveys would produce more thorough results, we can state that the methodology is consistent in determining species distribution.
Title: Fire ants in sea-turtle nesting areas: A distribution survey of invasive ants in Boca Raton, FL.
119 views
24 downloads
Name(s): Romais, Danielle K.
Wetterer, James K.
Markwith, Scott
Graduate College
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Abstract
Date Created: 2014
Date Issued: 2014
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 1 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is native to South America and was introduced to Alabama in the 1930s. This predatory species rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, causing serious ecological and economic impacts. Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants also swarm into sea turtle nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. This study is part of a larger research that aimed to survey the distribution of ants at a sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI. This particular study was conducted in Boca Raton, Florida. Besides providing a baseline dataset on ant species distribution in the area, this study also aimed at validating the survey methodology by finding consistency in the distribution over multiple days surveyed. The results indicate that, although more detailed surveys would produce more thorough results, we can state that the methodology is consistent in determining species distribution.
Identifier: FA00005851 (IID)
Collection: FAU Student Research Digital Collection
Note(s): The Fifth Annual Graduate Research Day was organized by Florida Atlantic University’s Graduate Student Association. Graduate students from FAU Colleges present abstracts of original research and posters in a competition for monetary prizes, awards, and recognition
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005851
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.