May 14, 2021

This is known as a Longleaf Pine,

It has a long tap root below us

It produces big pine cones that you can throw

At irresponsible, terrible poets.

(Sorry I messed up posting a poem again today! Feel free to whip a pine cone at my head the next time you see me!)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st469

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 13, 2021

I am a Carolina Burying Beetle

So called because I bury dead bugs

Right near where I lay my eggs

So they can be eaten by my daughters and sons.

Special thanks to guest photographer, Heather Stapleton.

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

Sources: https://www.reed.edu/biology/courses/BIO431S05_2017/papers/beetle_ecology.pdf

Photo © 2021 Heather Stapleton and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 12, 2021

I am a Northern Cloudywing

I'm sure you're familiar with the parts of mammalia

But I bet that you never gave thought to

A butterfly's genitalia.

(I never know what I am going to find when researching this blog. But I must admit that "150 year old drawings of a Cloudywings naughty bits" surprised me. Click the link below. To be honest, they kind of look like the first pattern I drew for the Pelican puppet I am making, and I cannot for the life of me figure out how these naughty bits would make a baby butterfly.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://butterfliesofamerica.com/thorybes_p_pylades_genitalia.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 11, 2021

I am a Gray Wall Jumping Spider

On a cement wall, I'm easily disguised

But I can see in color and easily find prey

With my extra large two front eyes.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources:  http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/jumping_spiders.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 10, 2021

This is a Ganoderma species

Growing where once a sweet gum grew

Twas struck by lightning, then too much wind

Now life begins anew

Very special thanks to today's guest poet and photographer, the amazing Heather Stapleton.

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganoderma

Photo and text © 2021 Heather Stapleton

May 9, 2021

I am a baby Great Horned Owl

Shown here with my mum

Right now I'm insanely adorable

But an efficient predator is what I'll become

(Special thanks to today's special guest photographer, Susan Petracco.)

Location: undisclosed

Sources: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2019/11/06/commonly-confused-owls-in-florida/

Photo © 2021 Susan Petracco, text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 8, 2021

I am a Cape May Warbler

I have a tiger-striped breast

I like to eat insects and occasionally nectar

I live in the east but have been seen in the west. 

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cape_May_Warbler/maps-sightings

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson