Sphaeroma terebrans : A Threat to the Mangroves of Southwestern Florida

Abstract

Sphaeroma terebrans, a wood-boring isopod, is destroying the prop roots of red mangroves along the southwestern coast of Florida to such an extent that the Ten Thousand Islands and mangrove fringes of the mainland are steadily shrinking. Mangroves of the Florida Keys apparently are free of this wood borer.