An annotated list of the aquatic invertebrates inhabiting water impounded in the leaf axils of Florida’s native epiphytic bromeliads is provided. Of the 22 species reported, 9 are yet undescribed. Of the 13 described species, 10 are believed to be native. Five of the native species and perhaps all of the undescribed species are precinctive (“endemic”). These invertebrate animals and their bromeliad host plants are at risk of extinction due to destruction of the host plants by Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), an invasive weevil.
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1 March 2008
Potential Biodiversity Loss in Florida Bromeliad Phytotelmata due to Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), an Invasive Species
J. H. Frank,
D. Fish
biodiversity
endangered species
endemic species
invasive species
macro-invertebrates
phytotelmata
precinctive species