October 31, 2023

I am a Florida Scrub Lizard

I can be reddish, brown or gray

If I'm male I'll have aqua on my tummy

I forage on the ground when looking for prey.

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, David Simpson!

Location: Tiger Creek Preserve, Polk County

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW133

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 30, 2023

I am known as a Glaphyria basiflavalis

I am known to be a leaf chewer

Apart from that fact, not much has been written about me

But I look lacy and am not an evil-doer.

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bioone.org/journals/Florida-Entomologist/volume-98/issue-1/024.098.0168/Diversity-of-Arthropods-Associated-with-Mikania-spp-and-Chromolaena-odorata/10.1653/024.098.0168.pdf

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 29, 2023

I am an insect in the Subgenus Mesocyphona

I am some species of Crane Fly

But to know for sure you would have to go through a document like this

And have lots of patience and time.

Location: location

Sources: https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/6289/SCtZ-0045-Lo_res.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 28, 2023

I am an insect in the family Derbidae

There are over 1700 species in my family world wide

We are commonly known as "planthoppers"

In the eastern US our species number 55.

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://sites.udel.edu/planthoppers/north-america/north-american-derbidae/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 27, 2023

I am known as an American Kestrel

I am an "ambassador bird" rescue

That means I was cannot be released into the wild

But I can look good, educate and impress you!

Location: Nature Festival, Captive Bird

Sources: https://cbop.audubon.org/about/florida-raptors

https://cbop.audubon.org/get-involved/adopt-raptor

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 26, 2023

We are known as Compact Carpenter Ants

We have round butts and on our head there's some hair

We are smaller than Florida Carpenter Ants

But we might still leave your house needing repairs!

Location: Nature Festival Rest Room

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/ants/c_planatus.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 25, 2023

I am known as a Common Green Leafhopper

My dots look like henna patterns people get on their hands

I'm a big fan of black-eyed peas - 

The legumes, a bit more than the band.

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/38813

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 24, 2023

I am known as a Polyphemus Moth

I'm named after a Cyclops from Greek Mythology

Scientists say I have quadripectinate antennae

Which means "fancy deely-boppers" in Dee-speak.

Location: Outside my bathroom window, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/MOTHS/polyphemus_moth.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 23, 2023

I am known as Long-tailed Skipper,

I'm distinct because of my long tail

You'll also recognize my blue-green body

When my wings are open and it is unveiled.

Location: Joe Michael Memorial Trail, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/364005

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 22, 2023

I'm a  female Crab-like Spiny Orbweaver

And here I am displaying my tummy

Look close, you can see my spinneret -

I use it to make a web for me and my honey.

Location: Joe Michael Memorial Trail, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 21, 2023

I am an adult female Seaside Dragonlet

I'd be all dark if I was a guy

But I also have a dark male-like form

So, only in females, the color might lie.

Location: Joe Michael Memorial Trail, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/3826

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 20, 2023

I am an immature White Ibis

When I was first born I was totally helpless

I had weak legs and was blind,

But my folks didn't mind

Their devotion and care was utterly selfless. 

Location: Joe Michael Memorial Trail, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 19, 2023

I'm a West Indian Mangrove Buckeye butterfly

I have 2 palpi that help me to sense and smell

If you look at me closely, the palpis look like

I've a secret I'm not supposed to tell!

(Note: Enlarge the first picture here. I've never gotten a photo of a butterfly from this angle before and thus never noticed the palpi before!)

Location: Joe Michael Memorial Trail, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.mylifeatplaytime.com/butterfly-anatomy/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 18, 2023

I am an adult Seaside Dragonlet

I can breed in saltwater

I stay near pools and defend my territory

From unwanted suitors and squaters.

Location: Joe Michael Memorial Trail, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/3826

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 17, 2023

I am known as a Swainson's Thrush

I have a round head with a short, straight beak

In the east I have got an olive-colored back

But in the west I'm rusty on my back, head and cheeks.

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swainsons_Thrush/id

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 16, 2023

I am a White Peacock butterfly

I have ocelli, also known as simple eyes

I also have tympanic organs I use 

To detect predators, prey and potential rival guys.

Location: Jones Pier Conservation Area, Jungle Trail

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 15, 2023

I am an adult male Northern Parula

There are gaps between places I breed

In those places habitat loss and pollution prevent

Growth on trees of the moss that I need.

Location: Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Parula/overview

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpon

October 14, 2023

I am a Black and White Warbler

I am no longer one of Dee's nemesis birds

She finally got nice photos of me

After decades of near misses and blurs.

Location: Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/news/10-tips-photographing-birds Note: I'm sure this article has great advice if you know what all the big words mean, but in my best tip would be: Get lucky and find a bird who's too distracted chasing dinner to fly away when you are trying to take his picture. 

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 13, 2023

We are a pair of Ring-necked Pheasants

We can fly fast and hard for a short while

We prefer to walk on the ground, but can fly 40 mph

Straight up if startled, now we're talking high style!

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ring-necked_Pheasant/overview#

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 12, 2023

I am a female Ceraunus Blue butterfly

I'm tiny and hard to photograph

I fly really fast and dart all around

And I'm not blue like my better half.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/ceraunus_blue.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 11, 2023

I am a female Marl Pennant

You might think "Red Saddlebags" but I'm just a vague imposter

My body's much darker, and my bags are much smaller

And unlike some insects I can live near brackish and salt water.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://research.fit.edu/florida-tech-campus-wildlife/creeks--wetlands/dragonflies/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 10, 2023

I am a male Eastern Pondhawk

I like to eat butterflies and moths

This isn't always a bad thing because

I'm known to eat moths that can damage crops.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3492320?read-now=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 9, 2023

I am a Seaside Grasshopper

I like to hang out in the sand

When I'm disturbed (such as by an old bat with a camera)

I'll lie still and you'll hardly see where I am.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/band.pdf

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 8, 2023

I am an immature Four-spotted Pennant

I'm a species of Skimmer dragonfly

If I was mature, I'd have a black spot on all of my wings.

Rest assured, they will show up in time. 

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68230-Brachymesia-gravida

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 7, 2023

I am a Barred Yellow butterfly

Most likely female because have almost no black

And I drink Shepard's Needle nectar 

When I'm in the mood for a snack.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Eurema-daira

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 6, 2023

I am known as a Rambur's Forktail

I'm type of Damselfly

But don't be confused by my name - 

Damselflies can be gals or guys!

(Note: The source below is interesting it describes the many color forms these can take, including the one shown here which can be either male or female.)

 

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/607

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 5, 2023

I am known as a Barn Swallow

I've got a forked tail that's more obvious when I'm flying

Alledgedly the result of a fire-hurling god

Who only singed my middle feathers,  that's better than frying.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Swallow/overview

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 4, 2023

I'm known as a Marl Pennant

Shown here with my friends the Barn Swallows

I know they eat flies, and bugs up to my size

I must convince them they'd prefer arroz con pollo.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 3, 2023

I am known as a Black Witch moth

I've been seen in Canada, but in Florida I'm native

We eat tropical plants, so there is no chance

In Canada we'll ever be invasive.

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3869

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 2, 2023

I am probably a Mangrove Buckeye

I've got orange around my large eyespot

Buckeye taxonomy has changed and we hybridize

So I might be a Mangrove Buckeye or not.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/WildlifeDetail.asp?tx=Junoneil/BU

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 1, 2023

I am known as a Common Tern

So called because my population is so extensive

I can drink both fresh and salt water

My nasal glands excrete salt that's excessive.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Tern/overview

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson