September 26, 2021

This is a Mexican Primrose-Willow

It's preferred habitat is open and wet

Don't confuse it with the non-native Peruvian

Which spreads aggressively and will cause you regret!

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2019/12/mexican-primrosewillow-ludwigia.html

http://www.wildsouthflorida.com/peruvian.primrose-willow.html#.YUf529NKj3Q

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 25, 2021

These are some lifestages or "instars"

Of the Atala butterfly

They start as eggs and end up

As winged creatures that flutter by.

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BFLY/Eumaeus_atala.htm

https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2017/07/july-28-2017.html

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 24, 2021

I am known as a Blue Land Crab, 

I'm the largest semi-terrestrial crab in Florida

You can see my eye stalks bob-bobbing along

As I walk sideways down the corridor.

(Note: This entry is dedicated to my family and friends in Boston who will think it rhymes perfectly.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: http://ourmarinespecies.com/c-crabs/why-do-crabs-walk-sideways/

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW013

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 23, 2021

I am a female American Redstart

I forage between the ground and the top of the canopy

I like to hunt for berries and bugs

While watching out for hawks who hunt me!

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Redstart/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 22, 2021

I am a Red-eyed Vireo

You can see the black stripe through my eyes

Above that, I have a white eyebrow, 

And above that, another black line.

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-eyed_Vireo/id#

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 21, 2021

I am a Leucauge argyra

On the top I am black and yellow

I don't have orange spots like Leucauge argyrobapta

My coloring's just a tad more mellow.

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 20, 2021

I am a Cape May Warbler

You can tell by my yellow tummy and dark streaks

You can also ID me by the sound of my voice - 

Which is a high-pitched tseet-tseet-tseet-tseet-tseet.

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cape_May_Warbler/sounds

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson