Neomusotima Moth Population Surveys for Invasive Fern Control, 2018-2021

Survey results from April 2018 to September 2021 track populations of the biological control moth Neomusotima conspurcatalis released to manage the invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum in Florida. The data includes timed search surveys and pheromone trap monitoring from four sites, collected by the USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory. Funding was provided by the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and other Florida agencies.

Use Cases

• Analyze population fluctuations of Neomusotima conspurcatalis based on timed search survey data
• Assess the establishment of self-perpetuating field populations based on pheromone trap monitoring
• Quantify the impact of biological control agents on Lygodium microphyllum growth based on feeding damage observations
• Model seasonal or yearly trends in agent populations based on multi-year survey data

Strengths

• Data spans over three years from April 2018 to September 2021
• Includes multiple monitoring methods: timed searches and pheromone capsule traps
• Survey methodology is described, involving two surveyors and 15-minute search intervals

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Pheromone trap monitoring was suspended in March 2020, creating a potential data gap

Provenance

Source

USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory

Collection Method

Random search surveys and pheromone trap monitoring at four permanent sites.

Time Range

April 2018 to September 2021

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-01 21:40:41; freshness should be verified

Geography

Florida, United States