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Title: NATIVE VERSUS EXOTIC ANTS AS A FOOD SOURCE FOR THE ANT LION, (Myrmeleon crudelis).
Creator: Brothers, David G., Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Solenopsis invicta, a fire ant originally from South America, has become an important exotic pest in the southeastern US. Solenopsis invicta is well known for its powerful sting and are known to attack native wildlife, such as hatchling sea turtles. I examined the suitability of S. invicta as prey for a native antlion, Myrmeleon crudelis, in South Florida. I compared the growth and survival over 12 week period of 16 ant lions fed S. invicta and 16 fed a native pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni....
Show moreSolenopsis invicta, a fire ant originally from South America, has become an important exotic pest in the southeastern US. Solenopsis invicta is well known for its powerful sting and are known to attack native wildlife, such as hatchling sea turtles. I examined the suitability of S. invicta as prey for a native antlion, Myrmeleon crudelis, in South Florida. I compared the growth and survival over 12 week period of 16 ant lions fed S. invicta and 16 fed a native pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni. I found antlions fed S. invicta had significantly lower growth and survival than antlions fed D. bureni. Thus, S. invicta does not appear to be suitable prey for M. crudelis, and may have a negative impact on M. crudelis in areas where it invades.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013648
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phylogeography of the Burrowing Four O’clock, Okenia hypogaea (Nyctaginaceae).
Creator: Depatie, Trinity Hope, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The burrowing four o’clock or beach peanut, Okenia hypogaea (Nyctaginaceae), is a vine found on beaches of southeast Florida, Mexico, and Central America. This species was described from Mexico in 1830 and discovered in Florida near Miami in 1903. Since then, O. hypogaea has been considered a rare native species in Florida. For my thesis, I proposed to test the hypothesis that O. hypogaea is exotic to Florida by comparing the genetic diversity of populations in Florida with populations in...
Show moreThe burrowing four o’clock or beach peanut, Okenia hypogaea (Nyctaginaceae), is a vine found on beaches of southeast Florida, Mexico, and Central America. This species was described from Mexico in 1830 and discovered in Florida near Miami in 1903. Since then, O. hypogaea has been considered a rare native species in Florida. For my thesis, I proposed to test the hypothesis that O. hypogaea is exotic to Florida by comparing the genetic diversity of populations in Florida with populations in Mexico. The first gene I examined was identical across all populations tested in Mexico and Florida. I am currently working on examining a more variable gene.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003706
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS (Solenopsis invicta) INFESTING AMERICAN ALLIGATOR (Alligator mississippiensis) NESTS.
Creator: Osuna, Ashley, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is known for its impacts on Florida wildlife; hatchlings of ground-nesting herpetofauna are particularly vulnerable. This study examined factors correlated with fire ant infestation of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests. We were particularly interested in determining whether having floating nests afforded any protection from these ants. We surveyed ants on 24 alligator nests at Orange Lake located in Alachua County, Florida,...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is known for its impacts on Florida wildlife; hatchlings of ground-nesting herpetofauna are particularly vulnerable. This study examined factors correlated with fire ant infestation of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests. We were particularly interested in determining whether having floating nests afforded any protection from these ants. We surveyed ants on 24 alligator nests at Orange Lake located in Alachua County, Florida, using tuna baits left for ~2h. We found S. invicta was the most commonly observed species at nests, present at 12 of the 24 nests. There was no significant difference in the proportion of nests with S. invicta present for floating nests (8 of 14) versus land-based nests (4 of 10). This may have been influenced by the limited sample size of the study, something which future studies should aim to address.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00210
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A FLORAL SURVEY OF THE ABACOA GOPHER TORTOISE PRESERVE.
Creator: Bates, Malaika, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The Abacoa Gopher Tortoise Preserve is a 60-ha section of the Abacoa Greenway (designated RangeⅠ) consisting of scrubby pine flatwood habitat. For this thesis, I used the iNaturalist app as a tool to identify and create a comprehensive list of all plant species in Range Ⅰ. I organized this information by IUCN conservation status to distinguish between invasive, native, and endemic species. I compare this list to similar floral surveys done in this preserve to obtain a view of how the...
Show moreThe Abacoa Gopher Tortoise Preserve is a 60-ha section of the Abacoa Greenway (designated RangeⅠ) consisting of scrubby pine flatwood habitat. For this thesis, I used the iNaturalist app as a tool to identify and create a comprehensive list of all plant species in Range Ⅰ. I organized this information by IUCN conservation status to distinguish between invasive, native, and endemic species. I compare this list to similar floral surveys done in this preserve to obtain a view of how the composition of the preserve is changing over time. I used the initial conservation targets for the Abacoa Greenway to determine whether the standards for percent penetration of invasive/exotic species and fire treatment were being upheld and how this may have influenced the floral composition. Lastly, I discuss the species found within the preserve that contain known nutritional or medicinal properties that could be valuable for human use.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00244
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: TWO PARMOTREMA LICHEN SPECIES AS POLLUTION BIOINDICATORS IN FLORIDA.
Creator: Womble, Hunter, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Lichens are commonly used as bioindicators of air pollution. For my thesis, I tested the utility of two easily identified lichen species as bioindicators. Parmotrema perforatum is considered to be pollution intolerant, while Parmotrema subrigidium is considered to be somewhat pollution tolerant. I surveyed P. perforatum and P. subrigidum growing on the trunks of southern live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) at two sites on the John D. MacArthur campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter,...
Show moreLichens are commonly used as bioindicators of air pollution. For my thesis, I tested the utility of two easily identified lichen species as bioindicators. Parmotrema perforatum is considered to be pollution intolerant, while Parmotrema subrigidium is considered to be somewhat pollution tolerant. I surveyed P. perforatum and P. subrigidum growing on the trunks of southern live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) at two sites on the John D. MacArthur campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida that differed in exposure to road traffic. One site on the interior of campus (AOS1) was distant from any road, while the other site (AOS2) was along a busy road. I identified lichen samples from using keys and chemical spot tests. I found AOS1 had a higher density of P. perforatum, and whereas AOS2 had a higher density of P. subrigidum, confirming the utility of these two lichens as bioindicators of pollution.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00279
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Survey of Florida Bat Species Feeding at Highway Rest Areas.
Creator: Fernandez, Ariel, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Florida is home to 13 species of bats, all of which are insectivorous. As humans immigrated into areas that were previously natural, bats have had to adjust their habits to live alongside us. Bats in Florida are commonly seen foraging for insects attracted to artificial lights. For my thesis, I set up ultrasonic recording equipment at highway rest areas under large streetlights in Martin and Palm Beach County to see how frequently different bat species visited each area. I identified a total...
Show moreFlorida is home to 13 species of bats, all of which are insectivorous. As humans immigrated into areas that were previously natural, bats have had to adjust their habits to live alongside us. Bats in Florida are commonly seen foraging for insects attracted to artificial lights. For my thesis, I set up ultrasonic recording equipment at highway rest areas under large streetlights in Martin and Palm Beach County to see how frequently different bat species visited each area. I identified a total of 1598 calls, including 159 calls of rare or endangered species. I found most frequently recorded species at both sites was the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), a very common species in South Florida. My other findings suggest that the known rarity and range of some species should be reconsidered. The importance of streetlights to the survival of insectivorous bats certainly deserves additional attention.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00251
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus): Feeding Activity and Bright Stadium Lights.
Creator: Harman, Selena, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) is an endangered species found only in southern Florida. There is little ecological information known for this species, making conservation work difficult in protecting it. What we do know, however, is that they are large, insectivorous, high-flying mammals that can travel over vast distances in a single night. With these characteristics it made me wonder if E. floridanus would find baseball stadiums an acceptable hunting ground. They have wide...
Show moreThe Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) is an endangered species found only in southern Florida. There is little ecological information known for this species, making conservation work difficult in protecting it. What we do know, however, is that they are large, insectivorous, high-flying mammals that can travel over vast distances in a single night. With these characteristics it made me wonder if E. floridanus would find baseball stadiums an acceptable hunting ground. They have wide-open spaces, the bright stadium lights attract insects, and the field lights themselves are hundreds of feet high. To test if this is true, I set up ultrasonic recording equipment at Roger Dean Stadium (and two other baseball fields with differing environmental factors) to see if there is a difference in activity between nights when the lights are on or off. With this information about E. floridanus feeding habits, current conservation practices could be improved upon.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00178
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Therapeutic uses of cannabidiol (CBD).
Creator: Thomas, Georgia, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Cannabidiol (CBD) and its related derivatives are chemicals produced by Cannabis sativa plants (hemp and marijuana). One form of CBD has been approved in the U.S. for use as a drug to treat some types of epilepsy syndromes that often do not respond to other antiseizure medicines. In recent years, many different forms of CBD have been promoted as treatments for a wide variety of other health problems, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. For my thesis, I examine what forms of CBD...
Show moreCannabidiol (CBD) and its related derivatives are chemicals produced by Cannabis sativa plants (hemp and marijuana). One form of CBD has been approved in the U.S. for use as a drug to treat some types of epilepsy syndromes that often do not respond to other antiseizure medicines. In recent years, many different forms of CBD have been promoted as treatments for a wide variety of other health problems, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. For my thesis, I examine what forms of CBD are currently being sold, how are they are administered, in what dosages, and for what purpose. I then examine what research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of the different products and their therapeutic uses.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00183
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Predicted Spread in the Southeastern US of the Non-Native Lizard, Agama picticauda, Based on Current and Future Climate.
Creator: Giddings, Sebastian, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Peters’s rock agama, Agama picticauda, is a West African lizard first observed in South Florida in 1975. It has since spread through much of the state and into southernmost Georgia. To better understand the potential spread of this invasive species in the southeastern US, I used Maxent species distribution models with native and non-native occurrences for A. picticauda with current and future bioclimatic variables. The models suggest that by 2100, the species could spread through all of...
Show morePeters’s rock agama, Agama picticauda, is a West African lizard first observed in South Florida in 1975. It has since spread through much of the state and into southernmost Georgia. To better understand the potential spread of this invasive species in the southeastern US, I used Maxent species distribution models with native and non-native occurrences for A. picticauda with current and future bioclimatic variables. The models suggest that by 2100, the species could spread through all of Florida, much of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and southern parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Virginia.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00304
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: NOVEL GENE THERAPY TECHNIQUE TO TREAT HEREDITARY DEAFNESS.
Creator: Mc Comie, Myca-Lee, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Autosomal recessive deafness-9 (DFNB9), caused by mutations in the otoferlin gene (OTOF), is the most common form of hereditary deafness, accounting for 2-8% of all cases. Here, I review recent research on using dual adeno associated virus (AAV) mediated gene therapy to treat DFNB9 in a mouse model system. Dual AAV gene therapy repairs these mutations by injecting pairs of AAV vectors carrying separate fragments of Otoferlin DNA into the round window membrane to the affected cochlea. When...
Show moreAutosomal recessive deafness-9 (DFNB9), caused by mutations in the otoferlin gene (OTOF), is the most common form of hereditary deafness, accounting for 2-8% of all cases. Here, I review recent research on using dual adeno associated virus (AAV) mediated gene therapy to treat DFNB9 in a mouse model system. Dual AAV gene therapy repairs these mutations by injecting pairs of AAV vectors carrying separate fragments of Otoferlin DNA into the round window membrane to the affected cochlea. When these AAV vectors recombine, they produce the expression of the full-length gene and restores hearing. Dual AAV gene therapy provides a biologically regenerative treatment that is faster and less invasive than the cochlear implant currently used to treat DFNB9. This breakthrough will reshape the treatment of genetic diseases.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013663
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The distribution of predaceous fire ant species on important sea turtle nesting beaches in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Creator: Balkaran, Kavita, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata is a New World species with a wide native range including South America as well as several Caribbean islands. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta is native to parts of South America. Both species are known for preying on sea turtles’ eggs and hatchlings. The objectives of this thesis research were to conduct follow-up and baseline ant species distribution surveys on four sea turtle nesting beaches in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. Tuna...
Show moreThe tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata is a New World species with a wide native range including South America as well as several Caribbean islands. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta is native to parts of South America. Both species are known for preying on sea turtles’ eggs and hatchlings. The objectives of this thesis research were to conduct follow-up and baseline ant species distribution surveys on four sea turtle nesting beaches in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. Tuna baits were set out at beaches; specimens were collected, frozen, preserved then identified. Results show that there was a significant change in the fire ants’ distribution at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (SPNWR) while none were found at Jack Bay. Fire ants were also present on the other two baseline surveyed nesting beaches. The displacement of S. geminata by S. invicta was observed at SPNWR, which also was presumed by previous surveys.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004077, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004077
Subject Headings: Biological invasions, Fire ants -- St. Croix -- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands) -- Geographical distribution, Predation (Biology), Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands), Sea turtles -- Nests -- St. Croix -- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Small mammal community of bamboo forests in the Peruvian Amazon.
Creator: Ledesma, Karim Jennifer, Florida Atlantic University, Wetterer, James K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Bamboo forests occupy an extensive area in Southwestern Amazonia in the conjuction of Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. In Tambopata, Peru, bamboo stands have been considered degraded habitats and their expansion a threat to the biodiversity of the region. I conducted my project in two sites along the Tambopata River during a dry season in the area (July and September 2002). My study showed that communities of terrestrial small mammals in the bamboo patches were more diverse than those in adjacent...
Show moreBamboo forests occupy an extensive area in Southwestern Amazonia in the conjuction of Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. In Tambopata, Peru, bamboo stands have been considered degraded habitats and their expansion a threat to the biodiversity of the region. I conducted my project in two sites along the Tambopata River during a dry season in the area (July and September 2002). My study showed that communities of terrestrial small mammals in the bamboo patches were more diverse than those in adjacent old-growth forests. Relative abundances of some species of small mammals were also higher in the bamboo. Small mammal species may be attracted to the bamboo forests for the following reasons (1) dense understories that provides them refuge from predation, (2) alternative food resources in the form of insects, fruit from understorey plants, bamboo fruits and seeds (at exceptional times), and (3) complex understorey habitat that satisfies the microhabitat selection of species of small mammals.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13035
Subject Headings: Bamboo--Peru--Tambopata River, Biodiversity--Peru--Tambopata River, Mammal populations--Peru--Tambopata River, Tambopata River (Peru)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Predaceous Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) at Sea Turtle (Testudines: Cheloniidae) Nesting Beaches and Hatcheries in El Salvador.
Creator: Wetterer, James K., Liles, Michael J., Sermeño, José M., Cervantes, Leopoldo Serrano, Echeverria, Eunice E., Hernández, Rosa María Estrada, Henriquez, Ana, Pérez, Dagoberto, García, Doris Argentina Sánchez, Peralta, Carlos E. Gómez, Sorto, Rubén López, Melendez, Glenda
Date Issued: 2016-03
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000210
Format: Citation

Title: Ecological Dominance by Paratrechina longicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), an Invasive Tramp Ant, in Biosphere 2.
Creator: Wetterer, James K., Miller, S. E., Wheeler, D. E., Olson, C. A., Polhemus, D. A., Pitts, M., Ashton, I. W., Himler, A. G., Yospin, M. M., Helms, K. R., Harken, E. L., Gallaher, J., Dunning, C. E., Nelson, M., Litsinger, J., Southern, A., Burgess, T. L.
Date Issued: 1999-09
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000201
Format: Citation

Honors Student Theses (24)	+ -
FAU College Collections (21)	+ -
FAU Theses and Dissertations (4)	+ -
FAU Graduate Student Research (3)	+ -
FAU Undergraduate Student Research (2)	+ -

Biological invasions (2)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (2)	+ -
Animal welfare (1)	+ -
Anthropogenic compounds (1)	+ -
Bamboo--Peru--Tambopata River (1)	+ -

Bears (1)	+ -
Biodiversity--Peru--Tambopata River (1)	+ -
Captive wild animals (1)	+ -
College students --Research --United States. (1)	+ -
Environmental enrichment (1)	+ -
Fire ants -- St. Croix -- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands) -- Geographical distribution (1)	+ -
Fire ants -- Venom -- Physiological effect (1)	+ -
Fire ants--Venom--Physiological effect (1)	+ -
Fluorides (1)	+ -
Green turtle--Mortality (1)	+ -
Loggerhead turtle--Mortality (1)	+ -
Mammal populations--Peru--Tambopata River (1)	+ -
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands) (1)	+ -
Sea turtles -- Florida -- Mortality (1)	+ -
Sea turtles -- Nests -- St. Croix -- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands) (1)	+ -
Sea turtles -- St. Croix -- Mortality (1)	+ -
Sea turtles--Florida (1)	+ -
Snails (1)	+ -
Tambopata River (Peru) (1)	+ -
Ursus americanus (1)	+ -
Wildlife conservation -- Florida (1)	+ -
Wildlife conservation -- St. Croix (1)	+ -

thesis (24)	+ -
article (20)	+ -
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (4)	+ -
poster (3)	+ -
abstract (2)	+ -

Wetterer, James K. (53)	+ -
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College (21)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (18)	+ -
Moore, Jon (4)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (3)	+ -

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