Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Frazier, Evelyn

Abstract

This thesis explores interactions between the native Florida plant Coccoloba uvifera (sea grape) and the gall-inducing midge Ctenodactylomyia watsoni. Galls are tumor-like structure that form on the surface of the leaf. Galled leaves are common on sea grape foliage, with the oviposition of C. watsoni potentially contributing to or being associated with early leaf senescence. Despite its significance, the life cycle of this galling midge remains a largely unexplored topic in the literature. This research also investigates the potential oviposition and gall formation on another Florida coastal plant, Coccoloba diversifolia, commonly known as pigeon plum. Given the taxonomic proximity and potential for hybridization of the two plant congeners, it was suspected that pigeon plum may serve as a potential host for C. watsoni. This thesis aimed to expand understanding of the life cycle and population dynamics of C. watsoni. The study was successful in providing insight into the population composition, periodicity, and trait differentiation between both its host plants of the galling midge C. watsoni.

Extent

59 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2024.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00014444

Format

pdf

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