May 31, 2024

I am known as a Flower Beetle

In the day you can find me in most Florida spots

I feed on pollen, sap and flowers

And can be a pest to corn and fruit crops.

Location:  The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail)

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/beetles/euphoria_sepulcralis.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.

May 30, 2024

I am a Holopogon guttulus

My clear wings and grey hairs help ID me

I am a type of Robber Fly of which

There are over 160 species.

(Check out the link below, it is an amazing site all about Robber Flies.)

Location: The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail)

Sources: 

Sources: https://robberfly.org/

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.

May 29, 2024

I am a male Common Hentz Jumping spider

If I was female I'd be hairy and pale

My front legs are much longer than all the rest

And my white markings are an identifying detail.

Location: The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail)

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/6792

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.

May 28, 2024

I am a beetle in the subfamily Alleculinae

Also known as Comb-clawed Darkling Beetles

This means I have itty bitty teeth-like claws

On my hind tarsi (little feet-sels).

Location: The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail)

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/319005-Alleculinae

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.

May 27, 2024

I am known as a Southern Toad

My skin can be tan to dark reddish brown

On my back I've dark spots

Each has one or two warts

Freshwater habitats are where I am found.

Location: The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail)

Sources: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/southerntoad.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.

May 26, 2024

We are Florida Harvester ants

You can tell by our very large head

Our eye placement too

Is another clue

As well as our color - dark burgundy red.

Note: Click to enlarge the photo, they are actually very cool looking critters. You can see the eyes on the sides of their head.

Location: The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail)

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/ants/harvester_ant.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.

May 25, 2024

I am a female Gray Wall Jumping spider

In Florida, I'm not native, but I don't cause any trouble

When I see with my big eyes

Mosquitos and flies

I jump and gobble them down on the double!

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/jumping_spiders.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.

May 24, 2024

I am a Leucauge argyra

I have iridescent silvery-white stripes 

This color is due to guanine crystals

Which, like fish scales reflect the light.

Location: My house

Sources: https://phys.org/news/2009-12-sparkly-spiders-photonic-fish.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.

May 23, 2024

I am a Leptofreya ambigua

In Florida, I was introduced

My likes include vegetation near water

And looking incredibly cute. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State State Park

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/759701

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.

May 22, 2024

I'm known as a Bachman's Sparrow

I'm singing my heart away

I'm proud of my very long, rounded tail

And my feathers that are rust and gray.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bachmans_Sparrow/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.

May 21, 2024

I am known as a Oligoria maculata

Commonly called a Twin-spot Skipper

My underside wings have 3 white spots

Two close together and one slightly differs.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Oligoria-maculata

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.

May 20, 2024

I am a Delaware Skipper

I like to live in moist areas like marshes and fields

As a caterpillar I liked Bluestem and Switchgrass

Now, I find pink and white blooms ideal.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Anatrytone-logan

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.

May 19, 2024

This plant is a Simpson's Zephyr Lily

It can survive only short periods that are dry

Other than that, it grows best in moist soil

And it's leaves are inconspicuous and fine.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/zephyranthes-simpsonii

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.

May 18, 2024

I am a Northern Cloudywing butterfly

I have some clear spots but am otherwise brown

When I want to mate

For a female, I'll wait

In forest clearings on or close to the ground.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources:  https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Thorybes-pylades

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.

May 17, 2024

I am a Loammi Skipper

Lopsided Indian grass is what I need to thrive

Sadly because of habitat loss

My species may not survive.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/museum-blog/protecting-rare-butterflies-of-floridas-pine-flats-and-prairies/

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.

May 16, 2024

I might be a Needham's Skimmer

Or I might be a Golden-winged

But without a far more clear photo

Positive ID is a hard thing to swing.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: Judging by the first 2 pages on this web site, I am leaning towards Needham's Skimmer, but the photo needs to be a bit more clear to tell for sure:

https://public.fotki.com/gstrick3/misc-images-intende/auripennisneedhami5.html#media
https://public.fotki.com/gstrick3/misc-images-intende/auripennisneedhami2.html#media

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.

May 15, 2024

I am a male Southern Broken Dash butterfly

As a Caterpillar I ate St. Augustine grass

As an adult I prefer Pickerelweed and Sweet Pepperbush

I've a two-part stigma, hence the name "Broken Dash".

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Wallengrenia-otho
https://northwestbutterflies.blogspot.com/2012/06/

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.

May 14, 2024

I am a Carolina Satyr

I prefer shady areas to sun

I have 6 hindwing eyespots and circles

Split into groups of two and then one.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BFLY/Carolina_satyr.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.

May 13, 2024

I am known as a Georgia Satyr

My upper wings are brown without any bling

But you'll recognize me

If three eyespots you see

Encircled by orange on my lower wing.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Apalachicola National Forest

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Neonympha-areolatus

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.

May 12, 2024

There is nothing to see here, just move along

There's no need to go into histrionics

There's no American Bittern hiding here...

Dang birders with them fancy optics!

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Bittern/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.

May 11, 2024

I am known as an Easter Lubber grasshopper

I'm large and clumsy and slow

I damage citrus and vegetable crops

I'm pretty - that's as far as my good qualities go.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/lubber.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.

May 10, 2024

This plant is Asclepias curassavica

Also known as Tropical Milkweed

This plant is a non-native evergreen

And is NOT the milkweed that Monarchs need.

Please click the links below to read about the many issues facing Monarch Butterfly survival, not the least if which is Tropical Milkweed. This species of milkweed can disrupt Monarch migration and can also harbor and help spread parasites.

Location: Oyster Bar Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: https://xerces.org/blog/tropical-milkweed-a-no-grow
https://xerces.org/monarchs/conservation-efforts
https://xerces.org/blog/keep-monarchs-wild

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.

May 9, 2024

I am a Monarch Danaus plexippus caterpillar

I'm basically a teenage Monarch Butterfly

Soon I will form a chrysalis

And with luck, I will grow and flutter on by

But sadly I might not make it -

Tune in tomorrow to find out why.

Location: Oyster Bar Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: https://wildlifemanagement.institute/brief/february-2024/wintering-monarch-survey-shows-large-decline-numbers

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.

May 8, 2024

I am an undescribed spider in the Genus Maevia

Which means I don't have a species name

I've never been featured in a scientific publication

Where I'm compared to spiders who are similar, but not exactly the same.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/molecrickets/mcri001d.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.

May 7, 2024

I am known as a Boat-tailed Grackle

You can see the nictitating membrane that protects my eye

Humans used to have nictitating membranes too

But they went away, we aren't really sure why

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/list/7-vestigial-features-of-the-human-body

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.

May 6, 2024

I am a Pirate Wolf spider

In this picture, compare me to Dee's fingerprint

I'm tiny and harmless

And not at all charmless

My face is adorable, you can see if you squint.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/27058

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.

May 5, 2024

I am a Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth

Grape leaves is what my larvae infest

I only live as an adult moth for 3.5 days

In Florida, I'm a minor pest.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/fruit/grapeleaf_skeletonizer.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.

May 4, 2024

I am a Little Metalmark butterfly

I live in all of Florida except for the keys

You can find me in wetlands and pine savannas, 

And sandhills, roadsides and also prairies.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-little-metalmark/

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.

May 3, 2024

I am a Little Metalmark larvae

I'm tiny - this photo is blown up

I'm fluffy and hairy now but

Come back tomorrow to see me all grown up.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/little_metalmark.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.

May 2, 2024

We known as Burrowing Owls

We stash food in our burrows during mating season -

Anything from insects to weasels and squirrels

Baby birds get hungry - we don't need more reasons.

Thanks to special guest photographer, David Simpson, for the photo from Brian Piccolo Park.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Brian Piccolo State Park, Ft. Lauderdale

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

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.

May 1, 2024

I am known as a Barred Owl

Just sittin' in a tree with my sibling and mom

I can climb trees

By grabbing bark with my beak

While my mom just looks on with aplomb.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/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.