Resurrection Ferns: Hardy Native Air Plants
One of the wonderful features of spring is the return of green to the branches of many trees in north Florida. Cypress, poplar, cherry and many others have been defoliated by the cool season which is now retreating. Buds are breaking everywhere deciduous trees reside...
Six Simple Ideas for Dealing with Your Unwanted Exotic Pet
Now that we have completed National Invasive Species Awareness Week many readers have learned what NOT to do with their unwanted exotic pets… but what DO you do with them? Here are six simple suggestions for you to consider. Many professional herpetologists suggest...
It’s not just the honeybees!
Honey bees are quite the buzz these days. Reports of population declines and the importance of their role in pollination have caught the country’s attention. The Northwest District IFAS Beekeepers’ classes have grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Many folks...
Invasive Species of the Day: Cogongrass and Tawny Crazy Ant
Cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica): Cogongrass is one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. This grass is an aggressive grower and forms colonies causing loss of productive forest areas, severe degradation of habitat, and economic issues. Since its introduction in the...
Invasive Species of the Day: Cuban Tree Frog and Hydrilla
Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): The Cuban Treefrog: was introduced into Florida as a stowaway on vehicles and plants in the 1920’s. As of 2013, breeding populations have been recorded as far north as Georgia. Cuban Treefrogs have larger toepads and eyes...
Invasive Species of the Day: Tiger Prawn and Climbing Ferns
Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon): Giant Tiger Prawn: This large shrimp, also known as the Asian Tiger Shrimp and the Black Tiger Shrimp, can reach lengths between 8-12 inches. It resembles are native edible penaeid shrimp but differs in that it has distinct black...
Invasive Species of the Day (February 25): Coral Ardisia and Wild Hogs
Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata): Coral ardisia is also known as coral berry, spice berry, and scratchthroat. It was introduced into Florida in the early 1900's for ornamental purposes. In the ensuing years, it has since it escaped cultivation and has become...
Invasive Species of the Day (February 24): Lionfish and Air Potato
Lionfish (Pterois volitans): Red Lionfish are a predatory reef fish that are non-native invasive species and have spread throughout Florida Waters. They are members of the family Scorpaenidae whose members are venomous and the lionfish is no exception. This...
Invasive Species of the Day (February 23): Kudzu Bugs and Beach Vitex
Kudzu Bug (Megacopta cribraria): Florida is extending a warm welcome to a new pest! In 2012, the Kudzu bug made its first appearance in our state. And they are settling in to stay. The kudzu bug was first documented in the US in 2009 in Northeast Georgia. It has...
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) – February 22-28, 2015
Many plants and animals have been introduced to new regions for centuries, as people have discovered new lands. These transient species are known as non-natives, and can become invasive. Invasive species occur throughout the world and may blend in, be nondescript or...