The non-native lizards breeding in Florida now outnumber the native species, and there are several large, invasive lizards that are of special concern. This quick reference guide is a quick reference guide to identification of the largest lizards you are likely to see in Florida, and the appropriate action to take in the event of an encounter. Written by Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw352
Category: Ecosystems & Species
Quick Reference Guide: Native Snakes Easily Mistaken for Introduced Constrictors in Florida (WEC305/UW350)
Three non-native species of large constrictor snakes are now breeding in Florida, and several others have been encountered but have not yet established wild populations. This quick reference guide to identification of the native snakes you might easily mistake for introduced constrictors in Florida was written by Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Januar 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw350
Options for Unwanted Exotic Pets (WEC308/UW353)
Exotic reptiles, birds, and fish are popular pets. However, many species grow large and require special cages or become difficult to handle. If at some point you are no longer able to care for your exotic pet, you have several options that are discussed in this brochure, written by Steve A. Johnson, Monica E. McGarrity, and Dustin Smith, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw353
Should We Use Wood for Energy? A High School Unit (FOR270/FR332)
As communities across the South explore options for reducing carbon emissions with renewable energy resources, local wood may become an attractive possibility. Whether using wood for energy is a good idea and how communities go about deciding whether to build a facility depends upon community residents’ understanding of energy sources, biomass supply and cost, and forest management. This high school unit helps students gain knowledge and skills for making decisions about woody biomass. This 210-page curriculum was written by Jessica Tomasello Ireland, Martha C. Monroe, and Annie Oxarart, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, September 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr332
Royal Palm Bug, Xylastodoris luteolus Barber (Insecta: Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) (EENY097/IN254)
This insect species is one of the few arthropods that feed on Cuban royal palms which are native to Florida and Cuba, and is the only representative of the small tropical family of Thaumastocoridae in North America. This revised 3-page fact sheet was written by T. J. Weissling, F. W. Howard, and A. W. Meerow, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in254
Effects of Canals and Levees on Everglades Ecosystems [Fact Sheet] (WEC309/UW354)
Canals and levees are the foundation of south Florida’s water management system. However, degradation of Everglades ecosystems has resulted directly from these structures and their effects of drainage and impoundment. This 3-page fact sheet summarizes the science on ecological and hydrological impacts of Everglades canals and levees. Written by Rebecca G. Harvey, William F. Loftus, Jennifer S. Rehage, and Frank J. Mazzotti, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw354
Possible Florida Invader: Ball Python (WEC296/UW341)
Sightings of this nocturnal predator that is usually only three to four feet long, not established in Florida but very common in the pet trade, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw341
Florida Invader: Common Boa (WEC297/UW342)
Sightings of this large, nocturnal predator that may grow to 15 feet long and kills its prey by constriction, established in Miami, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw342
Florida Invader: Cuban Treefrog (WEC301/UW346)
Do you now how to tell the difference between an invasive Cuban Treefrog and a native treefrog? This 2-page fact sheet will help you correctly identify and humanely euthanize this invasive frog that preys on several species of native tree frogs. It was written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw346
Urban Soils in Gainesville, Florida and Their Implications for Environmental Quality and Management (FOR275/FR337)
It is frequently assumed that urban soils are homogenous, heavily disturbed, or of low fertility. But recent studies show that urban soils are highly variable, ranging from highly modified to nearly undisturbed. Still, there are observable trends and patterns in urban soil characteristics have been observed. This 6-page fact sheet sheds light on how and why soil properties vary across Gainesville and provides useful information on the sustainable management of urban soils. It was written by Donald Hagan, Cynnamon Dobbs, Francisco Escobedo, Wayne Zipperer, and Zoltan Szantoi, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr337
Forensic Entomology (4HENL41/4H310)
Forensics is a hot topic, with many movies and popular television shows (such as “CSI”) introducing youth to the tools, processes, and critical thinking skills needed to solve various crimes. Within this world, insects have a growing presence. The field of forensic entomology focuses on the information that insects provide investigators about the time, location, and criminal negligence within a wide variety of criminal cases. This curriculum is a tool for teaching youth grades 6–8 about the contributions that insects make to the world of forensics. This three-week series of lesson activities is designed for use in after-school programs, summer day camps, and 4-H clubs. However, this package also includes the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for teachers within formal classroom settings. It was written by Erika Andersen and Russell Mizell with Jessica Kochert and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, January 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h310
Sharks for the Aquarium and Considerations for Their Selection (FA179)
Sharks are magnificent animals and an exciting group of fishes. And they are becoming increasingly popular as pet animals. The proper care and display of sharks requires great attention to details. This 8-page fact sheet provides critical points aquarists must consider in deciding whether or not to include sharks in their aquaria. A table of the most popular sharks kept in public and home aquariums is provided to facilitate species selection. Written by Alexis L. Morris, Elisa J. Livengood, and Frank A. Chapman, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, December 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa179
The Insect Community on the Soil Surface (ENY859/IN876)
It’s easy to find and collect insects, related arthropods, and other invertebrates from the soil surface using simple materials that are readily available. This 7-page fact sheet describes several collection methods and introduces common invertebrates that are found on the soil surface in agricultural fields and gardens in Florida. It was written by Harsimran K. Gill, Robert McSorley, and Lyle Buss, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in876
Bats of Florida (WEC186/UW203)
Nocturnal habits, affinity for eerie places, and silent, darting flight have made bats the subjects of a great deal of folklore and superstition through the years. Given their ability to function in the dark when and where humans cannot, it is no wonder that bats have long been associated with the supernatural. Bats remain poorly understood even today. This revised 5-page fact sheet describes the species of bats that occur in Florida and provides simple tips for their identification. It was written by Holly K. Ober, Martin B. Main, and Ginger M. Allen and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw203
Florida Invader: Cane Toad (WEC300/UW345)
Do you now how to tell the difference between a dangerous Cane Toad (a.k.a. “Bufo” Toad or Marine Toad) and a harmless native toad? This 2-page fact sheet will help you correctly identify and humanely euthanize this invasive toad that can kill pets. It was written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw345
Florida Invader: Tegu Lizard (WEC295/UW340)
Sightings of this large black-and-white invasive lizard, established in areas southeast of Tampa and south of Miami, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet, written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw340
Parasitoids of Dipteran leafminers, Diglyphus spp. (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (EENY484/IN877)
This 3-page illustrated fact sheet describes these promising biological control agents for agromyzid leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae) — distribution, description, hosts, and economic importance. Includes references. Written by Jian Li and Dakshina R. Seal, Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology as part of the Featured Creatures Collection, December 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in877
Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Arctiidae: Arctiinae) (EENY486/IN878)
This 9-page illustrated fact sheet describes this pest whose larvae form large tents in the foliage of many ornamental trees & shrubs, and also agronomic crops — synonymy, distribution, description and life cycle, hosts, economic importance, and management. Includes references. Written by Andrei Sourakov and Thomson Paris, Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology as part of the Featured Creatures collection, December 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in878
Horned passalus, Odontotaenius disjunctus (Illiger) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Passalidae: Passalinae) (EENY487/IN879)
This 6-page illustrated fact sheet describes the commonly encountered and easily recognizable beetle, also known as the “betsy beetle,” that is a beneficial decomposer of decaying wood or logs. Includes synonymy, distribution, description, life cycle and biology, feeding habitat, sounds, and selected references. Written by Christopher S. Bibbs, Amanda C. Hodges, and Rebecca W. Baldwin, Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology as part of the Featured Creatures collection, December 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in879
WEC302/UW347 Quick Reference Guide: Introduced Constrictors in Florida
WEC302, a 2-page fact sheet by Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity, is a quick reference guide to identification of the constrictors one is most likely to encounter in Florida. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw347