| This study examined the biology, ecology, behavior, parasitoids and response to fire of an understudied group of insects, the cavity nesting Hymenoptera. Five state parks in north central Florida were surveyed for two years with trap nests yielding over 3,000 captured nests. Trap-nesting Hymenoptera represent important guilds, such as predators and pollinators, within these surveyed habitats and are an integral part of maintaining desired biodiversity of both flora and fauna. Over the two year period, biology, ecology, and prey of a potter wasp, Monobia quadridens, a mud-dauber wasp, Trypoxylon lactitarse, and two grass carrying wasps, Isodontia auripes and Isodontia mexicana, were examined in depth. In addition, more than 100 species of trap-nesting Hymenoptera and associated arthropods were examined yielding data on distribution, host ranges, biology and ecology. Also, a detailed inventory of identified trap-nesting hymenoptera and associated arthropods is provided to expand park faunal records.;In addition to examining biology and ecology of this group, this study examines the effect prescribed fire has on these insects. Prescribed fire is a commonly used practice in managed parks and natural areas to restore and maintain native and protected habitat and these insects, as pollinators and predators of plant feeders, may play an important role in the succession of desirable, native habitat after the fire event. Prescribed fire was used by the park managers in such a manner that allowed for comparison of equally sized areas of identical habitat. Overall, the community of trap-nesting Hymenoptera was affected by the scale of prescribed fire used by the park service in terms of overall diversity and abundance of key species. The diversity and richness of cavity nesting Hymenoptera may be used as an indicator of when to use prescribed fire to maintain native ecosystems and foster a healthy biodiversity. |
