This study reports the first information on Phylactolaemata from Florida. Bryozoan floatoblasts were collected from Lake Apopka in February 2007 with a large mesh plankton net. Submerged surfaces of docks and buoys were inspected, as well as stems of Phragmites. The following bryozoan species were found: Urnatella gracilis Leidy 1851 (phylum Entoprocta) and Plumatella bushnelli Wood 2001, Plumatella vaihiriae (Hastings 1929), Plumatella casmiana (Oka 1907) and Plumatella sp. (phylum Ectoprocta, Phylactolaemata). Until now, U. gracilis is the only species already reported in Florida: it is widely distributed in eastern North America. Due to its presence in Europe, South America, Central Africa, India and Japan, it is considered cosmopolite. P. bushnelli is known just from one site in the USA and one site in New Zealand. Few data are available for P. vaihiriae, but where this species is present it is very abundant. P. casmiana is a common and widely distributed species and can be considered cosmopolite. Future research will address the distribution and role of Bryozoa in shallow subtropical systems in Florida.
First report about freshwater Bryozoa of Florida (Lake Apopka)
TATICCHI, Maria Illuminata;ELIA, Antonia Concetta;
2009
Abstract
This study reports the first information on Phylactolaemata from Florida. Bryozoan floatoblasts were collected from Lake Apopka in February 2007 with a large mesh plankton net. Submerged surfaces of docks and buoys were inspected, as well as stems of Phragmites. The following bryozoan species were found: Urnatella gracilis Leidy 1851 (phylum Entoprocta) and Plumatella bushnelli Wood 2001, Plumatella vaihiriae (Hastings 1929), Plumatella casmiana (Oka 1907) and Plumatella sp. (phylum Ectoprocta, Phylactolaemata). Until now, U. gracilis is the only species already reported in Florida: it is widely distributed in eastern North America. Due to its presence in Europe, South America, Central Africa, India and Japan, it is considered cosmopolite. P. bushnelli is known just from one site in the USA and one site in New Zealand. Few data are available for P. vaihiriae, but where this species is present it is very abundant. P. casmiana is a common and widely distributed species and can be considered cosmopolite. Future research will address the distribution and role of Bryozoa in shallow subtropical systems in Florida.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
