June 7, 2023

This plant is Passiflora incarnata

Its beauty is somewhat ethereal

It blooms spring to fall,

Bringing joy to all 

Of the butterflies who use it as host material.

Location: Private residence, Vero

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/passiflora-incarnata

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 6, 2023

This plant is Jamaican Caper

It is native and propagated from seeds

It attracts pollinators such as Florida White butterflies

And striped-butted Western Honey bees.

Location: Private residence, Vero

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/quadrella-jamaicensis

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 5, 2023

I am a Green Lynx Spider

I am beneficial to many farmers

I eat crop pests, but it's a double edge sword - 

I also am a pollinator harmer!

Location: St. Sebastian Preserve State Park Visitor's Center

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/green_lynx_spider.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 4, 2023

I am a female Needham's Skimmer dragonfly

I pollinate a little, but not on purpose

I generally feed on aquatic invertebrates

But other pollinators are not impervious.

Location: Jones Pier Conservation Area, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://guides.nynhp.org/needhams-skimmer/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 3, 2023

I am known as a Dilemma Orchid Bee

I'm metallic green and have large rear tibias

There's a hole in each tibia where I store fragrant compounds

To impress girl bees when "smells good" is boyfriend criteria.

Location: My yard, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/BEES/green_orchid_bee.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 2, 2023

I am a female Zebra Longwing butterfly

I'm laying eggs, so you know I'm not a boy

My eggs become caterpillars, then metamorphose

And soon - more  Zebra Longwings for you to enjoy!

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_longwing.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 1, 2023 Welcome to Pollinator Month!

These are Eastern Giant and Anise Swallowtails -

Photos taken at the same time but worlds apart

Eastern Giant in Florida, Anise in Wyoming

Pollinator Month's off to a great start!

Today we begin Pollinator month! To learn more about why we need to celebrate pollinators, visit pollinator.org.  For my readers in Central Florida, you can sign up for 3 online webinars and an in-person outdoor event presented by Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves - details at link below.

And, of course, continue reading  and sharing my blog to help spread the pollinator word!

Special thanks to guest photographer, Joy Handley.

Location: Eastern Giant Swallowtail on Red Salvia at my house, in Fellsmere,  Anise Swallowtail on Indian paintbrush in Wyoming where guest photographer Joy lives.

Sources: http://www.pollinator.org/pollinators

https://www.fosifl.org/2023/05/15/celebrate-pollinator-month-with-the-indian-river-lagoon-aquatic-preserves/.

Photos © 2023 Joy Handley, Dee Fairbanks Simpson and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson