In an isolated pine forest on the eastern edge of Central Texas, there lies an island of abundant and diversified life known as the Lost Pines. Separated from the rest of the state’s East Texas pine forests by more than one hundred miles, the Lost Pines marks the westernmost stand of the loblolly pine and is a refuge for plants and animals more typically associated with the southeastern United States where the tree originated. Surrounded now by pastures and scattered oak woodlands, the Lost Pines supports a remarkable ecosystem, a primeval sanctuary amidst the urban bustle of nearby Austin and of neighboring communities Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. This 100,000 acre island includes portions of Bastrop and Buescher State Parks, and it was here that Stephen W. Taber and Scott Fleenor encountered insect life of astonishing diversity. Setting out to identify and describe the insects and related animals most readily observed in the Lost Pines, they also discovered some hidden, rare, and never-before-described species. The result is this book, a bestiary of more than 280 species of invertebrates including insects, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, scorpions, mollusks, and worms. Each species description includes common and scientific names; information on biology, distribution, and similar species; and the authors’ special remarks. Many of these animals occur outside the forest, making Insects of the Texas Lost Pines a useful guide to Texas invertebrates in general. When you visit Bastrop State Park, you are likely to see more bugs and spineless creatures than any other form of animal life. The next time you go, turn over a few logs, look at the ants, and don’t swat the flies. Take along this new guide and open up a world of life in one of Texas's most unique and popular landscapes.
Along the San Marcos River, in and surrounding Palmetto State Park in south central Texas, lie two square miles of relict ecosystem named the Ottine Wetlands. This area of swamps, marshes, and ponds is especially notable for its geographic isolation from other wetlands in southeastern Texas and for its fascinating intermixture of eastern North American plants and animals and western flora and fauna. The scientific importance of the Ottine Wetlands in the surrounding, relatively dry region was first recognized as early as 1928, yet the swamps and marshes have not been thoroughly studied. This is the first examination of the invertebrates--insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and others--that depend directly or indirectly on the abundant moisture of the wetlands. With nearly 290 full-color illustrations, this book describes and illustrates 241 species of flies, beetles, grasshoppers, wasps, ants, bugs, spiders, scorpions, snails, crustaceans, and millipedes that inhabit the Ottine waters, wetlands, and woodlands. In a brief introduction the authors describe the geological formation of the region and discuss the plant life of the area. They also provide a description of Palmetto State Park, with its easily accessed hiking and nature trails. Following the species descriptions, the book concludes with a glossary and a thorough bibliography of other relevant works on invertebrates. Scientifically thorough, yet readable, this book will appeal to nature lovers of all kinds.
In the early years of the twentieth century, South American fire ants crossed the Caribbean and invaded the shores of the southeastern United States. These imported fire ants quickly found a niche in Gulf Coast fields and lawns, overpowered the native species, and began spreading. In the process they became a notorious pest to some, a beneficial ally to others, and a potential killer to allergy sufferers. As a result, they are among the most intensely studied insects in the world. Near the turn of the millennium the dominant species, the red imported fire ant, finally made its long-feared leap across the hostile western desert into the greener oasis of southern California, where it stood poised to infest the richest agricultural region in the country.In this authoritative book, five economically important species take center stage. These are the red imported fire ant, the black imported fire ant, the tropical fire ant, the southern fire ant, and the golden fire ant. A general introduction and a history of their invasion of North America open the door to additional chapters on natural history, origin and evolution, animals that share the fire ants' nest, the mixed successes of chemical control, and natural enemies and the hopes for biocontrol. Also examined are the pros and cons of fire ants, their medical importance, and suggestions for future research. The appendices list all known fire ant species and explain how to prepare, preserve, and identify every known species occurring in the United States.Well written and enhanced by an extensive glossary, a thorough bibliography of scientific literature, and more than one hundred photos, maps, and drawings, Fire Ants engages and informs both nonprofessionals and specialists.
In an isolated pine forest on the eastern edge of Central Texas, there lies an island of abundant and diversified life known as the Lost Pines. Separated from the rest of the state’s East Texas pine forests by more than one hundred miles, the Lost Pines marks the westernmost stand of the loblolly pine and is a refuge for plants and animals more typically associated with the southeastern United States where the tree originated. Surrounded now by pastures and scattered oak woodlands, the Lost Pines supports a remarkable ecosystem, a primeval sanctuary amidst the urban bustle of nearby Austin and of neighboring communities Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. This 100,000 acre island includes portions of Bastrop and Buescher State Parks, and it was here that Stephen W. Taber and Scott Fleenor encountered insect life of astonishing diversity. Setting out to identify and describe the insects and related animals most readily observed in the Lost Pines, they also discovered some hidden, rare, and never-before-described species. The result is this book, a bestiary of more than 280 species of invertebrates including insects, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, scorpions, mollusks, and worms. Each species description includes common and scientific names; information on biology, distribution, and similar species; and the authors’ special remarks. Many of these animals occur outside the forest, making Insects of the Texas Lost Pines a useful guide to Texas invertebrates in general. When you visit Bastrop State Park, you are likely to see more bugs and spineless creatures than any other form of animal life. The next time you go, turn over a few logs, look at the ants, and don’t swat the flies. Take along this new guide and open up a world of life in one of Texas's most unique and popular landscapes.
Along the San Marcos River, in and surrounding Palmetto State Park in south central Texas, lie two square miles of relict ecosystem named the Ottine Wetlands. This area of swamps, marshes, and ponds is especially notable for its geographic isolation from other wetlands in southeastern Texas and for its fascinating intermixture of eastern North American plants and animals and western flora and fauna. The scientific importance of the Ottine Wetlands in the surrounding, relatively dry region was first recognized as early as 1928, yet the swamps and marshes have not been thoroughly studied. This is the first examination of the invertebrates--insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and others--that depend directly or indirectly on the abundant moisture of the wetlands. With nearly 290 full-color illustrations, this book describes and illustrates 241 species of flies, beetles, grasshoppers, wasps, ants, bugs, spiders, scorpions, snails, crustaceans, and millipedes that inhabit the Ottine waters, wetlands, and woodlands. In a brief introduction the authors describe the geological formation of the region and discuss the plant life of the area. They also provide a description of Palmetto State Park, with its easily accessed hiking and nature trails. Following the species descriptions, the book concludes with a glossary and a thorough bibliography of other relevant works on invertebrates. Scientifically thorough, yet readable, this book will appeal to nature lovers of all kinds.
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