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Lake Annie
What to look for at Lake Annie
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Aquatic plants are limited to a relatively narrow zone from 60-200ft wide and extending to a depth of 5ft. The principal emergent species used to be maidencane (Panicum hemitomon) and umbrella grass (Fuirena scirpoidea) but recently Torpedo grass (Panicum repens), an invasive exotic has invaded along the shoreline. Water lilies (Nyphaea odorata) and spatterdock (Nuphar advena) are frequent. The ring of submergent vegetation is about 50-200’ wide and consists largely of bladderwort (Utricularia) and some eel grass (Vallisneria). Xyris correlliorum isknown only from lakes Annie, Grassy, and Placid in southern Highlands Co
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Lake Annie has a relatively sparse benthic fauna. The majority of macro-invertebrates from around the lake are insects. Twenty seven species of dragonflies and damselflies are recorded form the lake.
- The lake contains a diverse assemblage of micro-invertebrates, including a collection of rare benthic cladoceran taxa (small crustaceans, or “water fleas”). Some of these are known only from a few subtropical and tropical localities and one, Ephemeroporus archiboldi Frey, was named for the station and has not been described elsewhere.
- Although algal productivity in Lake Annie is low, a wide variety of algae groups are represented. Benthic diatoms and green algae form thick coats on submersed plants and floating globs of the blue-green algae Nostoc can be found in the summer. The plankton contains a diversity of chrysophytes, diatoms and dinoflagellates.
- Amphibians common at Lake Annie include the southern cricket frog, the southern leopard frog, pig frogs, and occasional bull frogs. Amphiuma, an aquatic salamander can be found. Reptiles include the American alligator (yes there can be large alligators in Lake Annie although they are not frequent), peninsula cooter, and banded water snakes.
- Fishes have been recorded by dip net, gig, and 10-foot minnow seine and in addition by wire funnel trap, Wegener ring, and gill netting in Lake Annie. Data on fish abundance in Lake Annie were also obtained through abovewater and underwater observations using SCUBA or snorkeling gear. Most records for Lake Annie are summarized by Layne (1979) and collections by J. L. Wolfe during 1986-1988. Wolfe included 23 species in a key to fishes of Lake Annie. In terms of biomass, the three dominant species in the littoral zone are bluegill, largemouth bass, and lake chubsucker. Twenty-six species of fish in 8 orders and 12 families are known. This number includes 23 native and 3 exotic species. During prolonged periods of high water table, species typically restricted to Lake Annie may disperse to seasonal ponds far from the lake.
Birds. Lake Annie is generally nutrient poor and does not support a large bird population but you will frequently see Anhinga, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, White Ibis, Osprey, Wood Duck, Mottled Duck, and Belted Kingfisher. Keep an eye open for birds overhead; including the ubiquitous Turkey and Black vultures, and many raptors with the occasional Bald Eagle.
- Mammals. If you are lucky you might see a river otter swimming across the lake. Otherwise you may see raccoons, possums and armadillos along the shoreline.
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