Native Dragonflies as Pest-Consumers in Organic Gardens and Farms of North-Central Florida: A Preliminary Assessment
Montana Atwater et al.
Abstract
The goal of this study was to explore the possibility that dragonflies may play positive functional roles in agroecosystems as predators on pest insects. Specific objectives included: 1) to compare species richness of dragonflies in organic farm fields and gardens, 2) to determine patterns of microhabitat use by different species of dragonflies in cropped areas, and 3) to determine prey types taken and foraging behaviors exhibited by the Eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis), the most common species observed. A total of 170 observations of dragonfly individuals were made across 4 sampling locations in Alachua County, and 6 species were detected. Species richness of dragonflies was significantly greater in gardens than farm fields. Foraging heights (microhabitats) varied significantly among species, and the abundant Eastern pondhawk was most dominant at the crop level where it commonly used both ground and crop substrates for perching/hunting. Because of its abundance and foraging microhabitat preferences, we conclude that the Eastern pondhawk is most likely to have an effect on pests.
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