September 11, 2024

I am a known as a Rock Rattlesnake

I'm usually grey with black bands

My color can vary based on size and location

I'm venomous, don't touch me with your hands

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/banded-rock-rattlesnake

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.

September 10, 2024

I am known as a Blue Land Crab

I reproduce based on the weather and moon

I start looking for a mate during the rainy season

And just before a full moon we spoon. 

Location: Jones' Pier Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cardisoma_guanhumi/

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.

September 9, 2024

I am a male Scarlet Skimmer

I live where native dragonflies don't hang

I prefer to hang out in low-quality wetlands

Frankly my dear, I don't give a dang.

Location: Jones' Pier Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/18756

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.

September 8, 2024

I am an Eastern Oyster

I was born male but turn female to breed

I live in brackish or salt water

8 to 25 feet deep. 

Location: Jones' Pier Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/eastern-oyster

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.

September 7, 2024

I am a Two-lined Spittlebug

I do not have any natural enemies

I am known to damage pastures

And cause farmers to utter obscenties.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ag242

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.

September 6, 2024

I am a Triangulate Combfoot

I prey on Fire Ants and Ticks

Both of which are harmful to humans

But I can eat them like potato chips.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/81579-Steatoda-triangulosa

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.

I am a Spinybacked Orbweaver

Depending on where I reside - 

My spines can be black or red and

The dorsum of my abdomen can be yellow or white.

If you get on the other side of my web

You can see my underside

This is where my spinnerets are

Which is where I get my silk supply.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

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

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.