Distribution Patterns of Insects Inhabiting Burrows of the Southeastern Pocket Gopher

Peter W. Kovarik, Entomology Biocontrol, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307-4100

Paul E. Skelley, Florida State Collection of Arthropods, FDACS-DPI, Gainsville, Florida 32614-7100

Katherine A. Milla, Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307-4100

Robert H. Turnbow, Directorate of Public Works, Bldg. 1404, Ft. Rucker, Alabama 36362-5000

Demetria L. Capers, Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307-4100

Introduction

The burrow systems of the Southeastern pocket gopher Geomys pinetis Rafinesque host a unique assemblage of arthropods. Over half a century ago, T. H. Hubbell and C. C. Goff discovered that burrow systems produced and inhabited by the gophers are essentially "ephemeral caves" providing refuge for 60 species of invertebrates (Hubbell and Goff, 1939). The pioneering work done by these early naturalists has barely scratched the surface and studies of the insects inhabiting pocket gopher burrows remain in their infancy.

A contribution from the Bioinformatics Project Web Editor: Michael D. Hubbard Page last modified on 05 September 2000