December 5, 2024

I am known as a Blomfild's Beauty

Sitting atop of a hat

I usually keep my wings tightly folded

But today, I'll show off my beauty unmatched.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/52089

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

December 4, 2024

I am a Common Mestra

I'm gray to tan with an orange marginal band

I'm attracted to fruit and grasses

Scientists theorize that my breeding area's starting to expand.

(Refer to the linked article Remarks section for details of breeding area.)

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/31884

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

December 3, 2024

I am a Dainty Sulphur

I'm a small, yellow butterfly with long forewings

On my outer wing edge I've some black spots

If I migrate north, it will be in summer or spring.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Nathalis-iole

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

December 2, 2024

I am known as a Great Kiskidee

I'm one of the largest fly catchers

I'm omnivorous and I'm aggressive

And known to be a pet food and peanut butter snatcher. 

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Kiskadee/overview

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

December 1, 2024

I am a Mexican Bluewing

But you'd never guess that when my wings are closed

My outer wings are brown just like tree bark

Only when open is blue iridescence exposed.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Myscelia-ethusa

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

November 30, 2024

I am a male Ladder-backed Woodpecker

You can tell I'm male cause I wear a red-beret

I like cacti and trees

Where I find things to eat

Leafworms and caterpillars are just a few of my prey.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ladder-backed_Woodpecker/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

November 29, 2024

We are known as Plain Chachalacas

Named for the sound we make

We're about the size of tall, skinny chickens

And eat fruit, herbs, and invertebrates.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/placha/cur/foodhabits

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.