Diel Activity Patterns of Two Distinct Populations of Aedes Aegypti in Miami, FL and Brownsville, TX

The diel biting activity of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L) populations was extensively investigated in the early 1900s to gain more information on the biology of Ae. aegypti, and this information was used to devise effective approaches to controlling populations of this species and protect the human population from widespread arbovirus outbreaks. However, few contemporary studies are available regarding the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti. To assess the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti in southern Florida and Texas, we conducted 96-hour uninterrupted mosquito collections once each month from May through November 2019 in Miami, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas, using BG-Sentinel 2 Traps. The overall diel activity pattern in both cities was bimodal with morning and evening peak activity between 7:00 and 8:00 and between 19:00 and 20:00. There were significant daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific differences in activity patterns, but these differences did not affect the overall peak activity times. These differences suggest daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific variations in human exposure to Ae. aegypti. Our observations can be used in planning and executing Ae. aegypti vector control activities in southern Florida and Texas, especially those targeting the adult mosquito populations.

Explosive range expansion of Eulophia graminea (Orchidaceae) in Puerto Ricio and the West Indies

Eulophia graminea Lindley (Orchidaceae), a native orchid of tropical and subtropical Asia, was first reported in the Western Hemisphere from populations in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. where it spread rapidly through the southern part of the state. Here we report the first record of this species for Puerto Rico and sightings in the Bahamas and Cuba, reflecting the rapid spread seen in southern Florida (U.S.A).

Strong Population Genetic Structure and Cryptic Diversity in the Florida Bonneted Bat (Eumops Floridanus)

Knowledge of genetic structure is essential for the long-term management and conservation of endangered species. We report the results from a genetic examination of the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) sampled from its range in southern Florida, USA. Bonneted bats are primarily found in four regions separated by approximately 100 to 250 kms, including three western natural areas (BW, PC, and CC) and one urban population on the east coast [Miami-Dade County (MD)]. We used 22 microsatellite loci and cytochrome b sequences to assess the extent of connectivity and levels of genetic diversity. Regional populations were highly differentiated (FST = 0.178) and model-based and multivariate analyses showed that MD was the most distinct among pairwise comparisons. Regional populations are small (i.e., Ne < 100) but demographically stable. Estimates of contemporary migration and historic gene flow suggest that regional populations do not frequently exchange migrants, but simulations suggest that the divergence among western regions is likely a result of recent genetic drift rather than long-term isolation. Significantly, mitochondrial DNA revealed that haplotypes from MD were similar or shared with those recognized as Eumops ferox from Cuba and Jamaica, and divergent (1.5%) from the remainder of bonneted bats in Florida. Our data support the management of each of the four populations as distinct population segments, and that BW, PC and CC combined are on an independent evolutionary trajectory from bats in MD. Critically, bonneted bats in Florida appear to harbor cryptic diversity that will require a reassessment of their taxonomy.

A-29 Lack of Performance Differences on the RCFT between Administration Methods in Adults with ADHD

Objective The Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) has the potential to assess executive function deficits commonly associated with ADHD. While commonly scored using the visuospatial criterion established in the Qualitative Scoring System (QSS), alternative methods have incorporated administration using colored pencils to evaluate planning and organization. Existing literature has discouraged administration using the colored pencil approach given suggestion that distractibility will impair performance. The current study challenged the assumption that individuals with distractibility should not be exposed to color administration. Methods Data was extracted from files of ADHD individuals previously assessed at a southern Florida hospital. A total of 25 participants (11 females and 14 males) were included in the analysis. Methods of analysis included independent t-tests and ANOVA to explore moderating factors of age, sex, race and diagnostic presentation. Results This study found that performance across the various parts of the test were not significantly different based on administration method (t = −1.021, p = 0.318, 95% CI: −4.3755, 1.4845). Interestingly, an ANOVA revealed no significant differences between the broad demographic groups in their performance. Independent t-test did not indicate that the RCFT performance could differentiate between types of ADHD (t = 0.118, p = 0.907, 95% CI: −2.8420, 3.1862). Conclusion In contrast to the RCFT manual, the results of the data analysis revealed no significant differences between administration methods in a highly inattentive population group. This study provides the basis for the introduction of studying the RCFT as a diagnostic tool for re-assessing ADHD throughout adulthood.