View All Items

Title: A comparison of the red fire ant and gopher tortoise burrow distribution within the FAU preserve.
Creator: Nenkova, Anzehla, Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is considered a threatened species throughout much of its range. Their decline is mainly attributed to habitat fragmentation and destruction. These habitat disturbances commonly favor invasive species such as the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The red fire ant has been detected on aprons of gopher tortoise burrows at the FAU preserve and we would like to evaluate whether the distribution of red fire ants overlaps with that of the tortoises burrows...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is considered a threatened species throughout much of its range. Their decline is mainly attributed to habitat fragmentation and destruction. These habitat disturbances commonly favor invasive species such as the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The red fire ant has been detected on aprons of gopher tortoise burrows at the FAU preserve and we would like to evaluate whether the distribution of red fire ants overlaps with that of the tortoises burrows. Ant distribution was accessed at the FAU preserve by running 10 random 100m transect lines and placing sardine baits at every 20m interval. Preliminary data suggests that red fire ants were abundant in 70% of the transects; however, we were unable to establish a direct correlation between the distribution of gopher tortoise burrows and that of red fire ants. The ants were tentatively identified to subfamilies and further identification will be performed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0005031
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fecundity of the gopher tortoise (gopherus polyphemus) in a degraded and fragmented southeastern Florida scrub habitat.
Creator: Zeiger, Ariel, Frazier, Evelyn
Date Issued: 2013-04-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361241
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoise, Fecundity, Habitat fragmentation, Gopher tortoise--Florida--Reproduction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An identification and comparison of intestinal parasites found within Gopherus polyphemus at two differing Southeastern Florida habitats.
Creator: Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Graduate College, Caruso, Joseph P.
Abstract/Description: Gopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) in a higher quality habitat. We hypothesized there would be higher intestinal parasite loads in FAUP tortoises than JDSP tortoises, due to overcrowding. Several methods were used to determine parasite species and infection intensities. Fecal flotations revealed moderate to high Strongyle and Hookworm intensities in FAUP tortoises; in contrast, low Hookworm and moderate Strongyle intensities were seen in JDSP tortoises. Comparing infection intensities to degree of crowding is important to optimize management strategies of these threatened species.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005150
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparative survey of hemoparasites in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
Creator: Elhassani, Dana, Caruso, Joseph P., Graduate College, Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP); managed by fire. We hypothesized that gopher tortoises in the FAUP will be infected by heavier hemoparasite loads, potentially causing anemia, when compared to JDSP. To detect hemoparasites, blood was collected from tortoises at FAUP and JDSP. Blood smears revealed intracellular parasites and inclusions at both sites. Packed cell volumes were done to assess whether tortoises were anemic; results found tortoises were not anemic during that sampling period. This study will provide baseline data for blood-borne infections in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005145
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Distribution and Habitat Use of the Gopher Tortoise in a Declining Southeast Florida Conservation Area.
Creator: Scholl, Joshua, Hindle, Tobin, Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract/Description: FAU's Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry hosts an annual symposium where students engaged in undergraduate research may present their findings either through a poster presentation or an oral presentation.
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005449
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of Cuban treefrog (osteopilus septentrionalis) predation on native Florida treefrog species.
Creator: Planas, Anthony, Cunningham, Miranda, Frazier, Evelyn
Date Issued: 2013-04-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361165
Subject Headings: Cuban treefrog--Florida, Osteopilus septentrionalis, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Molecular Characterization of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) Blood Parasite within the Threatened Gopherus Polyphemus Species.
Creator: Eusse, Johanna, Cooney, Brian, Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter, Florida). Our research focus is to conduct molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA region of Hepatozoon sp. within blood samples and to determine how this species found is related to other known Hepatozoon species. This molecular characterization study will provide us a better understanding of the existing Hepatozoon blood parasite species within gopher tortoises in South Florida.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAU_SR00000035
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Home Range and Social Interactions of a South Florida Gopherus Polyphemus Population.
Creator: Rodriguez, Andrea, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract/Description: Gopherus polyphemus is a threatened reptile native to the southeastern USA. Previous research suggests the South Florida (SF) climate may allow tortoises to reproduce year-round. Our goal was to evaluate the social interactions and home range of the Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) tortoise population, with an emphasis on reproductive behavior since minimal information is available. In this study, 12 FAUP tortoises had radio-transmitters attached and game cameras placed at their...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus is a threatened reptile native to the southeastern USA. Previous research suggests the South Florida (SF) climate may allow tortoises to reproduce year-round. Our goal was to evaluate the social interactions and home range of the Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) tortoise population, with an emphasis on reproductive behavior since minimal information is available. In this study, 12 FAUP tortoises had radio-transmitters attached and game cameras placed at their burrows. We hypothesized, 1) Gopher tortoise home ranges would differ between males and females, and between vegetation types and 2) Intraspecific gopher tortoise interaction frequencies would differ between vegetation types. Movement data has been mapped for 10 tortoises to reveal home ranges differ between sex and vegetation type. Camera data illustrates mounting as the most frequent interaction in the scrub vegetation. This research can be used to improve conservation efforts for the FAUP population.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAU_SR00000052
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparative survey of Gopherus polyphemus hemoparasites in two differing South Florida habitats.
Creator: Cooney, Brian, Elhassani, Dana, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog Preserve (PJP), differ in their management. The goal of this study is: (1) determine, if any, haemogregarina parasitemia levels of the gopher tortoise population in each site and (2) detect any additional hemoparasite species. We hypothesize that paristemia will be higher in BSP due to increased overcrowding and lack of prescribed fires. This study will benefit current conservation and management practices for gopher tortoises and provide a baseline study for intracellular parasites.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005182
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Bacterial Community Analysis of Soil Samples Beneath Decomposing Sus scrofa Carcasses.
Creator: Brown, Spencer, Ebanks, Ryan, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed from the time of death until the discovery of a decomposing body, which forensic scientists utilize to decipher how and when a death occurred. Much of decomposition is attributable to bacterial activity. Identifying a net change in bacterial composition throughout the PMI of a decomposing carcass helps to explain the mechanism of decomposition. Carcasses of four feral swine were placed in cages in direct sunlight, whereby soil samples were...
Show moreThe post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed from the time of death until the discovery of a decomposing body, which forensic scientists utilize to decipher how and when a death occurred. Much of decomposition is attributable to bacterial activity. Identifying a net change in bacterial composition throughout the PMI of a decomposing carcass helps to explain the mechanism of decomposition. Carcasses of four feral swine were placed in cages in direct sunlight, whereby soil samples were taken prior to and following seven days of decomposition. Bacterial DNA was then isolated from the soil samples and amplified via polymerase-chain reaction. Further metagenomic analysis was conducted by an outside agency using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing to determine the composition of the bacterial community. A relationship between the stages of decomposition and the anatomy of bacterial communities involved was determined, which helps to elucidate the process of decomposition.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005178
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Baseline Study for the Identification of Intestinal Parasites in Gopher Tortoises Found in Blazing Star and Pine Jog.
Creator: Shanker, Rachel, Haizlett, Kent, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are diminishing in South Florida due to habitat fragmentation in urban sites. As a keystone species, gopher tortoises have important ecological roles. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of intestinal parasites in two South Florida populations. One population resides in a fragmented and non-fire maintained site, Blazing Star, and the other in a fire maintained site, Pine Jog. Fire is a natural factor in these habitats reducing...
Show moreGopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are diminishing in South Florida due to habitat fragmentation in urban sites. As a keystone species, gopher tortoises have important ecological roles. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of intestinal parasites in two South Florida populations. One population resides in a fragmented and non-fire maintained site, Blazing Star, and the other in a fire maintained site, Pine Jog. Fire is a natural factor in these habitats reducing canopy cover and killing parasite eggs. The lack of fire in Blazing Star can lead to overgrowth of vegetation, forcing tortoises to crowd where lower vegetation is found. We hypothesize that tortoises from Blazing Star will have a higher degree of intestinal parasites, when compared to those from Pine Jog due to potential crowding. Data is currently being collected, and may provide insight to improve future management and conservation practices.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005209
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Analysis of Gopherus polyphemus Reproduction at the Florida Atlantic University Preserve.
Creator: Nguyen, Thuymi, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Gopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise) is a threatened keystone species whose burrows benefit over 350 species. Surveys conducted throughout 2010- 2015 at Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) have found an age gap of ten years and a lack of nests. To update the demographic survey and to examine the population’s reproduction and health, we conducted burrow and nest surveys from May to September 2016 and collected fecal samples to check for endo-parasites. Transects were used to locate...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise) is a threatened keystone species whose burrows benefit over 350 species. Surveys conducted throughout 2010- 2015 at Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) have found an age gap of ten years and a lack of nests. To update the demographic survey and to examine the population’s reproduction and health, we conducted burrow and nest surveys from May to September 2016 and collected fecal samples to check for endo-parasites. Transects were used to locate burrows and measurements were taken to determine population structure. Wire-probing was used to locate nests and feces were tested for endo-parasites. From a total of 261 marked burrows and fecal sampling, results indicated a continuous age range, one nest, and presence of intestinal parasites. Future work will focus on health and reproductive behavior that will improve our understanding of the FAUP gopher tortoise population and may ultimately aid in future conservation methods.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005631
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of the gopher tortoise tick (Amblyomma tuberculatum) and its distribution at the FAU Conservation Area in southestern Florida.
Creator: Bari, Arafat, McGuire, Jessica L., Frazier, Evelyn
Date Issued: 2013-04-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361066
Subject Headings: Amblyomma, Gopher tortoise, Ticks as carriers of disease, Vector-pathogen relationships
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A forensic entomological and anthropological investigation into the decomposition rates in South Florida: the insecta that colonize sus scrofa.
Creator: Ebanks, Ryan, Schuss, Stephen, Unger, Jeremy, Frazier, Evelyn
Date Issued: 2013-04-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361080
Subject Headings: Decomposition (Biology), Biodegradation, Sus scrofa
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Survey of Gopherus polyphemus Intestinal Parasites in South Florida.
Creator: Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Gopherus polyphemus populations are diminishing throughout their range due to urbanization, fragmentation, and poor management of habitats. Increased population densities, poor habitat quality, and lack of fire may influence disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite evidence these pathogens may pose health risks. This study provides a baseline of gopher tortoise endoparasites across South Florida and reports on how varying environmental...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus populations are diminishing throughout their range due to urbanization, fragmentation, and poor management of habitats. Increased population densities, poor habitat quality, and lack of fire may influence disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite evidence these pathogens may pose health risks. This study provides a baseline of gopher tortoise endoparasites across South Florida and reports on how varying environmental and tortoise characteristics may affect endoparasite species prevalence, approximate loads, and overall distributions. Tortoise fecal samples were taken from five differing SF habitats. Seven species of intestinal parasites were discovered from 123 tortoises. Identified parasites include endo-helminths such as cyathostomes, pinworms, ascarids, flukes, and protozoans including Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, and Amoeba species. Significant differences in parasite prevalence and loads were seen between sampling years, seasons, size classes, and sites, however, overall parasite distributions suggest parasitism remains relatively ubiquitous throughout most host and site characteristics.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005933
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Gopherus polyphemus, Gopher tortoise., Parasites., Florida.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Investigating vertebrate relationships of the south Florida gopher tortoise: a study of vertebrate species within scrub, pine rockland, coastal hammock and grassland habitats.
Creator: Melanson, Lauren, Frazier, Evelyn, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise is a keystone species that creates networks of underground burrows that are home to an additional 350 species, where 60 are vertebrates. Vertebrates have been shown to differ between habitat types and seasonally, but limited information is known about vertebrate associates in our region. This study was one of the first to investigate this in our region of south Florida. This study was designed to investigate factors that may affect the presence of vertebrates at gopher...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise is a keystone species that creates networks of underground burrows that are home to an additional 350 species, where 60 are vertebrates. Vertebrates have been shown to differ between habitat types and seasonally, but limited information is known about vertebrate associates in our region. This study was one of the first to investigate this in our region of south Florida. This study was designed to investigate factors that may affect the presence of vertebrates at gopher tortoise burrows. Camera data was collected to determine vertebrate presence and if specific vertebrate groups elicit a territorial response from the tortoise, while habitat vegetation surveys and weather data were collected to evaluate seasonality. Statistical analysis showed variation in vertebrate presence both seasonally and by habitat type. Few territorial interactions were observed overall. This study acts as a starting point to increase our understanding of local tortoise populations.
Show less
Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013776
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoise, Keystone species, Vertebrates, Conservation biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INFLUENCES OF WATER QUALITY AND HABITAT RELATIONSHIPS ON THE BURROW DENSITY OF SPHAEROMA TEREBRANS.
Creator: Powell, Krystyna, Frazier, Evelyn, Proffitt, C. Edward, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Sphaeroma terebrans, is an ecological engineer that can significantly modify the habitat of free-hanging aerial prop roots of Rhizophora mangle. The wood-boring isopod extensively burrows into red mangrove aerial prop roots for habitat and protection from desiccation and access to phytoplankton. However, the burrows created have major consequences on the mangrove habitat and aerial root inhabitants. It has been suggested that sessile species residing in aerial root communities can either...
Show moreSphaeroma terebrans, is an ecological engineer that can significantly modify the habitat of free-hanging aerial prop roots of Rhizophora mangle. The wood-boring isopod extensively burrows into red mangrove aerial prop roots for habitat and protection from desiccation and access to phytoplankton. However, the burrows created have major consequences on the mangrove habitat and aerial root inhabitants. It has been suggested that sessile species residing in aerial root communities can either encourage or discourage colonization by S. terebrans. Abiotic factors can affect the distribution and abundance of mangrove forest and are the same factors which determine the composition and abundance of organisms living on the roots. Surveys indicated that burrowing damage was found predominately in the first 20 cm of the root tip. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test multivariate hypothesized models looking at habitat relationships with S. terebrans in aerial root communities. Temperature and dissolved oxygen were shown to be important drivers in affecting submerged root length of aerial roots. Ultimately, the indirect effects between these parameters proved to be stronger in influencing the barnacle – isopod association, which causes direct negative effects on submerged root length. Colonial tunicates showed weak effects in masking aerial roots from the damaging barnacle – isopod association. Chlorophyll a was used as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass and proved to be less influential than habitat protection for S. terebrans. Results highlight the need for experimentation in addition to modeling in order to determine the mechanisms influencing aerial root community inhabitants and further effects on the habitat.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013544
Subject Headings: Sphaeroma, Isopoda, Rhizophora mangle, Red mangrove--Ecology, Prop roots, Habitats
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ARE SOUTH FLORIDA’S GOPHER TORTOISE POPULATION’S GENETICALLY DIFFERENTIATED FROM EACH OTHER?.
Creator: Rothberg, Olivia, Frazier, Evelyn, Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Gopher Tortoises are an imperiled terrestrial tortoise considered ecosystem engineers, as their burrows support over 350 species of “commensals”. Due to extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction and fragmentation, tortoise populations have significantly declined over the past 100 years. This isolation is leading to a premature loss of genetic variation, further precipitating the decline of this species. Understanding the genetic structure of this species can aid management decisions through...
Show moreGopher Tortoises are an imperiled terrestrial tortoise considered ecosystem engineers, as their burrows support over 350 species of “commensals”. Due to extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction and fragmentation, tortoise populations have significantly declined over the past 100 years. This isolation is leading to a premature loss of genetic variation, further precipitating the decline of this species. Understanding the genetic structure of this species can aid management decisions through intentionally relocating animals based on genetic units and historic gene flow, to preserve adaptive diversity and evolutionary potential on a large scale. I investigated whether Southeast Florida has a genetically distinct subpopulation of Gopher Tortoises in the unexamined southeasternmost extent of their range, from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade counties, using 9 microsatellite loci previously characterized for this species (Schwartz et al 2003) and found that our populations are only modestly differentiated from each other, and have greater genetic diversity than other populations.
Show less
Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014362
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoises, Florida, South, Population genetics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE GALL MIDGE CTENODACTYLOMYIA WATSONI ON ITS HOST PLANTS COCCOLOBA UVIFERA AND COCCOLOBA DIVERSIFOLIA.
Creator: Li, Arisa, Frazier, Evelyn, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This thesis explores interactions between the native Florida plant Coccoloba uvifera (sea grape) and the gall-inducing midge Ctenodactylomyia watsoni. Galls are tumor-like structure that form on the surface of the leaf. Galled leaves are common on sea grape foliage, with the oviposition of C. watsoni potentially contributing to or being associated with early leaf senescence. Despite its significance, the life cycle of this galling midge remains a largely unexplored topic in the literature....
Show moreThis thesis explores interactions between the native Florida plant Coccoloba uvifera (sea grape) and the gall-inducing midge Ctenodactylomyia watsoni. Galls are tumor-like structure that form on the surface of the leaf. Galled leaves are common on sea grape foliage, with the oviposition of C. watsoni potentially contributing to or being associated with early leaf senescence. Despite its significance, the life cycle of this galling midge remains a largely unexplored topic in the literature. This research also investigates the potential oviposition and gall formation on another Florida coastal plant, Coccoloba diversifolia, commonly known as pigeon plum. Given the taxonomic proximity and potential for hybridization of the two plant congeners, it was suspected that pigeon plum may serve as a potential host for C. watsoni. This thesis aimed to expand understanding of the life cycle and population dynamics of C. watsoni. The study was successful in providing insight into the population composition, periodicity, and trait differentiation between both its host plants of the galling midge C. watsoni.
Show less
Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014444
Subject Headings: Gall midges, Gall midges--Host plants--North America, Plant pathology, Botany
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Undergraduate Student Research (12)	+ -
FAU Theses and Dissertations (5)	+ -
FAU Graduate Student Research (2)	+ -

College students --Research --United States. (7)	+ -
Gopher tortoise (3)	+ -
Amblyomma (1)	+ -
Biodegradation (1)	+ -
Botany (1)	+ -

Conservation biology (1)	+ -
Cuban treefrog--Florida (1)	+ -
Decomposition (Biology) (1)	+ -
Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University (1)	+ -
Fecundity (1)	+ -
Florida, South (1)	+ -
Florida. (1)	+ -
Gall midges (1)	+ -
Gall midges--Host plants--North America (1)	+ -
Gopher tortoise--Florida--Reproduction (1)	+ -
Gopher tortoise. (1)	+ -
Gopher tortoises (1)	+ -
Gopherus polyphemus (1)	+ -
Habitat fragmentation (1)	+ -
Habitats (1)	+ -
Isopoda (1)	+ -
Keystone species (1)	+ -
Osteopilus septentrionalis (1)	+ -
Parasites. (1)	+ -
Plant pathology (1)	+ -
Population genetics (1)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (1)	+ -
Prop roots (1)	+ -
Red mangrove--Ecology (1)	+ -
Rhizophora mangle (1)	+ -

poster (14)	+ -
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (5)	+ -

Frazier, Evelyn (19)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (8)	+ -
Caruso, Joseph P. (5)	+ -
Department of Biological Sciences (5)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (5)	+ -

Search In

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner