This type of habit covers nearly 50% of the state of Florida and is the largest single ecological habitat. As the name suggests, the dominate vegetation consists of several species of pine (Pinus spp.). Live oak (Quercus virginiana), water oak (Q. nigra), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum) and white ash (Fraxinus americana.) are other kinds of trees sometimes found in flatwoods. There are also a great many shrubs and as well as many types of grasses. Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is common here and throughout the northern part of the state. It hangs from trees in long, thick masses that may reach 20' in length. Often this habitat can be found where lakes and ponds have been drained either due to subsidence (sink holes) or man-made construction. Click on the thumbnails below for detailed information for each of the arthropods found in this environment.
Click on these thumbnails of insects and arthropods for more information about each.
Ebony jewelwing
Argos skipper
