December 8, 2024

We are all Laviana White Skippers

We look different based on sex and position

In general, our bodies are dark and our wings are white

With brown on the edges for some definition.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX; Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX, Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen TX,

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Heliopetes-laviana

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 7, 2024

I am a Horse's Paper Wasp

I live from South America to the southern US

I am beneficial to humans as a pollinator

But my sting can hurt a lot nonetheless. 

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

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

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 6, 2024

I am a captive African Spurred Tortoise

I live at the National Butterfly Center

I was badly hurt in fire,

But will and desire

Put me in touch with a new shell inventor.

(Read Spike's sad, but ultimately hopeful story at the link below.)

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://texashighways.com/outdoors/parks/meet-spike-the-national-butterfly-centers-resident-tortoise/

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 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.