Category: Ecosystems & Species

Rethinking the Role of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the Eutrophication of Aquatic Ecosystems (SGEF190/SG118)

Figure 1. Shoreline bloomFor many years, environmental agencies have sought to improve the water quality of lakes and estuaries by reducing inputs of phosphorus. New research indicates that we must reduce both phosphorus and nitrogen to reverse eutrophication symptoms. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Karl Havens and Thomas Frazer, and published by the UF Department of Sea Grant, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg118

Embalses Costeros Para el Control de los Mosquitos (ENY648S/IN193)

Figure 6b. Recobro de la vegetación en el embalse IRC #12.Los embalses costeros utilizados en Florida para el control de los mosquitos son marismas o manglares con un dique periférico que permite inundar el área durante la temporada de cría de mosquitos. Desde entonces, investigaciones científicas han demostrado que el embalsamiento puede causar serios impactos ambientales en las marismas, manglares y esteros colindantes. Hoy en día, se ha devuelto una hidrología más natural a más de 1,300 ha de marismas y manglares embalsados y se han eliminado más de 70 km de diques. De las 16,185 ha originales de marismas embalsadas en la laguna Indian River, se han restaurado de alguna manera más de 12,600 ha, ya sea por reconexión, brechas en los diques, o restauración de las orillas. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Jorge R. Rey y C. Roxanne Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in193

Mosquito Control Impoundments (ENY648S/IN192)

Figure 5. The Banana River project.A mosquito control impoundment is a salt marsh or mangrove forest with an earthen dike around the perimeter that allows the area to be artificially flooded during the mosquito breeding season. Since the seventies, research has shown that impounding can have severe environmental impacts on the marshes and the adjoining estuary. So, over 12,600 hectares of the original 16,185 of impoundments have been rehabilitated in some fashion. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Jorge R. Rey and C. Roxanne Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in192

Ehrlichia y Anaplasma en Florida (ENY662S/IN422)

Figure 1. Vectores de Ehrlichia en Florida.Ehrlichia y Anaplasma son géneros bacterianos emparentados que causan enfermedades en humanos y en animales domésticos. A las enfermedades se les llama generalmente erliquiosis (ehrlichiosis) o anaplasmosis, pero existen varias especies de bacteria que causan diferentes síntomas y pueden tener diferentes vectores. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Jorge R. Rey, Cynthia C. Lord, y Roxanne Rutledge Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in422

Common Aquatic Plants of Lake Okeechobee: Identification, Value, and Management (SSAGR362/AG371)

Figure 2. Broadleaf arrowhead.Aquatic and wetland plants are essential to the ecology of Florida lakes, such as Lake Okeechobee, but they can also pose ecological and water use problems. This 16-page fact sheet provides information about the plants of Lake Okeechobee and outlines the importance of certain plants to the lake, problems caused by some plants, and the methods used to manage plants for the benefit of the entire lake environment. Written by K.A. Langeland and C.C. Jacono, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag371

Tawny Emperor butterfly Asterocampa clyton (Boisduval & LeConte) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Apaturinae) (EENY528/IN933)

Figure 4. An adult male tawny emperor, Asterocampa clyton (Boisduval & Leconte), with wings open. The tawny emperor is a medium sized, non-descript butterfly that is common in riparian forests, but is also found in dry woods and suburbs. Larvae that develop in fall overwinter in small groups in a hibernaculum constructed by tying leaves together with silk so it stays on the tree throughout the winter. This 8-page fact sheet was written by Donald W. Hall, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in933

Bean Plataspid: Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plataspidae) (EENY527/IN939)

Figure 2. Adult bean plataspids, Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius), on a building in Georgia, USA. Notice the enlarged, truncated scutellum covering the wings.Also known as the kudzu bug, lablab bug, and globular stink bug, the bean plantaspid is native to Asia, where it is not an agricultural pest. But in the U. S., it is reported as a pest of soybean in Georgia and South Carolina. Adults from established populations overwinter on light colored structures, in leaf litter, and underneath the bark of trees. Also, like stink bugs, adults tend to excrete an odor as a defense mechanism when disturbed. The defense chemical these insects secrete may stain the surface of the house, building or vehicle where aggregation occurs. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Ashley Poplin and Amanda Hodges, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in939

Florida’s Seepage Slope Wetlands (WEC322/UW367)

Figure 1. Flowering yellow trumpet pitcherplants in a seepage slope located in Blackwater River State Forest in the western Florida Panhandle.Florida is home to one of North America’s most unique and diverse ecosystems, the seepage slope. Unusual hydrology and frequent fires combine to create an environment that supports a variety of carnivorous and other sun-loving herbaceous plants. This 5-page fact sheet discusses the natural history and conservation concerns associated with seepage slope wetlands. Written by Megan E. Brown and Debbie L. Miller, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw367

The Invasion of Exotic Reptiles and Amphibians in Florida (WEC320/UW365)

Figure 1. Argentine black and white teguFlorida has more introduced species of reptiles and amphibians living and breeding in the wild than anywhere else in the world. This 6-page fact sheet summarizes findings from three recent scientific papers describing who these invaders are, their potential ecological impacts, and recommendations for their management and control. Written by Frank J. Mazzotti and Rebecca G. Harvey, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw365

Laws that Protect Florida’s Wildlife (WEC48/UW076)

alligator lurking in grassEndangered species are not the only wildlife protected by the legal system. All of Florida’s wildlife is more or less safeguarded by a variety of laws. Laws addressing wildlife can be found at the federal, state, regional, and local levels of government. Wildlife protection may also take the form of conventions, treaties, and executive orders. All are subject to periodic change. For example, legislators can alter or delete laws every year. This 5-page fact sheet summarizes federal laws and state statutes and rules. Written by Joe Schaefer, John Tucker, and Maia McGuire, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw076

Landscape Diversity: Florida Phosphate Mine Pit Lakes (SL364/SS565)

Figure 2. Phosphate mine pit lake during reclamation. This 8-page fact sheet contains a synopsis of findings obtained through research, contrasted with limnological studies of natural lakes in central Florida. Written by M. Wilson and E.A. Hanlon, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss565

A Mosquito Culex (Melanoconion) pilosus (Dyar and Knab) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae) (EENY521/IN930)

Figure 2. Adult female Culex (Melanoconion) pilosus, a mosquito. This small, dark mosquito tends to feed on reptiles and amphibians. It is found in the southeastern United States and many countries in Central America and South America. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Diana Vork and C. Roxanne Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in930

¿Qué te está picando? (ENY2015S/IN927)

¿Qué te está picando?Pulgas, piojos, chinches, o garrapatas? Ponle atención a tu insecto para que sepas lo que es. This poster was written by E. E. Harlow, C. A. McNeill, R. W. Baldwin, R. M. Pereira, P. G. Koehler, and J. C. Medley, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in927

Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms (FOR289/FR357)

Figure 3. Sabal etonia, scrub palmetto, at Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA While traveling through the Florida peninsula, a casual observer will notice a wide variety of palms and find that many are called “palmetto.” This 4-page fact sheet helps field investigators identify the four Sabal species found in Florida's natural areas, first by distinguishing them from other fan palms and then from each other. Written by David A. Fox and Michael G. Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr357

Ehrlichia and Anaplasma in Florida (ENY662/IN191)

Figure 1. Ehrlichia vectors in FloridaEhrlichia and Anaplasma are related bacterial genera containing species that can cause disease in both humans and domestic animals. The diseases are often referred to simply as ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis, but there are multiple species of bacteria that can cause different disease symptoms and have different vectors. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Cynthia C. Lord and C. Roxanne Rutledge Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in191

Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests (SSFOR19/FR133)

Chines Tallowtree infestationInvasive non-native organisms are one of the greatest threats to the natural ecosystems of the United States. Invasive plants reduce biodiversity, encroach on endangered and threatened species, and rob native species of habitat. This 8-page fact sheet describes many of the current methods used to manage some of the more common and troublesome invasive exotic plants in north Florida forests. Written by Chris Demers, Alan Long and Rick Williams, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr133

Identification of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, and Poisonwood (ENH886/EP220)

Figure 2. Poison ivy leaves (consisting of three leaflets) and flowersFlorida parks and woodlands are favorite places for many people who enjoy outdoor activities. Unfortunately, the native plants poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and poisonwood can make these outings a miserable experience. All four contain urushiol, a plant oil that can cause a severe skin rash (dermatitis) when any part of the plant is contacted. Allergic reaction can occur directly by touching the plant or indirectly by coming into contact with the oil on animals, tools, clothes, shoes, or other items. Even the smoke from burning plants contains oil particles that can be inhaled and cause lung irritation. This 6-page fact sheet helps individuals learn to identify these plants in order to avoid contact with them. Children should be taught to recognize these plants, particularly poison ivy, as it is by far the most common. Written by Sydney Park Brown and Patricia Grace, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep220

A Fruit Fly, Anastrepha ocresia (Walker) (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritide) (EENY202/IN359)

Figure 1. Adult female Anastrepha ocresia (Walker), a fruit fly.This small orange brown fly with patterned wings, banded abdomen, and a somewhat long ovipositor sheath is one of six species of fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha that occur in Florida or which have been established in Florida at some time. There is a distinct possibility that this species has not survived in Florida. This 3-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr., and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in359

Fruit Fly, Anastrepha edentata Stone (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY264/IN543)

Figure 2. Adult female Anastrepha edentata Stone, a fruit fly.Anastrepha edentata Stone has been collected in the Florida keys in every month of the year, but its host plants still are unknown. It is one of six species of fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha, which occur in Florida or which have been established in Florida at some time. According to Division of Plant Industry records, it has not been found in Florida since 1936. There is a possibility that this species has not survived in Florida. It is not considered to be of economic importance anywhere within its range. This 2-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr., and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in543

Schoepfia Fruit Fly, Anastrepha interrupta Stone (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY267/IN548)

Figure 2. Adult female schoepfia fruit fly, Anastrepha interrupta Stone.The schoepfia fruit fly is native to southern Florida. It is known only from coastal counties of south-central Florida to Key West, and only feeds on fruit of the flowering plant Schoepfia chrysophylloides. This 4-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr. and J. B. Heppner, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in548