Taxonomic revision of Nylanderia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from The Galápagos Islands
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrea Lucky
- University of Florida College of Agriculture and Life Science, Department of Entomology and
Nematology
- January 2024 - Ongoing
Research Focus
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The focus of this research is to analyze specimens of Nylanderia collected from various islands in the Galapagos archipelago to determine the presence of previously unknown native species, or the presence of known invasive species. These species determinations will be made using morphometric information and locality. Determining correct species identifications is of critical importance to the focus of the project. Very little is currently known about Nylanderia populations on the islands. This raises concern as there are 15 known species of Nylanderia with near worldwide economic and environmental impact. Not only will understanding present Nyalnderia species aid in the conservation of the fragile enviornments found on the islands, but tracking the travel of invasive species will benefit our understanding of how invasive ants travel, combating future outbreaks.
Project Responsibilities
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The current and future responsibilities of the project include the curation and upkeep of Nylanderia specimens from the Galapagos Islands. Acquiring data from the collection, including accurate reading of body lengths and ratios, qualitative information such as color, and categorical information such as when and where they were collected. Later responsibilities will include performing comparisons between these traits to determine the different species from the islands. This information will be used to generate keys and guides on the current native and invasive species of Nyalnderia on the Galapagos Islands.
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Collaborators
This project would not be possible without the guidance and expertise of Dr. Adrea Lucky and Dr. Jason Williams. This would also not be possible without the help of collaborators from Equador, Maria Tocora, Fernando Ferdandez, Gianpiero Florentino, and Henri Herrera.
Current Research
Below are three images taken of specimen G5F14T1. These images are necessary not only for showing the public the subject of the research, but also for providing accurate species determinations. Head-on, lateral, and dorsal images allow the optimal medium to compare individual's size, color, and pubescence.
