Fire ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida, USA, and ST. Croix, USVI

Author

• Danielle K. Romais

Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Wetterer, James K.

Abstract

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis research aimed to survey the distribution of ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI, and to evaluate the possible threat of Solenopsis invicta and other predatory ants to sea turtle hatchlings.

Extent

86 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013.|Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Romais, Danielle K., "Fire ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida, USA, and ST. Croix, USVI" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019. 778.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_6/778

Identifier

FA0004052

Format

pdf