Document Type
Honors Project
First Advisor
Dr. Edgar Lickey
Degree Award Date
Spring 2011
Keywords
Arthropods, Arboreal Spanish Moss, Tillandsia usneoides, Central Florida
Disciplines
Biology | Entomology | Zoology
Abstract
Spanish moss supports diverse arthropod communities including both resident and transient species. This study is a survey of arthropods occurring in Spanish moss in both summer (August) and winter (January) in central Florida. Samples were obtained from multiple positions on two individual water oak (Quercus nigra L.) trees. The samples taken in August were found to have higher numbers of resident arthropods than January samples and include a higher number of spider egg cases and cocoons. Arthropods found include four species of mites, five species of spiders, and a variety of insects. Host specific insects such as Orthezia tillandsiae Morrison (scale insect) were observed, as were apparent transient species. This study supports previous research that shows tree dwelling Spanish moss provides habitat to a diverse arthropod communities.
Recommended Citation
Ziegler, Tricia, "A Survey of Arthropods in Arboreal Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides [L.] L.) Plants from Central Florida" (2011). Honors Projects. 115.
https://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/honors_projects/115