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Natural Area Teaching Laboratory

Natural Area Teaching Laboratory

Animals Information Archive

  • Mammals

    Florida is home to at least 95 species of mammals (Class Mammalia), ten of which have been introduced or recently expanded their range into the state. Many non-native species also have established breeding populations in the state. Mammals have several characteristics that set them apart from other vertebrates. Some of the most notable include mammary glands and hair. Except for the bats, mammals listed below have been documented to occur in NATL either by formal survey techniques or casual observations. Dr. Jackie Belwood provided the list of bats based on their expected occurrence in the air above NATL, either routinely or during their migrations.

    Time-expanded echolocating call; each sample lasts ten times longer than natural, and its frequency (“pitch”) is dropped to one-tenth of natural, to make the ultrasonic call audible to human ears.

     

    Order DIDELPHIMORPHIA Opossums
    Family Didelphidae Opossums
    Didelphis virginiana Virginia Opossum
    Order EDENTATA Anteaters, Sloths, Armadillos
    Family Dasypodidae Armadillos
    Dasypus novemcinctus Nine-banded Armadillo
    Order LAGOMORPHA Rabbits, Hares and Pikas
    Family Leporidae Rabbits and Hares
    Sylvilagus floridanus Cottontail Rabbit
     Sylvilagus palustris Marsh Rabbit
    Order RODENTIA Rodents
    Family Sciuridae Squirrels
    Sciurus carolinensis Eastern Grey Squirrel
    Family Cricetidae New World Rats, Mice, etc.
    Sigmodon hispidus Hispid Cotton Rat
    Peromyscus gossypinus Cotton Mouse 
    Order CHIROPTERA Bats
    Family Vespertilionidae Twilight Bats
    Eptesicus fuscus Big Brown Bat
    Lasiurus borealis Red Bat  
    Lasiurus intermedius Northern Yellow Bat
    Lasiurus seminolus Seminole Bat
    Myotis austroriparius Southeastern Bat
    Nycticeius humeralis Evening Bat
    Pipistrellus subflavus Eastern Pipistrelle
    Family Molossidae Free-tailed Bats
    Tadarida brasiliensis cynocephala Brazilian Free-tailed Bat 
    Order INSECTIVORA Insectivores
    Family Talpidae Moles
    Scalopus aquaticus Eastern Mole
    Order CARNIVORA Flesh-eating Mammals
    Family Procyonidae Raccoons
    Procyon lotor Raccoon
    Family Canidae Dogs, Wolves, Foxes
    Canis latrans Coyote
    Urocyon cinereoargenteus Gray Fox 
    Vulpes vulpes Red Fox
    Family Felidae Cats
    Felis domesticus Feral Housecat
    Order ARTIODACTYLA Even-toed Ungulates
    Family Cervidae Deer
    Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed Deer

     

    * White-tailed deer, tracks observed by Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman on 12 June 2012. Further evidence and sightings of a doe were noted until approximately October 2012. A white-tailed doe was spotted again 31 May 2016 by UGTA, Alex LoCastro.

    **Lary Reeves spotted what he thought to be a coyote 23 December 2015. The presence of the coyote and NATL's first record of a red fox were confirmed via camera trap photos from Dr. Bob McCleery's Wildlife Techniques class.

     

  • Birds 1

    The Natural Area Teaching Lab (NATL) is home to a unique variety of avifauna due to its vast mixture of habitat types. Over 500 species of birds were sighted from 1994 to 1998, when Greg McDermott compiled an initial list of birds seen at NATL. In 2018, UF's student chapter of the National Audubon Society, GREBE Audubon Campus Chapter, surveyed the property for three months to determine if there were any new species residing at NATL. While they did not find any new species during their survey period, they were able to determine the relative commonality of each species.

    If you are interested in reporting bird sightings at NATL, a popular tool is eBird, a worldwide citizen science project aimed at collecting data on species distributions. eBird is a user-friendly database in which birders can create checklists, access photos, calls, and range maps for various species, and even keep logs of their outings. All information collected plays a crucial role in avian conservation. To get started with eBird, click the following link:eBird

    Below is a comprehensive, alphabetized list of species found at NATL grouped by Order. Non-native species are designated with an asterisk (*). The key below defines the seasonal occurrence of each species in Gainesville.

     

    COMMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME RESIDENCE
    Order Anseriformes
    Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Year-round
    Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Winter
    Muscovy Duck * Cairina moschata Year-round
    Wood Duck Aix sponsa Year-round
    Order Apodiformes
    Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Summer
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris Summer
    Order Caprimulgiformes
    Chuck-Will's-Widow Caprimulgus carolinensis Summer
    Order Charadriiformes
    American Woodcock Scolopax minor Winter
    Common Snipe Capella gallinago Winter
    Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Winter
    Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Winter
    Order Ciconiiformes
    Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Year-round
    Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Year-round
    Great Egret Ardia alba Year-round
    Green Heron Butorides virescens Year-round
    Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Year-round
    Snowy Egret Egretta thula Year-round
    White Ibis Eudocimus albus Year-round
    Wood Stork Mycteria americana Year-round
    Order Columbiformes
    Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Year-round
    Rock Pigeon * Columba livia Year-round
    Order Coraciiformes
    Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Year-round
    Order Cuculiformes
    Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Summer
    Order Falconiformes
    American Kestrel Falco sparverius Winter
    Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Year-round
    Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii Year-round
    Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis Summer
    Osprey Pandion haliaetus Year-round
    Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus Year-round
    Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Year-round
    Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Winter
    Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Summer
    Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Year-round
    Order Galliformes
    Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus Year-round
    Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo Year-round
    Order Gruiformes
    American Coot Fulica americana Winter
    Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Year-round
    Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis Year-round
    Order Passeriformes
    Bombycillidae - Waxwings
    Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Winter
    Cardinalidae - Cardinals, grosbeaks, and allies
    Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea Summer
    Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Summer
    Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Year-round
    Painted Bunting Passerina ciris Migrant
    Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Migrant
    Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Summer
    Corvidae - Jays and crows
    American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Year-round
    Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata Year-round
    Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus Year-round
    Fringillidae - Finches
    American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis Winter
    House Finch * Carpodacus mexicanus Year-round
    Pine Siskin Spinus pinus Winter
    Hirundinidae - Swallows
    Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Migrant
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Migrant
    Tree Swallow Iridoprocne bicolor Winter
    Icteridae - Meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles, and orioles
    Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Migrant and winter
    Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major Year-round
    Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Year-round
    Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula Year-round
    Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Year-round

     

     

     

  • Birds 2
    Laniidae - Shrikes
    Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Year-round
    Mimidae - Mimic thrushes
    Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum Year-round
    Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Winter
    Northern Mockingbird Mimus poltglottos Year-round
    Paridae - Titmice
    Carolina Chickadee Parus carolinensis Year-round
    Tufted Titmouse Parus bicolor Year-round
    Parulidae - Wood warblers
    American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Migrant
    Black and White Warbler Mniotilta varia Winter
    Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca Migrant
    Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata Migrant
    Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Migrant
    Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Migrant
    Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Year-round
    Hooded Warbler Setophaga citrina Migrant
    Kentucky Warbler Geothlypis formosa Migrant
    Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia Winter (migration)
    Northern Parula Parula americana Summer (some overwinter)
    Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Migrant
    Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata Winter
    Ovenbird Seiurus aurucapillus Migrant (some overwinter)
         
    Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Winter
    Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus Year-round
    Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Migrant
    Tennessee Warbler Oreothlypis peregrina Migrant
    Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Winter
    Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica Year-round
    Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Migrant
    Passerellidae - American sparrows, towhees, and juncos
    Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmu Year-round
    Passeridae - Old World sparrows
    House Sparrow * Passer domesticus Year-round
    Polioptilidae
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Year-round
    Regulidae - Kinglets
    Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa Winter
    Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Winter
    Sturnidae - Starlings
    European Starling * Sturnus vulgaris Year-round
    Troglodytidae - Wrens
    Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Year-round
    House Wren Troglodytes aedon Winter
    Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Winter
    Turdidae - Thrushes
    American Robin Turdis migratorius Winter
    Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis Year-round
    Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Winter
    Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Migrant
    Veery Catharus fuscescens Migrant
    Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Migrant
    Tyrannidae - Flycatchers
    Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens Migrant
    Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Summer
    Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe Winter
    Eastern Wood-pewee Contopus virens Summer
    Great-crested Flycatcher Myriarchus crinitus Summer
    Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Migrant
    Vireonidae - Vireos
    Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius Winter
    Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Migrant
    White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus Year-round
    Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons Summer
    Order Piciformes
    Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Year-round
    Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Year-round
    Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Year-round
    Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Year-round
    Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Year-round
    Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Year-round
    Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Winter
    Order Podicipediformes
    Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Year-round
    Order Strigiformes
    Barred Owl   Strix varia Year-round
    Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Year-round
    Order Suliformes     
    Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Year-round
    Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Year-round

    Note: In 2010, 20 commercially reared Common Bobwhite were released in NATL (results).

    Contributors

    We would like to thank the following people for contributing to the list of sightings from 2004 to 2015:

    • Bill Coughlin
    • Caleb Gordon
    • Daniel Dawson
    • Doug Levy
    • Lary Reeves
    • Scott Robinson
    • Tom Webber
  • Reptiles

    Florida is home to at least 88 native species of reptiles (Class Reptilia). Many non-native species also have established breeding populations in the state. Reptiles have characteristics intermediate between amphibians of mammals and birds. The complete terrestrial existence of reptiles was made possible with the evolution of the amniotic egg as well as an integument of the epidermal scales and improved respiratory, excretory, and circulatory mechanisms. All of the reptiles listed below have been documented to occur in NATL either by formal survey techniques or casual observations.

     

    Family ALLIGATORIDAE Alligators and Caimans
    Alligator Alligators
    Alligator mississippiensis American Alligator
    Family EMYDIDAE Box and Water Turtles
    Deirochelys Water Turtles
    Deirochelys reticularia Chicken Turtle
    Pseudemys Cooters
    Pseudemys floridana Florida Cooter
    Terrapene Box Turtles
    Terrapene carolina bauri Florida Box Turtle
    Trachemys Sliders
    Trachemys scripta scripta Yellow-bellied slider
    Family CHELYDRIDAE Snapping Turtles and Big-headed Turtles
    Chelydra Snapping Turtles
    Chelydra serpentina Snapping Turtle
    Family TESTUDINIDAE Tortoises
    Gopherus Tortoises
    Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise
    Family IGUANIDAE Iguanids
    Anolis Anoles
    Anolis carolinenis Green Anole 
    Anolis sagrei Brown Anole 
    Sceloporus Spiney Lizards
    Sceloporus undulatus undulatus Southern Fence Lizard 
    Family SCINCIDAE Skinks
    Eumeces Skinks
    Eumeces inexpectatus Southeastern Five-lined Skink 
    Eumeces fasciatus Five-lined Skink
    Eumeces laticeps Broad-headed Skink 
    Scincella Ground Skinks
    Scincella lateralis Ground Skink
    Family BOIDAE Boas and Pythons
    Boa constrictor Boa Constrictor 
    Family COLUBRIDAE Colubrid Snakes
    Coluber Racers
    Coluber constricter Black Racer
    Diadophis Ringneck Snakes
    Diadophis punctatus punctatus Southern Ringneck Snake
    Elaphe Rat Snakes
    Pantherophis alleghaniensis Yellow Rat Snake 
    Nerodia Water Snakes
    Nerodia fasciata pictiventris Florida Banded Watersnake
    Tantilla Crowned Snakes
    Tantilla relicta neilli Central Florida Crowned Snake
    Thamnophis Garter and Ribbon Snakes
    Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern Garter Snake
    Family ELAPIDAE Coral Snakes and Cobras
    Micrurus Coral Snakes
    Micrurus fulvius fulvius Eastern Coral Snake
    Family VIPERIDAE Vipers and Pit Vipers
    Agkistrodon Cottonmouths, Copperheads
    Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti Water Moccasin

     

    Note 1: In October 2003, a large Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) was found in NATL in grid square H5. It had a rabbit in its stomach and was probably a pet that had been released or escaped.

    Note 2: Occurs in central marsh of NATL-east; not known from SEEP.

  • Amphibians

    Florida is home to at least 52 native species of amphibians (Class Amphibia). Many non-native species also have established breeding populations in the state. Amphibians are intermediate between aquatic fishes and terrestrial reptiles. Most use external fertilization and have aquatic larvae, but adults spend much of their time on land. The order Anura (frogs and toads) can be identified by the unique calls that they use to attract mates. The 15 species of amphibians listed below have been documented to occur in NATL either by formal survey techniques or by informal observations.

     

    Family BUFONIDAE Toads
    Bufo Toads
    Anaxyrus terrestris Southern Toad
    Family HYLIDAE Treefrogs
    Acris Cricket Frogs
    Acris gryllus dorsalis Florida Cricket Frog
    Hyla Treefrogs
    Hyla cinerea Green Treefrog 
    Hyla femoralis Pine Woods Treefrog 
    Hyla squirella Squirrel Treefrog 
    Osteopilus  
    Osteopilus septentrionalis Cuban Treefrog
    Pseudacris Chorus Frogs
    Pseudacris crucifer bartramiana  Southern Spring Peeper
    Pseudacris ocularis Little Grass Frog
    Family LEPTODACTYLIDAE Neotropical Frogs
    Eleutherodactylinae  
    Eleutherodactylus planirostris Greenhouse Frog
    Family MICROHYLIDAE Narrowmouth Toads
    Gastrophryne Narrowmouth Toads
    Gastrophryne carolinensis carolinensis  Eastern Narrowmouth Toad
    Family PELOBATIDAE Spadefoot Toads
    Scaphiopus Spadefoot Toads
    Scaphiopus holbrookii holbrookii  Eastern Spadefoot Toad 
    Family RANIDAE True Frogs
    Rana True Frogs
    Lithobates catesbeiana   Bullfrog
    Lithobates clamitans clamitans Bronze Frog
    Lithobates sphenocephala Leopard Frog
    Family AMBYSTOMATIDAE Mole Salamanders
    Ambystoma talpoideum Mole Salamander
    Family AMPHIUMIDAE Amphiumas
     Amphiuma means Two-toed Amphiuma
    Family SALAMANDRIDAE Newts
    Notophthalmus Newts
    Notophthalmus viridescens piaropicola Peninsula Newt

     

    * First found in NATL on 16 July 2008

  • Fish

    Until July 2014, there were no documented fish species in NATL. When schools of small fish were seen swimming in the SEEP, an investigation began! As of August 2014, the fish spotted in the SEEP have been identified to species and an additional species was found in the wetlands of NATL-east.

    From January through May 2015, a thorough survey of fish species in both NATL-east and NATL-west was conducted. This survey brought the total number of NATL’s fish species to six, two of which are non-native.

    The native species found in the NATL-east marsh (Least Killifish, Sailfin Molly, and Eastern Mosquitofish) have all likely been living and breeding there for many years before the creation of NATL. All three are very small and prolific livebearers which are common throughout Florida. The one non-native species in the marsh, the Variable Platy, is a popular aquarium fish and the population is likely descended from escaped or discarded pets.

    NATL’s SEEP is home to two species, the Fathead Minnow and Golden Shiner; however, the Golden Shiner is native. There seems to be no obvious natural cause for their presence in NATL, they are not present in any nearby water bodies within flooding distance. However, as both species are very commonly used for live bait by fishermen in Florida, the most likely explanation is that disappointed fisherman who came to SEEP dumped their bait into the water when they realized there were no fish to be caught in the pond. This would better explain the presence of the non-native Fathead Minnow.

    The sinkhole only floods seasonally and is fed by runoff from the East Marsh, therefore fish are swept downstream by the current into the sinkhole. This is why the species found there are almost identical (the Variable Platy was not recorded in the sinkhole) to those in the marsh.

    Superclass Osteichthyes
    Class Actinopterygii

    Family CYPRINIDAE  

    Notemigonus crysoleucas

        Golden Shiner

     

    Pimephales promelas

        Fathead Minnow*

     

    Family POECILIIDAE  

    Gambusia holbrooki

        Eastern Mosquitofish

     

    Heterandria formosa

        Least Killifish

     

    Poecilia latipinna

        Sailfin Molly

     

    Xiphophorus variatus

        Variable Platy*

     

    *species is not native to Florida

    Fish were identified to species by Dr. Larry Page, Rob Robins, and Zachary S. Randall at the Florida Museum of Natural History, Dickinson Hall. The survey was conducted by Gabriel Somarriba, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.


    Photo credit: Zachary S. Randall.

  • Nematodes

    These nematode genera and species were collected in NATL in 1993 and 1994 and identified by:

    Dr. R. P. Esser
    Division of Plant Industry
    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
    PO Box 147100
    Gainesville, FL 32614

     

    Scientific Name Remarks
    Aphelenchoides  
    Belonolaimus euthychilus  
    Belonolaimus longicaudatus  
    Belonolaimus maritimus  
    Criconema menzeli  
    Criconema sulcatum  
    Criconemoides citri  
    Criconemoides crotaloides  
    Criconemoides curvatum  
    Criconemoides lamellatus New report for Florida
    Criconemoides raskii  
    Criconemoides xenoplax  
    Ditylenchus  
    Dolichodorus aquaticus  
    Gracilacus peperpotti  
    Gracilacus yokooi New report for Florida
    Helicotylenchus buxophilus  
    Helicotylenchus dihystera  
    Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus  
    Hemicriconemoides minutus  
    Hemicriconemoides nitida New report for Florida
    Hemicriconemoides wessoni  
    Hemicycliophora  
    Heterodera  
    Hoplolaimus galeatus  
    Hoplolaimus tylenchiformis  
    Lobocriconema aberrans  
    Lobocriconema neoaxestum  
    Longidorus elongatus  
    Longidorus longicaudatus  
    Meloidodera floridensis  
    Meloidogyne  
    Nothocriconema corbetti  
    Nothocriconema paraguayensis New report for Florida
    Nothocriconemoides  
    Paralongidorus eucalypti New report for Florida
    Paratrichodorus anthurii New report for Florida
    Peltamigratus  
    Pratylenchus alleni  
    Pratylenchus zeae  
    Quinisulcius acti  
    Scutellonema bradys  
    Sphaeronema  
    Trichodorus aequalis  
    Trichodorus christiei  
    Trichodorus cottieri  
    Trichodorus minor  
    Trichodorus proximus  
    Trophotylenchulus floridensis  
    Tylenchorhynchus martini  
    Tylenchus  
    Xenocriconemella macrodora  
    Xiphinema americanum  
    Xiphinema chambersi  
    Xiphinema diffusum  
    Xiphinema georgianum  
    Xiphinema neoamericanum  
    Xiphinema vanderlindei New report for Florida
    Xiphinema vulgare  
  • Diptera: Mosquitos and Biting Flies

    Catherine Zettel Nalen and Daniel Kline (USDA-ARS-CMAVE) compiled this list while surveying mosquitos for their study titled Effects of orientation on the efficacy of baited MosquitoMagnet-Experimental (MM-X) traps for catching Chrysops spp. (Diptera: Tabanidae) in two locations in North Central Florida. For more information on the study, see the Year end report, 2012 and Year end report, 2013.

     

    Family: Culicidae Common Name: Mosquitos
    Aedes aegypti Yellow Fever Mosquito
    Aedes albopictus Tiger Mosquito
    Aedes (Ochlerotatus) atlanticus  
    Aedes (Ochlerotatus) canadensis Woodland Pool Mosquito
    Aedes (Ochlerotatus) dupreei  
     Aedes (Ochlerotatus) fulvus pallens  
    Aedes (Ochlerotatus) infirmatus  
    Aedes (Ochlerotatus) mitchellae  
    Aedes (Ochlerotatus) taeniorhynchus*  
    Aedes (Ochlerotatus) triseriatus Eastern Treehole Mosquito
    Aedes vexans Inland Floodwater Mosquito
    Anopheles crucians  
    Anopheles perplexans  
    Anopheles quadrimaculatus complex Common Malaria Mosquito
    Culex coronator  
    Culex erraticus  
    Culex nigripalpus St. Louis Encephalitis Mosquito
    Culex quinquefasciatus Southern House Mosquito
    Culex restuans White-dotted Mosquito
    Culex territans  
    Culex salinarius Unbanded Saltmarsh Mosquito
    Culiseta melanura Black-tailed Mosquito
    Coquillettidia perturbans  
    Orthopodomyia signifera  
    Psorophora ciliata Gallnipper
    Psorophora columbiae Glades Mosquito
    Psorophora ferox White-footed Mosquito
    Psorophora howardii  
    Toxorhynchites rutilus  Elephant Mosquito
    Family: Tabanidae Family: Tabanidae
    Chrysops fuliginosus  
    Diachlorus ferrugatus Yellow fly
    Tabanus lineola  

     

    *These mosquitoes are one of the few migratory species and were likely recorded passing through NATL. It is unlikely they have established a breeding population.

  • Moths

    NATL's moths are particularly well known because for five years (1996-2001) Hugo Kons surveyed the species that occur there. His report lists 489 species, including 464 species in the superfamilies Drepanoidea, Geometroidea, Mimalonoidea, Bombycoidea, Sphingoidea, and Noctuoidea. Taxa recorded in Psychidae, Yponomeutidae, Sesiidae, Cossidae, Zygaenoidea, and Thyrididae are also included. Moths were collected at ultraviolet lights, bait, introduced Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), and by netting specimens. A list of taxa recorded feeding on P. notatum is included.

    Since 2001, the following species have been collected at the Natural Area Teaching Lab:

    Pseudothyris sepulchralis (Thyrididae, Thyridinae) - collected on 3/5/2011, observed nectaring on Hog Plum
    Psychomorpha epimenis (Noctuidae, Agaristinae) - collected on 3/4/2011, observed nectaring on Hog Plum


    As part of her 2014 minigrant project, Elena Ortiz-Acevedo created Lepidopteran-host plant relationship signs that can be found throughout NATL. The signs listed below are for moth species.

     

    Scientific Name Common Name
    Actias luna 
    Luna moth
    Anteraea polyphemus  Polyphemus moth
    Automeris io Io moth
    Manduca rustica  Rustic sphinx
    Hyles lineata White-lined sphinx
    Utetheisa ornatrix Bella moth
  • Butterflies 1

    NATL's butterflies are particularly well known because, in 1996-98, Hugo Kons made a two-year study of what species occur in the principal NATL ecosystems and when they could be found. With one exception, the list below is from his report.

    The signs listed after the names of some butterflies were produced by Elena Ortiz-Acevedo, as part of her 2014 minigrant project. These signs can be found throughout NATL.

     

    Superfamily HESPERIOIDEA

    Family HESPERIIDAE

     

    Subfamily Pyrginae

    Epargyreus clarus

    Silver-Spotted Skipper

    Urbanus proteus (sign)

    Long-Tailed Skipper, Bean Leafroller

    Urbanus dorantes (sign)

    Brown Long-Tailed or Dorantes Skipper

    Thorybes pylades

    Northern Cloudy-wing

    Thorybes confusis

    Confused Cloudy-wing

    Erynnis juvenalis

    Juvenalis Dusky-wing

    Erynnis horatius

    Horaces Dusky-wing

    Erynnis zarucco

    Zarucco Dusky-wing

    Pyrgus communis

    Checkered Skipper

    Pyrgus oileus

    Tropical Checkered Skipper

     

    Subfamily Hesperiinae

    Nastra l'herminier

    Swarthy Skipper

    Lerema accius

    Clouded Skipper

    Ancyloxpha numitor

    Least Skipper(ling)

    Copaeodes minima

    Tiny Skipper

    Hylephila phyleus

    Firery Skipper

    Polites baracoa

    Little Tawny Edge

    Polites vibex

    Whirlabout

    Wallengrenia otho

    Southern (Red) Broken Dash

    Wallengrenia egeremet

    Northern (Brown) Broken Dash

    Pompeius verna

    Little Glassy Wing

    Atalopedes campestris

    Sachem

    Atrytone logan

    Deleware or Black-Vein Skipper

    Problema byssus

    Byssus or Golden Skipper

    Poanes yehl

    Yehl or Southern Skipper

    Euphyes vestris

    Dun Skipper, Sedge Witch

    Euphyes dion*

    Dion Skipper

    Amblyscirtes aesculapius

    Cobweb Little Skipper

    Lerodea eufala

    Eufala or Grey Skipper

    Oligoria maculata

    Three Spot Skipper

    Calpodes ethlius

    Canna or Brazilian Skipper

    Panoquina ocola

    Ocola or Long-Winged Skipper

     

    Subfamily Megathyminae

    Megathymus yuccae

    Yucca (Giant) Skipper

    Superfamily PAPILIONOIDEA

    Family PAPLIONIDAE

    Battus philenor

    Pipevine Swallowtail

    Papilio polyxenes

    Eastern Black Swallowtail

    Heraclides cresphontes (sign)

    Giant Swallowtail

    Papilio glaucus

    Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

    Papilio troilus (sign)

    Spicebush Swallowtail

    Pterourus palamedes (sign)

    Laurel or Palamedes Swallowtail

    Eurytides marcellus

    Zebra Swallowtail

    Family PIERIDAE

    Pontia protodice

    Checkered White, S. Cabbage Worm

    Pieris rapae

    Cabbage White, European Cabbage Bfly

    Colias eurytheme

    Orange Sulphur, Alfalfa Butterfly

    Phoebis sennae (sign)

    Cloudless Sulphur

    Phoebis philea (sign)

    Orange Barred Sulphur

    Eurema lisa

    Little Sulphur

    Eurema nicippe

    Sleepy or Rambling Orange

    Eurema daira (sign)

    Barred Yellow

    Family LYCAENIDAE

    Atlides halesus (sign)

    Great Purple Hairstreak

    Satyrium favonius

    Oak Hairstreak

    Satyrium calanus

    Banded Hairstreak

    Calycopis cecrops

    Redbanded Hairstreak

    Parhassius m-album (sign)

    White M Hairstreak

    Strymon melinus (sign)

    Grey Hairstreak

    Hemiargus ceraunus

    Southern or Ceraunus Blue

    Family NYMPHALIDAE

     

    Subfamily Heliconiinae

    Agraulis vanillae

    Gulf Fritillary

    Heliconius charitonius

    Zebra Long Wing

     

  • Butterflies 2
    Subfamily Nymphalinae

    Polygonia interrogationis (sign)

    Question Mark

    Vanessa virginiensis

    Hunters Butterfly, American Painted Lady

    Vanessa cardui

    Cosmopolitan, Thistle Butterfly, Painted Lady

    Vanessa atlanta

    Red Admiral

    Junonia coenia (sign)

    Common Buckeye

    Anartia jatrophe

    White Peacock

    Phyciodes phaon (sign)

    Phaon or Mat Plant Crescent

    Phyciodes tharos

    Pearl Crescent

     

    Subfamily Limenitidinae

    Limenitis arthemis astyanax

    Red Spotted Purple

    Limenitis archippus (sign)

    Viceroy

     

    Subfamily Apaturinae

    Asterocampa celtis (sign)

    Hackberry Emperor

    Asterocampa clyton

    Tawny Emperor

     

    Subfamily Satyrinae

    Enodia portlandia

    Southern Pearly Eye

    Satyrodes appalachia

    Appalachian Eyed Brown

    Hermeuptychia hermes (sign)

    Carolina Satyr

    Megisto cymela (sign)

    Little Wood Satyr

     

    Subfamily Danainae

    Danaus plexippus (sign)

    Monarch

    Danaus gilippus

    Queen

     

    Subfamily Libytheinae

    Libytheana carinenta

    Snout Butterfly

     

    Species collected within 1.5 miles of Natural Area Boundary

    Poanes aaroni

    Aaron's Skipper

    Poanes viator

    Broad Winged (Marsh) Skipper

    Zerene cessonia

    (Eastern) Dog Face Sulphur

    Nathalis iole

    Dainty Sulphur

    Celastrina ladon

    Common Blue, Spring Azure

    Euptoieta claudia

    Variegated Fritillary

     

    *On 18 Oct 2010, from the SEEP boardwalk, Akers Pence spotted an unknown skipper that he captured and identified as Euphyes dion. This record was verified by Hugo Kons who caught two additional specimens in SEEP.

  • Ants

    During the summer of 2005, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation students Ian Fiske and Matthew Trager conducted a study of species composition and habitat associations of ant communities in NATL. The list below is from their preliminary report. A 25-page manuscript describes their work in greater detail.

     

    Family FORMICIDAE

    Subfamily Dolichoderinae
    Dorymyrmex bureni  
    Subfamily Formicinae
    Brachymyrmex depilis  
    Brachymyrmex musculus  
    Camponotus castaneus  
    Camponotus floridanus Florida carpenter ant
    Formica pallidefulva  
    Paratrechina faisonensis  
    Subfamily Myrmecinae
    Aphaenogaster ashmeadi  
    Aphaenogaster carolinensis  
    Aphaenogaster floridana  
    Cardiocondyla emeryi  
    Crematogaster ashmeadi  an acrobat ant
    Crematogaster minutissima  
    Cyphomyrmex rimosus  
    Eurhopalothrix floridana  
    Monomorium viride  
    Pheidole dentata  
    Pheidole dentigula  
    Pheidole metallescens  
    Pheidole moerens  
    Pyramica eggersi  
    Pyramica membranifera  
    Pyramica sp.  
    Solenopsis invicta Red Imported Fire Ant
    Solenopsis nickersoni  
    Solenopsis pergandei  
    Solenopsis tennesseensis  
    Strumigenys louisianae  
    Trachymyrmex septentrionalis  
    Subfamily Ponerinae
    Hypoponera opacior  
    Odontomachus brunneus  
    Subfamily Pseudomyrmicinae
    Pseudomyrmex gracilis  elongate twig ant (suggested common name)
  • Bees

    Bees belong to the Order Hymenoptera, which also includes Sawflies, Wasps (including tiny parasitic ones), and Ants. In recent classifications within Hymenoptera, Bees are placed in the Superfamily Apoidea, which also includes the families of Sphecoid Wasps (including Sphecidae). Most of the 39 species listed here for NATL are from a 2010 journal article by H. Glenn Hall and John S. Ascher (see link below).

     

    SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
    Family Andrenidae Andrenid Bees
    Andrena (Larandrena) miserabilis  
    Andrena (Melandrena) barbara  
    Family Apidae Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, Digger Bees, Carpenter Bees, etc.
    Apis mellifera  Honey Bee
    Bombus (Pyrobombus) bimaculatus Twospotted Bumble Bee
    Bombus (Pyrobombus) impatiens Eastern Bumble Bee
    Bombus (Thoracobombus) pensylvanicus American Bumble Bee
    Ceratina (Zadontomerus) dupla  
    Florilegus (Florilegus) condignus  
    Habropoda laboriosa Southeastern Blueberry Bee
    Melissodes (Eumelissodes) boltoniae  
    Melissodes (Melissodes) bimaculata  
    Melissodes (Melissodes) communis  
    Melissodes (Melissodes) tepaneca  
    Xenoglossa (Eoxenoglossa) kansensis  
    Xylocopa (Schonnherria) micans Southern Carpenter Bee
    Xylocopa (Xylocopoides) virginica Eastern Carpenter Bee
    Family Colletidae Plasterer Bees
    Colletes simulans  
    Colletes thysanellae  
    Family Halictidae Sweat Bees
    Augochlorella aurata Tiny Green Gold Sweat Bee
    Augochloropsis (Paraugochloropsis)   
    Agapostemon (Agapostemon) splendens Metallic Green Bee
    Dieunomia (Dieunomia) heteropoda  
    Halictus (Odontalictus) poeyi  
    Lasioglossum (Dialictus) apopkense  
    Lasioglossum (Dialictus) creberrimum  
    Lasioglossum (Dialictus) pectorale  
    Lasioglossum (Dialictus) puteulanum  
    Lasioglossum (Dialictus) reticulatum  
    Lasioglossum (Dialictus) tarponense  
    Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) nelumbonis  
    Family Megachilidae Leaf-cutting Bees, Mason Bees
    Coelioxys (Boreocoelioxys) sayi  
    Megachile (Acentron) albitarsis  
    Megachile (Eutricharaea) concinna  
    Megachile (Litomegachile) brevis  
    Megachile (Litomegachile) mendica  
    Megachile (Litomegachile) texana  
    Megachile (Melanosarus) xylocopoides Carpenter-mimic Leaf Cutter
    Megachile (Sayapis) policaris  
    Osmia (Melanosmia) sandhouseae  

    *Sources
    S-1=These species are listed for NATL by H. Glenn Hall and John S. Ascher in their 2010 journal article, "Surveys of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) in natural areas of Alachua County in north-central Florida." [Florida Entomologist 93(4): 609-629.] (Glenn Hall also provided nomenclatural and other help in the drafting of this list.)


    S-2=These species were listed for NATL by Jason Graham in an email of 1 Nov 2010. His knowledge comes primarily from studies of nesting bees in NATL using the methods described in his PowerPoint Native Bee Nesting Habitat. Some species on his list were collected by Akers Pence and Katie Buckley as part of Operation Pollinator. Katie Buckley verified identifications and recorded the origins of the specimens. (Jason Graham also provided most of the links that go to online information about each species on the final list.)

  • Ichneumon Wasps 1

    Dr. Charles C. Porter compiled this list from his long-term studies in the NATL woods. Because ichneumons are a very large group of mostly inconspicuous parasitoid wasps, they have no vernacular names. In addition to the scientific name of each species, the host(s) that the species attacks is listed. Dr. Porter is currently a Research Associate with the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. He received his PhD from Harvard in 1967 and was Professor of Biology at Fordham University, 1972–1993. His research interests are the taxonomy and ecology of Hymenoptera (esp. Ichneumonidae) in the New World.

     

    Scientific Name Host(s)
    Subfamily Ephialtinae
    Tribe Pimplini
    Calliephialtes grapholithae Caterpillars in galls, nuts, burrows, cases
    Iseropus coelebs Cocoons of Malacosoma, Hemerocampa, etc.
    Tromatobia rufopectus Egg sacs of spiders: Argiope, Araneus
    Zaglyptus varipes incompletus Spider egg sacs
    Tribe Polysphinctini
    Acrotaphus wiltii Argiopid spiders
    Tribe Ephialtini
    Itoplectis conquisitor Vast range of exposed or semi-exposed lepidopterous prepupae/pupae
    Coccygomimus aequalis Wide range of lepidopterous prepupae/pupae:
    e.g., Carpocapsa, Grapholitha
    Coccygomimus maurus Wide range of lepidopterous prepupae/pupae:
    e.g., Hemerocampa, Orgyia
    Tribe Theroniini
    Theronia hilaris Unknown
    Neotheronia bicincta
    floridana
    Unknown
    Neotheronia septemtrionalis Unknown
    Tribe Poemeniini
    Poemenia albipes Appears to attack hosts in dead wood
    Podoschistus vittifrons Coleopterous borers in dead deciduous trees
    Tribe Rhyssini
    Rhyssella new species Xiphydriid larvae in dead deciduous trees
    Megarhyssa atrata atrata Siricid larvae (Tremex, Eriotremex?) in dead deciduous trees
    Megarhyssa greenei floridana Siricid larvae (Tremex, Eriotremex?) in dead deciduous trees
    Megarhyssa macrurus
    macrurus
    Siricid larvae (Tremex, Eriotremex?) in dead deciduous trees
    Subfamily Tryphoninae
    Tribe Phytodietini
    Netelia spp. Larger exposed Lepidoptera larvae
    Phytodietus rubellus Smaller exposed Lepidoptera larvae
    Tribe Oedimopsini
    Campothreptus nasutus Unknown
    Tribe Tryphonini
    Polyblastus pedalis Sawfly larvae: Croesus, Cladus, Apareophora
    Erromenus sp. Nematine sawfly larvae
    Tribe Cteniscini
    Cteniscus sp. Nematine sawfly larvae
    Tribe Idiogrammatini
    Idiogramma sp. Larvae of Xyela (Symphyta: Xyelidae)
    in staminate cones of pines
    Subfamily Brachycyrtinae
    Brachycyrtus pretiosus Prepupae/pupae of chrysopid Neuroptera
    Subfamily Labeninae
    Labena grallator grallator Xylophagous beetle larvae
    Subfamily Xoridinae
    Odontocolon albotibiale Xylophagous larvae
    Odontocolon ochropus Unknown, but certainly wood borers (prob. Coleoptera)
    Xorides (Exomus)
    humeralis piceatus
    Xylophagous beetle larvae
    Xorides (Xorides) rileyi Unknown
    Xorides (Xorides)
    stigmapterus floridanus
    Unknown
    Subfamily Gelinae
    Tribe Gelini
    Chirotica sp. Psychid Lepidoptera
    Polyaulon sp. Unknown
    Mastrus sp. Cocoons of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and of other Hymenoptera
    Endasys patulus Sawfly cocoons
    Endasys rotundiceps Unknown
    Endasys subclavatus Unknown
    Endasys tyloidiphorus Unknown
    Endasys aurarius Unknown
    Phygadeuon sp. Cyclorrhaphous fly pupae
    Dichrogaster sp. Chrysopid cocoons
    Gelis sp. In cocoons, sacs of Lepidoptera, ichneumonids,
    braconids, chrysopids, spiders
    Tribe Mesostenini
    Agrothereutes lophyri Sawfly and Lepidoptera cocoons
    Gambrus ultimus Mostly Lepidoptera but some sawfly cocoons
    Gambrus polyphemi Unknown
    Gambrus extrematis Unknown
    Gambrus bituminosus Unknown
    Aritranis affabilis Borers in stems, twigs, grass culms: Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera
    including tenthredinids, cephids, eumenids, Ceratina
    Aritranis nubecula Unknown
    Ischnus cinctipes Lepidoptera pupae
    Ischnus laurae Unknown
    Baryceros audax Cocoons of eucleid moths
    Baryceros candidus Unknown
    Baryceros texanus Unknown
    Mesostenus thoracicus Lepidoptera cocoons: thin, frass or debris-covered,
    or in short tunnels
    Mesostenus eisenii Unknown
    Cryptanura banchiformis Unknown
    Polycyrtus neglectus Lepidoptera: Diaphania hyalinata
    Diapetimorpha brunnea Presumably Lepidoptera prepupae/pupae
    Diapetimorpha macula
    confederata
    Unknown
    Diapetimorpha introita Unknown
    Diapetimorpha rufigaster Unknown
    Diapetimorpha acadia Unknown
    Lymeon cinctiventris Cocoons of Lepidoptera, chrysopids,
    and spider egg cocoons
    Lymeon orbus Unknown
    Polycyrtidea floridana Lepidopterous pupae
    Mallochia new species #1 Unknown
    Mallochia new species #2 Unknown
    Pachysomoides fulvus Polistes larvae, fuscatus group
    Pachysomoides stupidus Polistes larvae, canadensis group
    Acerastes pertinax Unknown
    Listrognathus nubilipennis Unknown
    Listrognathus glomerata Unknown
    Listrognathus rufitibialis Unknown
    Listrognathus (Fenestula)
    paludata
    Unknown
    Messatoporus rufiventris Aculeate Hymenoptera nests, esp. Pompilidae
    (Auplopus and Phanagenia)
    Messatoporus discoidalis Unknown
    Messatoporus compressicornis Unknown
    Agonocryptus discoidaloides Coleoptera and Lepidoptera borers in twigs and branches of woody plants
    Subfamily Banchinae
    Tribe Glyptini
    Sphelodon phoxopteridis Small Lepidoptera: Grapholitha, Choristoneura, etc
    Glypta rufiscutellaris Lepidoptera larvae in concealed in leaf rolls or buds
    Tribe Lissonotini
    Lissonota spp. Concealed Lepidoptera larvae
    Syzeuctus laminatus
    floridanus
    Concealed Lepidoptera larvae
    Eudeleboea brachydocis Concealed Lepidoptera larvae
    Tribe Banchini
    Ceratogastra ornata Noctuid lepidoptera larvae in composite florets/heads
    Banchus cressonii Medium large lepidoptera larvae, esp. noctuids
  • Ichneumon Wasps 2
    Scientific Name Host(s)
    Subfamily Scolobatinae
    Tribe Ctenopelmatini
    Ctenopelma new species Probably pamphiliid sawfly larvae
    Xenoschesis (Polycinetis) sp. Typical subgenus reared from pamphiliid larvae
    Tribe Pionini
    Sympherta sp. Unknown
    Tribe Mesoleiini
    Alexeter sp. Unknown
    Himerta leucofacia Cimbicid sawfly larvae in genus Zaraea
    Tribe Euryproctini
    Phobetes sp. Sawfly larvae: e.g., Ametastegia
    Hyperallus caliroae sp. Sawfly larvae: Caliroa on Quercus oak
    Subfamily Porizontinae
    Casinaria grandis (= texana) Exposed large Lepidoptera larvae: e.g., Sibine stimulea
    Casinaria spp. Exposed large Lepidoptera larvae
    Venturia spp. Concealed microlepidoptera larvae
    Rhimphoctona sp. Beetle larvae under bark: cerambycids
    Bathyplectes sp. Weevil larvae: e.g., Hypera
    Campoletis sp. Immature Lepidoptera larvae: noctuids
    Dusona spp. Exposed Lepidoptera larvae, esp. geometrids
    Diadegma spp. Small/medium Lepidoptera larvae
    Hyposoter spp. Small, exposed Lepidoptera larvae
    Echthronomas (probably
    ochreofrons ochreofrons)
    Lepidoptera larvae: e.g., Tigrioides, Crambidia
    Subfamily Thersilochinae
    Allophroides sp. Larvae of xyelid sawflies
    Probles sp. Unknown
    Stethantyx nearctica Unknown
    Diaparsis sp. Unknown
    Subfamily Ophioninae
    Thyreodon atricolor
    atricolor
    Sphingid larvae
    Enicospilus peigleri Medium, large Lepidoptera larvae
    Enicospilus flavus Medium, large Lepidoptera larvae
    Enicospilus glabratus Medium, large Lepidoptera larvae
    Enicospilus dispilus Medium, large Lepidoptera larvae
    Enicospilus doylei Medium, large Lepidoptera larvae
    Enicospilus americanus Medium, large Lepidoptera larvae
    Enicospilus spp. Medium, large Lepidoptera larvae
    Subfamily Mesochorinae
    Mesochorus spp. Other ichneumonids, braconids, even tachinid Diptera, which
    are themselves primary parasites on Lepidoptera, symphytan
    Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and even mirid Hemiptera
    Subfamily Metopiinae
    Metopius (Peltales) notatus Lepidoptera: e.g., Gluphisia, Actias, and Acronicta
    Colpotrochia fultoni Unknown
    Leurus caeruliventris
    borealis
    Unknown
    Subfamily Anomalinae
    Tribe Anomalini
    Anomalon ejuncidum Coleoptera, Lepidoptera larvae
    Tribe Gravenhorstiini
    Agrypon prismaticum Diverse Lepidoptera larvae
    Agrypon alpinum Unknown
    Agrypon dioryctiae Unknown
    Ophiopterus cincticornis Unknown
    Ophionellus bridwelli Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae, Oecophoridae, Olethreutidae,
    Plutellidae, Tortricidae
    Therion texanum Larger exposed Lepidoptera larvae: e.g., Arctiidae,
    Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Therion new species Unknown
    Heteroplema datanae Datana (Notodontidae-this species),
    other species on Lepidoptera larvae in Noctuoidea,
    Geometroidea, and Sphingoidea
    Subfamily Acaenitinae
    Spilopteron formosum Xylophagous beetle larvae: cerambycids
    Spilopteron occiputale Xylophagous beetle larvae: cerambycids
    Spilopteron new species Xylophagous beetle larvae: cerambycids
    Subfamily Helictinae
    Gnathochorisis austrinus Unknown
    Megastylus caseyi Diptera larvae: e.g., Orfelia
    Subfamily Ichneumoninae
    Tribe Ichneumonini
    Protichneumon grandis Sphingid Lepidoptera
    Ichneumon azotus Many families of moths
    Ichneumon magniscopa Many families of moths
    Ichneumon pulcher Many families of moths
    Ichneumon punctifer Many families of moths
    Ichneumon viola Many families of moths
    Pterocormus weemsi Many Lepidoptera families, esp. noctuids & arctiids
    Orgichneumon calcatorius Lepidoptera: e.g., Heterocampa
    Trogomorpha trogiformis Lepidoptera: e.g., hesperiids
    Protopelmus atrocoeruleus Arctiid moths in genus Ecpantheria
    Tricholabus adventicus Noctuids
    Setanta compta Unknown
    Netanyacra leucopus Lacinipolia (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
    Cratichneumon variegatus Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon fuscovariegatus Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon pseudanisotae Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon vinnulus Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon proximus Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon paraparatus Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon paratus
    pseudovinnulus
    Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon floridensis Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Cratichneumon flavipectus
    mississippi
    Lepidoptera: e.g., Citheroniidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae
    Barichneumon libens Smaller Lepidoptera: e.g., Pyralidae
    Barichneumon neosorex Smaller Lepidoptera: e.g., Pyralidae
    Barichneumon archboldi Smaller Lepidoptera: e.g., Pyralidae
    Barichneumon peramoenus
    calliandros
    Smaller Lepidoptera: e.g., Pyralidae
    Barichneumon carolinensis Smaller Lepidoptera: e.g., Pyralidae
    Virgichneumon zebratus Geometrid Lepidoptera
    Melanichneumon disparilis
    flavidops
    Lepidoptera: Protoboarmia, Coryphista
    Melanichneumon dreisbachi Unknown
    Melanichneumon heiligbrodtii Unknown
    Melanichneumon honestus
    milleri
    Unknown
    Limonethe maurator Unknown
    Carinodes havanensis Lepidoptera
     
    Tribe Trogini
    Gnamptopelta obsidianator
    obsidianator
    Sphingid Lepidoptera larvae on Vitis
    Gnamptopelta obsidianator
    austrina
    Sphingid Lepidoptera larvae on Vitis
    Tricyphus elegans Sphingid Lepidoptera larvae: e.g., Ampeloeca
    Trogus pennator Papilionid and occasionally nymphalid Lepidoptera
    Tribe Platylabini
    Platylabus clarus Lepidoptera, almost exclusively geometrids
  • Sphecid Wasps (Sphecidae)

    Dr. Charles C. Porter compiled this list of 67 species found in NATL from his long-term studies of sphecids in NATL prior to the restoration of NATL's upland pine.
    This large group of wasps includes the digger wasps, sand wasps, and mud daubers, and most have no vernacular names. In addition to the scientific name of each species, the preferred prey and types of nests used are described. Dr. Porter is currently a Research Associate with the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. He received his PhD from Harvard in 1967 and was Professor of Biology at Fordham University, 1972-1993. His research interests are the taxonomy and ecology of Hymenoptera (esp. Ichneumonidae) in the New World.

     

    Scientific Name Prey and Habitats
    Subfamily Ampulicinae
    Dolichurus greenei Provisions its nests, in stems and other crevices, with cockroaches
    Subfamily Sphecinae
    Podium luctuosum Provisions nests in crevices with cockroaches
    Podium rufipes Hunts cockroaches: Parcoblatta, Cariblatta, Eurycotis, etc.
    Chalybion californicum Provisions with spiders; nests in pre-existing cavities or structures (including abandoned mud dauber nests)
    Sceliphron caementarium Mud dauber. Makes mud nests & provisions with spiders.
    Sphex dorsalis Makes burrows in ground (nesting strategy of entire genus). Hunts orthopterans, e.g., Conocephalus.
    Sphex flavovestitus Fossorial; prey long-horned Orthoptera
    Sphex habenus Fossorial; prey long-horned Orthoptera
    Sphex ichneumoneus Fossorial; prey long-horned Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae and Tettigoniidae (e.g. Conocephalinae, Decticinae, Phaneropterinae)
    Sphex pensylvanicus Fossorial; Tettigoniidae in genera Microcentrum & Scudderia
    Isodontia apicalis Genus is not fossorial; nests in hollow plant stems, rolled leaves, abandoned bee burrows in logs, in ground, or in crevices among stones; uses gryllid and tettigoniid Orthoptera. No prey records for this species.
    Isodontia auripes Prey records: Oecanthinae, Conocephalinae, Decticinae, Eneopterinae, & Phaneropterinae
    Isodontia exornata No prey records
    Palmodes dimidiatus Genus fossorial. This species uses decticine tettigoniids: Atlanticus, Pediodectes.
    Prionyx parkeri Genus fossorial and uses only acridid Orthoptera as prey. This species recorded from Melanoplus, Spharagemon & Xyleus.
    Eremnophila aureonotata Fossorial, prey of this and other species are larger Lepidoptera larvae, e.g., Noctuidae, Sphingidae.
    Ammophila nigricans This and other species fossorial and provision with Lepidoptera or sawfly larvae
    Ammophila pictipennis See above.
    Ammophila procera See above.
    Ammophila procera See above.
    Subfamily Pemphredoninae
    Mimumesa longicornis This and other species dig nests in clay banks and decaying wood and use Homoptera (cicadellids, delphacids) as prey.
    Psen sp. Genus makes burrow in stumps and dead trees or sometimes in earth or clay banks. Provisioning is with Homoptera (e.g., Cicadellidae, Membracidae, Fulgoridae).
    Pluto rufibasis Genus makes burrow in sandy or clay banks; provisions with leafhoppers (e.g., Opsius).
    Pemphredon sp. Genus utilizes cavities in wood, reeds, canes, grass culms, or makes its own burrows in dead wood; all species provision with aphids.
    Stigmus sp. Genus nests in timber, galls, etc., and may use preexisting cavities or make its own nests; provisioning is with aphids.
    Subfamily Larrinae
    Larra bicolor This South American species has been introduced to Florida for biocontrol of mole crickets--Gryllotalpidae--and seems well established at Gainesville.
    Liris argentata Genus prefers preexisting burrows in soil for nesting, but a few species excavate their own tunnels. Gryllid crickets are the usual prey. These are among the few sphecids that remain active all winter at Gainesville.
    Liris beata See above.
    Liris panamensis muesebecki See above.
    Tachytes chrysopyga obscurus Most species in this genus hunt orthopterans, e.g., Acrididae, Tettigoniidae, Tetrigidae & Tridactylidae. Nests are excavated in soil.
    Tachytes distinctus distinctus See above.
    Tachytes grisselli See above.
    Tachytes guatemalensis See above.
    Tachytes auricomus See above.
    Tachysphex mundus exsectus Genus burrow in soil, provisions with orthopteroids: Acrididae especially, Tettigonidae, Gryllidae, Blattidae, & Mantidae.
    Tachysphex mundus mundus See above.
    Tachysphex utina See above.
    Tachysphex antennatus See above.
    Tachysphex crassiformis See above.
    Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) politum Members of this subgenus make their own mud nests, which resemble a series of organ pipes. Provisions with spiders.
    Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) collinum See above.
    Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) lactitarse See above.
    Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) johannis See above.
    Bothynostethus distinctus Genus remodels preexisting tunnels in sandy soil and provisions with adult chrysomelid beeltes (Galerucinae).
    Subfamily Crabroninae
    Oxybelus laetus laetus Genus burrows in sand/sandy soil and provisions with a large array of small to medium sized adult Diptera (esp. Therevidae, Chironomidae, Sarcophagidae & Muscidae)
    Anacrabro ocellatus ocellatus Nests in soil, often near water; provisions with Lygus (Hemiptera: Miridae).
    Rhopalum (Rhopalum) atlanticum Most species nest in twigs or reeds and provision mainly with small Diptera.
    Crossocerus (Blepharipus) impressifrons This subgenus makes nests in logs, branches, stumps, posts, etc., and provisions mostly with small Diptera.
    Crossocerus (Blepharipus?) krombeini See above.
    Ectemnius (Hypocrabro) rufipes rufipes Genus nests in decayed wood (logs, stumps), or sometimes in sound wood; provisions with Diptera.
    Ectemnius (Hypocrabro) scaber scaber See above.
    Subfamily Nyssoninae
    Alysson melleus Genus nests in moist, cool sites, often in sandy soil and provisions with Homoptera of the families Fulgoridae and (rarely ) Cercopidae.
    Synnervus aequalis Biology unknown.
    Epinysson sp. Species of this genus are parasites of the Genus Hoplisoides (Sphecidae: Nyssoninae).
    Ochleroptera bipunctata Genus nests in sandy soil, often on banks and provisions with Hemiptera (Membracidae, Cicadellidae, Cercopidae, Fulgoridae, & Psyllidae).
    Agrogorytes sp. Genus nests in clay or gravel slopes and provisions with cercopid Homoptera (European species, no bio-data for U.S. species).
    Gorytes dorothyae russeolus Genus constructs nests in soil and provisions with Homoptera (Cicadellidae, Fulgoridae, & Membracidae).
    Sphecius speciosus Nests in soil and provisions with Cicadidae (Homoptera).
    Hoplisoides placidus placidus Genus nests in soil and provisions with Homoptera (Membracidae, Fulgoridae).
    Bicyrtes quadrifasciata Genus nests in sandy soil and provisions with Hemiptera (esp. Pentatomidae, Coreidae, and Reduviidae).
    Stictia carolina Genus nests (often in huge gregarious swarms) in sandy soil and provision with large Diptera, especially Tabanidae.
    Stictiella sp. Genus nests in dry sandy soil (but often near water) and provisions with small adult Lepidoptera (Hesperiidae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Noctuidae, Pyralidae, et. al.)
    Philanthus gibbosus Genus nests in bare, sandy soil & provisions with other Aculeate Hymenoptera adults (esp. Halictidae but also Andrenidae, Anthophoridae, Apidae, Colletidae & Megachilidae, etc.)
    Philanthus politus See above.
    Cerceris rufopicta Genus nest in bare, compact soil or sandbanks and provisions with adult Coleoptera in families such as Curculionidae, Buprestidae, Chrysomelidae, Tenebrionidae, & Bruchidae.
    Cerceris blakei See above.
    Cerceris tolteca See above. Abundant in summer on Cassia.
  • Katydids

    Katydids (Tettigoniidae) are best known for their songs, which are generally nocturnal and nonmusical, i.e., buzzy or raspy. The songs of their close relatives, the crickets, are musical. Cicadas also have nonmusical songs, but they are twilight and daytime singers.

    Some of the species listed below are not verified as being in NATL but are presumed to be there based on fieldwork in similar habitats in west Gainesville.

    The species on this page have been linked to the corresponding species pages of Singing Insects of North America. The songs are from the same source.

     

    Tettigonioidea Katydids
    CONOCEPHALINAE MEADOW KATYDIDS
    Conocephalus fasciatus Slender Meadow Katydid
    Orchelimum agile Agile Meadow Katydid
    Orchelimum minor Lesser Pine Katydid
    COPIPHORINAE CONEHEADED KATYDIDS
    Bucrates malivolans Cattail Conehead 
    Neoconocephalus retusus Round-tipped Conehead 
    Neoconocephalus triops Broad-tipped Conehead 
    Pyrgocorypha uncinata Hook-faced Conehead
    PHANEROPTERINAE FALSE KATYDIDS
    Amblycorypha arenicola Sandhill Virtuoso Katydid 
    Amblycorypha floridana Florida False Katydid 
    Microcentrum retinerve Lesser Angle-wing
     Microcentrum rhombifolium Greater Angle-wing
    Scudderia furcata Fork-tailed Bush Katydid 
    Scudderia texensis Texas Bush Katydid 
    Stilpnochlora couloniana Giant Katydid
    PSEUDOPHYLLINAE TRUE KATYDIDS
     Pterophylla camellifolia Common True Katydid
    TETTIGONIINAE PREDACEOUS KATYDIDS
    Atlanticus dorsalis Grey Shieldback
    Atlanticus gibbosus Robust Shieldback
    Hubbellia marginifera Pine Katydid 
  • Crickets

    Crickets are best known for their songs, which are generally nocturnal and musical. The songs of their close relatives, the katydids, are raspy or buzzy, as are the songs of cicadas, which are the principal daytime insect singers in NATL.

    Some of the species listed below are not verified as being in NATL but are presumed to be there based on fieldwork in similar habitats in west Gainesville.

    The species on this page have been linked to the corresponding species pages of Singing Insects of North America. The songs are from the same source.

     

    Grylloidea Crickets
    GRYLLINAE FIELD CRICKETS
    Gryllus firmus Sand Field Cricket
    Gryllus fultoni Southern Wood Cricket
    Gryllus ovisopis Taciturn Wood Cricket
    Gryllus rubens Southeastern Field Cricket
    Miogryllus saussurei Eastern Striped Cricket
    GRYLLOTALPIDAE MOLE CRICKETS
    Neocurtilla hexadactyla Northern Mole Cricket
    Scapteriscus borellii Southern Mole Cricket
    Scapteriscus vicinus Tawny Mole Cricket
    ENEOPTERINAE BUSH CRICKETS
    Hapithus agitator Restless Bush Cricket 
    Hapithus brevipennis Short-winged Bush Cricket
    Orocharis luteolira False Jumping Bush Cricket
    MOGOPLISTINAE SCALY CRICKETS
    Cycloptilum bidens Two-toothed Scaly Cricket 
    Cycloptilum tardum Slow Scaly Cricket
    Cycloptilum trigonipalpum Forest Scaly Cricket
    Cycloptilum velox Swift Scaly Cricket
    MYRMECOPHILINAE ANT CRICKETS
    Myrmecophilus pergandei Eastern Ant Cricket 
    NEMOBIINAE GROUND CRICKETS
    Allonemobius socius Southern Ground Cricket
    Eunemobius carolinus Carolina Ground Cricket
    Eunemobius melodius Melodious Ground Cricket
    Neonemobius nr mormonius Collared Ground Cricket
    Neonemobius cubensis Cuban Ground Cricket
    Pictonemobius ambitiosus Ambitious Ground Cricket
    OECANTHINAE TREE CRICKETS
    Neoxabea bipunctata Two-spotted Tree Cricket 
    Oecanthus celerinictus Fast-calling Tree Cricket
    Oecanthus exclamationis Davis's Tree Cricket
    Oecanthus niveus Narrow-winged Tree Cricket
    Oecanthus quadripunctatus Four-spotted Tree Cricket
    TRIGONIDIINAE SWORD-TAIL CRICKETS or TRIGS
    Anaxipha delicatula Chirping Trig
    Anaxipha n. sp. A Nameless Trig
    Anaxipha n. sp. C Pink-spotted Trig
    Cyrtoxipha columbiana Columbian Trig
    Cyrtoxipha gundlachi Gundlach's Trig
    Phyllopalpus pulchellus Handsome Trig