March 31, 2024

I'm a Six-spotted Fishing Spider

I'm usually found near the water's surface

I run on water and don't sink

It's how I eat and drink

And make insects, tadpoles and fish very nervous.

Location: Dee's office, Fellsmere (I have no idea how it got in my office. I suspect either David or I picked it up accidentally as a hitchhiker. I wasn't able to catch it, so I assume it is still living under my bookcase where it scurried to. Hopefully it is finding things to eat and doesn't need to be near water.)

Sources: https://lucec.loyno.edu/natural-history-writings/six-spotted-fishing-spider-dolomedes-triton

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.

March 30, 2024

I am a Long-headed Toothpick Grasshopper

My name suits me to a tee

I readily pass

For a piece of dead grass,

A toothpick, or just some debris.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

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

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.

March 29, 2024

I am a Southern Green-striped Grasshopper

Although I'm neither green nor striped

Some of my species are green

But I personally don't live up to that hype.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN010

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.

March 28, 2024

This was once a Carolina Saddlebags

But alas, now it's saddlebags are empty

It found itself tangled in a spider's web

And ended up a snack ever so tempting.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz 

Sources: http://www.dragonfliesnva.com/My%20Documents/KevinPDF/pdf/identify/species/CarolinaSaddlebags-FINAL.pdf

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.

March 27, 2024

This plant is known as Pink Sundew

Such an innocent name despite it's demeanor.

What looks like dew,

Is a sticky goo

Bugs land, the plant chomps - it's a meat eater!

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-drosera-capillaris/

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.

March 26, 2024

I am known as a Greenhouse Frog

I was introduced from the Caribbean

I'm mostly reddish-brown with a few splotches or stripes

My tiny toe-pads make an adorable amphibian.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz 

Sources: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/greenhousefrog.shtml

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.

March 25, 2024

I am known as a Squirrel Treefrog

Sometimes known as "rain frog" based on when I sing

I sing in the rain

Gene Kelly isn't to blame

I also sing when I'm in the mood for a fling.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz 

Sources: https://srelherp.uga.edu/anurans/hylsqu.htm

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.

March 24, 2024

This is known as Blue Toadflax

It's common along the side of the road

It's a butterfly feeder

And prolific self-seeder

It's neither related to flax nor to toads.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz 

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-linaria-canadensis/

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.

March 23, 2024

This is Fetterbush Lyonia

Birds like to eat its fruit

It's an evergreen

Also loved by bees

And its little pink flowers are cute.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz 

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-lyonia-lucida/

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.

March 22, 2024

This plant is known as Cowlily

It is also known as Spatterdock

Its flowers attract pollinators

It also provides shelter for fishes and frogs.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz 

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/nuphar-advena

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.

March 21, 2024

This plant is known as Pickerelweed

It has has purple-blue flower spikes

It's leaves are green and shaped liked arrowheads

And rarely its flowers might be pink or white.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz 

Sources: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/pickerel-weed.html

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.

March 20, 2024

This is a Southern Water Violet

It is endemic to the southeast

It's foliage and fruit,

Seeds and locale do not suit

Species that look similar but have different IDs.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/show-taxon-detail.php?taxonid=3611

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.

March 19, 2024

This is Yellow Milkwort

One of the happiest flowers I've seen

But when not in bloom

You'd never assume

It's a bright yellow smile-making machine. 

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-polygala-rugelii

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.

March 18, 2024

I am an Ornate Bella Moth

I'm seen more commonly than most moths

That is because I'm diurnal

If you come too close to me, I'll fly off.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Creatures/beneficial/leps/bella_moth.htm

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.

March 17, 2024

This is known as a Magic Mushroom

It has shown limited promise medically

Possession is illegal in the state of Florida

But it could possibly help with depression and PSTD.

(Note: As with all mushrooms, you cannot positively identify a mushroom by a photograph. You must examine the  spore and other key features. Many mushrooms look similar - some are highly poisonous. NEVER pick and eat a wild mushroom based solely on a photograph.)

Location: Found on private land growing wild. 

Sources: https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2022-11-03/psychedelic-magic-mushroom-drug-may-ease-some-depression

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.

March 16, 2024

This is a Yellow Butterwort

The leaves and stalk produce a sticky goo

It is a carnivorous plant and eats insects

That get stuck its self-produced glue.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-pinguicula-lutea/

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.

March 15, 2024

I am known as a Rabidosa hentzi

"Rabidosa" does not mean I spread rabies

It means that I move rapidly

Even when I am carrying hundreds of babies.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

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

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.

March 14, 2024

This plant is known as Piloblephis rigida

Commonly known as Florida or False Pennyroyal

It's the only plant in the genus Piloblephis

Hedeoma pulegioides is American Pennyroyal.

(See sources section below. American Pennyroyal can be quite toxic, both to humans and pets.)

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-piloblephis-rigida/https://www.missouriplants.com/Hedeoma_pulegioides_page.html

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.

March 13, 2024

This is a Giant Airplant 

It is endangered due to Mexican Bromeliad Weevils

And also because of habitat destruction

And illegal collecting by very bad people.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/frank/savebromeliads/floridas-bromeliads/Tillandsia-utriculata.html

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.

March 12, 2024

This is known as a Southern Needleleaf Airplant

It is common in hammocks and swamps

It is epiphytic and can grow to be 12 inches long

With 3 to 6 inch flower stalks.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW205

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.

March 11, 2024

The white stuff on this mangrove is barnacles

Likely Ivory Barnacles, which in Florida, are native

They are a type of crustacean that like brackish water

But in many other locations, they are called invasive.

Location: Merritt Island NWR

Sources: https://invasions.si.edu/nemesis/species_summary/89621

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.

March 10, 2024

This plant is known as a Hercules' Club

Also called Prickly Ash due to its thorny branches

But the birds and insects love it's fruit and seeds

So they are willing to take their chances. 

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ZACL

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.

March 9, 2024

I am a Tropical Orbweaver

My web can be over 3 feet wide

I deconstruct my web every day before dawn

Then rebuild it every night.

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, Heather Stapleton.

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN568

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.

March 8, 2024

This was once a Complex Protambulyx

Complex means that it's one of 2 species

It's either P. Strigilis or P. Carteri

Without DNA analysis, you can't get an ID.

Location: Sebastian Walgreen's

Sources: https://www.sphingidae.us/complex-strigilis-carteri.html

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.

March 7, 2024

I am known as a Chestnut-fronted Macaw

I'm hanging out with 2 of my buddies

We live in Florida, but most of our kin

Live in South America, living and eating in trees. 

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

Location: Miami 

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/chfmac1/cur/introduction

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.

March 6, 2024

I am a Blue and Yellow Macaw

I'm a very large neotropical parrot

If you see me and I have a red face,

I'd be a hybrid, I'd not be embarrassed.

Special note: Today's post is for my sistah Lynn, if you see her, be sure to wish her a happy birthday!

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

Location: Miami

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/baymac/cur/introduction

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.

March 5, 2024

I am a female Painted Bunting

My tummy looks a little red, but that's just a reflection

If I was a young male, my tummy might be orange

But don't let a feeder give you the wrong impression.

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, Heather Stapleton.

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

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

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.

March 4, 2024

I am known as a Ghost Spider

I have 8 eyes that are grouped closely together

I hunt at night,

In the day I hide

Wrapped in silk, under bark or stones at my leisure.

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

Location: Goodwin WFA

Sources: https://www.justspiders.com/ghost-spider

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.

March 3, 2024

I am a Red-whiskered Bulbul

I have red whiskers and small black crest

I am a frugavore but also eat animals and plants

I am not native and a can be a farm pest.

Location: Miami

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rewbul/cur/introduction?login

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.

March 2, 2024

I am known as Red-shouldered Hawk

I own Wetlands Boulevard

Although I am smaller than Red-tailed Hawks

I am still held in high regard. 

Location:  Orlando Wetlands Park

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

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.

March 1, 2024

I am known as a Wilson's Snipe

Unlike Common Snipes, I've 16 rectrices on my tail

These are the large feathers that help me steer

But if you try to count them in this photo, you'll fail.

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

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

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.