August 23, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

This is "Shelf" or "Bracket" fungus
Growing on the Sweetgum Tree
The fungus causes the tree to rot inside
And is a sign that the tree is not healthy.

Sources: Utah State University Department of Biology Intermountain Herbarium - Shelf Fungi

USDA Field Guide to Common Macrofungi in Eastern Forests and Their Ecosystem Functions


Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 22, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

This is an American Sweetgum
It was struck by lighting in the recent past
The tree appears to have no life left
But let's not judge it too fast...

(To be continued....)

Sources: Gardening Know How - Trees Hit By Lightning: Repairing Lightning Damaged Trees

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 21, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

These is Yellow Necklacepod
These are the seedpods, which are mature
The pods resemble a beaded necklace,
So the name is not too obscure.

Sources: The Florida Wildflower Foundation - Flower Friday: Yellow necklacepod

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 20, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

This is a Southern Magnolia
The seed pod, specifically.
When it opens red berries are revealed
Then eaten by squirrels and birds, typically.

Sources: Propagating Magnolia Seeds: How To Grow A Magnolia Tree From Seed

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 19, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

I am a Florida Carpenter Ant
Look close you can see my jaw
But I won't chew up your house like black carpenter ants
Already rotten wood's what I like to gnaw.

Sources: UF | IFAS University of Florida Featured Creatures - Florida Carpenter Ant

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 18, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I am a juvenile Black Racer
When I grow up I'll be black with a white underside
I'm non-venomous, so just let me live in your yard
And appreciate the rat control I provide.

Sources: Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia - Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 17, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

I'm a male Dilemma Orchid Bee
I'm metallic green and I have a long tongue
I use my back legs to store perfume
To attract someone to bear my young.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Green Orchid Bee

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson