FAS Abstracts 2004 Meeting Page

Biological Sciences (BIO Posters): POS-5

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Depredation of Caretta caretta (Testudines: Cheloniidae) nests by Lanelater sallei (Coleoptera: Elateridae) larvae on Key Biscayne. J.H. TOWNSEND (1), E.M. DONLAN (2), and E.A. GOLDEN (2). (1) Division of Herpetology, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, FL 32611, (2) Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, 1200 S. Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149. Marine turtle nests are subject to depredation by a variety of predators. In 2001, beetle larvae were observed in C. caretta nests at Cape Florida State Park (CFSP), apparently predating upon the eggs. In 2002 and 2003, the impact of these larvae was examined more closely, and larvae were reared for identification. The beetles, Lanelater sallei, were the most destructive C. caretta egg predators at CFSP during the study. In 2003, 75% of nests contained larvae-damaged eggs while <12% of nests were depredated by raccoons and <4% were depredated by crabs. Raccoon predation was reduced in 2003 compared to other years. Many volunteer nest evaluators assisted in this project.