DETERMINING ANTLION SPECIES DIVERSITY IN GWINNETT COUNTY USING MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND PRINCIPAL COORDINATE ANALYSIS**

Authors

Madelyn D. Yaceczko*, Georgia Gwinnett College 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow
Kassiel N. Serrano Rocha*, Georgia Gwinnett College 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow
Mark A. Schlueter, Georgia Gwinnett College, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow
Patrick W. Cain, Georgia Gwinnett College, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow

Abstract

Antlions, also known as doodle bugs (Family: Myrmeleontidae), are insects found around the world, including Gwinnett County, Georgia. Antlion larvae are ambush predators that build pits in the sand to capture their prey. Their main food source is ants and other small prey that fall into the antlion pits, including other antlions. There are approximately 100 or more antlion species in North America. The main goal of the project is to determine various morphological features that can distinguish different potential species present in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The number of species existing in the area is currently unknown. It is hypothesized that there are at least four species existing locally. In this experiment, we will be using a Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) to obtain a set number of species for Gwinnett County. This data will then be tested against DNA sequencing of the CO1 gene in another experiment. Preliminary results suggest that there are currently two different species based on morphological data collected.

Recommended Citation

Yaceczko*, Madelyn D.; Serrano Rocha*, Kassiel N.; Schlueter, Mark A.; and Cain, Patrick W. (2019) "DETERMINING ANTLION SPECIES DIVERSITY IN GWINNETT COUNTY USING MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND PRINCIPAL COORDINATE ANALYSIS**," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 77, No. 1, Article 78.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol77/iss1/78