Landscape genetics of Darlingtonia californica

Thanks for visiting! The goal of this project is to obtain precise location records for the pitcher plant Darlingtonia californica. As an ecologist who has been studying this species for the past 8 years, I am planning to investigate the population genetic structure of the plant and some of its arthropod symbionts in order to identify each species' dispersal capabilities and physical barriers to gene flow.

WHAT'S THE POINT?
I was motivated to start this project when I consistently observed very small, isolated populations of Darlingtonia had been colonized by the mite Sarraceniopus darlingtoniae and the midge Metriocnemus edwardsi. As far as we know, these two arthropods are found nowhere else on earth, and so must be able to zero in on newly-established host plant populations quite well . Given the very patchy distribution of the pitcher plant, however, this task is like hitting a bullseye with a dart dropped from a hot air balloon (i.e., TOUGH). So, I want to conduct some genetic analyses on these critters in order to see how far they are actually capable of dispersing and what paths they might take while moving across their discrete, mountainous habitats.

WHAT I NEED FROM YOU:
Since Darlingtonia is listed as a vulnerable species due to poaching and habitat loss, I am requesting permission to view un-obscured location records from iNaturalist, particularly for fringe populations which I have not yet visited. Please rest easy in providing this information, as the plants will be unarmed save for a small clipping of the "tongue" appendage. Thank you for your time and assistance! menos ↑