Insect pollinator diversity and other associates of Salt Cedar (Tamarix sp) along the Rio Grande in Presidio County, Texas

• In Event: Terrestrial Ecology & Management Oral Session 2 & Section Meeting

Abstract

Tamarix sp. was introduced to North America in the 1800’s and has become an ecological dilemma due to its rapid spread. Many studies have looked at the negative effects of salt cedar from an ecological standpoint, but not specifically at its effects on pollinators. As part of this study, a combination of pan trapping and observational techniques, supplemented with sweep netting and hand capturing techniques, was used to assess the pollinators associated with salt cedar and native flora. A total of twelve trees, six salt cedar and six native, were monitored along the Rio Grande in Presidio County. Each tree had three differently colored pan traps placed at its base for 24 hours, and was observed for pollinator activity for 15 minutes at the time of pan trap placement. Sampling began in April and was conducted biweekly during the ends of the project and weekly during the summer months concluding in November 2016. Approximately 6,816 insects, belong to seventeen orders were collected, with Hymenoptera being the most dominate group. All specimens were returned to the Jim V. Richerson Invertebrate Collection for sorting, pinning, and identification. Statistical analysis, including Shannon-Weiner Indices, were run to determine statistical significance of pan trap color and host environment on insect collection.

Authors

• Alexandra M Hassenflu, Sul Ross State University

• Chris M Ritzi, Sul Ross State University