Gopher-tortoise-associate
Guides
Idia gopheri
Gopher Tortoise Moth, Tortoise Commensal Noctuid Moth
Idia gopheri is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by J. B. Smith in 1899. The species is notable for its specialized association with gopher tortoise burrows, where its larvae develop. It has a restricted distribution centered on Florida, with potential range extension into adjacent southeastern states.
Machimus polyphemi
Gopher Tortoise Robber Fly
Machimus polyphemi is a robber fly species described in 1991 that exhibits an obligate commensal relationship with gopher tortoise burrows. It is one of 12 known invertebrate species that depend entirely on burrows excavated by Gopherus polyphemus. The species is essentially endemic to longleaf pine ecosystems, particularly sandhill communities, across the southeastern United States Coastal Plain.
Onthophagus polyphemi
gopher tortoise onthophagus beetle, onthophagus tortoise commensal scarab, Tortoise Commensal Scarab
Onthophagus polyphemi is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae. It is known for its association with gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), inhabiting their burrows in a commensal relationship. The species was described by Hubbard in 1894. Two subspecies are recognized: O. p. polyphemi and O. p. sparsisetosus.