Collectively, this habitat is an important component of the state comprising nearly 10% of the land area. Domes, bogs, sogs, strands, and galls are unique types of wetland. Bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) are common in many swamps and are characterized by the knobby vertical growths termed 'knees' that help with respiration when the roots are in waters with low dissolved oxygen. Swamp laurel oak (Quercus laurifola), water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), and black or swamp gum (N. sylvatica) are also commonly found growing in swamps. Marshes can be found throughout the state, but the largest and most popular is the Everglades. Originally, the Everglades was once over 10,000 square kilometers, but due to drainage for farming and other construction, only 35% of the original marsh is intact today. Now, flood control canals and other water management programs often disrupt the natural cycle of water levels. Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicensis), cattails (Typha spp.), water lily (Nymphaea odorata), and pickerel weed (Pontederia lanceolata) are some of the common plants found in marshes.
Click on these thumbnails of insects and arthropods for more information about each.
Viceroy
Mangrove skipper
