Factors Influencing the Distribution and Abundance of Sphaeroma terebrans in Florida’s Red Mangroves

In Palm Beach County, S. terebrans burrows into grounded roots and
trunks of R. mangle causing collapse. This is contrary to previous studies
suggesting this species burrows only into free-hanging roots. Nutrients and C.
virginica cover may affect S. terebrans abundance and distribution. Surveys
show burrowing significantly varies among sites, but not between free-hanging
and grounded roots. Nutrients vary by site, but neither N nor P was correlated
with burrowing. Nutrient treated roots showed no colonization pattern associated
with N or P. Lignin varied among sites, but didn’t affect burrowing. Finally, C.
virginica limited colonization in the portion of R. mangle tissue it covered. The
location of C. virginica on the seaward/landward side was not predictive of
burrowing. R. mangle height and leaves were not negatively affected by cover
treatment or burrowing. Results highlight the need for additional research to
determine the influence of environmental factors on this species interaction.