September 30, 2024

I am a Virginian Tiger moth

I've got one long hair in the middle of each tuft

I can defoliate crops in late summer

And I'm cute and soft and furry to the touch. 

Location: Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/60839-Spilosoma-virginica

https://bugguide.net/node/view/498

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.

September 29, 2024

I am a male Forage Looper moth

If I was female, I'd be more brown than grey

You can find me coast-to-coast in America

And unlike most moths, I'm active both night and day.

Location: Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/9681

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.

September 28, 2024

These are life stages of a Variegated Fritillary 

Caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult

What began as an egg

Started to change

And here you can see the results

Location: Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC

Sources: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/pansyworm

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.

September 27, 2024

I am known as a Least Skipper 

My antennae are comparatively short

My likes include nectar from Pickerelweed and Clover

And hanging out in wetlands looking for a consort.

Location: Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Ancyloxypha-numitor

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.

September 26, 2024

I am an Eastern Tailed-blue butterfly

When I was a caterpillar I ate legumes and clover

As an adult I can't drink from tall flowers

My proboscis is short, so I can't get any closer.

Location: Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC

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

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.

September 25, 2024

I am a male Aldrich's Harvestman

An identifying mark is on one leg there's a line

Females are brown

Lots of males hang around

Harassing them looking for a good time. 

Location: Private residence, Warne, NC

Sources: https://science.umd.edu/entm/shultzlab/opiliomd/Laldrich/index.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.

September 24, 2024

I am a Bush Katydid

You would have to see my supra-anal plate

To determine my exact species

But we're all widespread across the United States.

Location: Private residence, Warne, NC

Sources: https://theincorrigibleentomologist.wordpress.com/2017/01/06/bush-katydids/

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.

September 23, 2024

I am known as a Carpenter Ant

I like to attack buildings and fences

I don't like hungry Pilleated Woodpeckers - 

Against which I have no defenses.

Location: Private residence, Warne, NC

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

September 22, 2024

I am a Northern Black Widow

You can tell cause I have spots up my back

The hourglass on my tummy is split or incomplete

I'm shy and not likely to attack.*

* She will most likely not attack unprovoked - do not try to pick up or handle a Black Widow. Please read the referenced article for details regarding Black Widow bites. 

Location: Private residence, Warne, NC

Sources: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/northern-black-widow-spider-latrodectus-variolus

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.

September 21, 2024

I am a Giant Lichen Orbweaver

Note that one of my front legs is longer

This could indicate that I am a male

But we might need evidence that's a big stronger.

Location: Private residence, Warne, NC

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/2018

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.

September 20, 2024

I am the Western subspecies of Burrowing Owl

The ones seen in Florida tend to be smaller

We both live under ground

In burrows we make or have found

Left by digger critters or human installers.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

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.

September 19, 2024

I am a 5-Striped Sparrow

I came to America from Mexico around 1950

I have 5 stripes on my throat

And no one really knows

If I migrate or am just kind of shifty.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/five-striped-sparrow

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.

September 18, 2024

We are Neotropic, not Double Crested Cormorants - 

A mother, a father and child

On our face there's bare skin

And we're smaller and thin

Other than that, the differences are mild.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Neotropic_Cormorant/species-compare/

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.

September 17, 2024

This is a Saguaro Cactus

It can grow over 70 feet tall

Though it's spines might deter some desert dwellers,

It can provide food, water and shelter for almost all. 

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2001/Spine-Tingling-Story

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.

September 16, 2024

I am a Gilded Flicker

I live in stands of giant Saguaro cactus

You might think it's just luck

That I don't get stuck

On thorns, but I've had lots of practice.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://tucsonaudubon.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-mystery-of-golden-flicker-and.html

https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2001/Spine-Tingling-Story

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.

September 15, 2024

I am a Berylline Hummingbird

You know I'm not Buff-bellied, I've got rufous on my wings

Sometime I steal

A snack or a meal

From spider webs - trapped insects and things.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/berhum/cur/introduction?login#food

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.

September 14, 2024

I am a Broad-billed Hummingbird

I'm either female or immature

If you wait a few months and my colors are bright,

Then I'm male, you will know for sure.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Broad-billed_Hummingbird/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.

September 13, 2024

I am an Elegant Trogon

I have a thick neck, and short, wide bill

I'm multi-colored and have a pot-belly

And live in cavities that woodpeckers drilled.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, AND BIRTHDAY BOY TODAY David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

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

September 12, 2024

I am an Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

But you can find me in the Southwest

My venom is cytotoxic and hemotoxic

And might kill you, but it's best not to test.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: New Mexico

Sources: https://www.savethebuzztails.org/species-accounts/eastern-black-tailed-rattlesnake

https://muttermuseum.org/stories/posts/venom-vs-poison

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.

September 11, 2024

I am a known as a Rock Rattlesnake

I'm usually grey with black bands

My color can vary based on size and location

I'm venomous, don't touch me with your hands

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/banded-rock-rattlesnake

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.

September 10, 2024

I am known as a Blue Land Crab

I reproduce based on the weather and moon

I start looking for a mate during the rainy season

And just before a full moon we spoon. 

Location: Jones' Pier Conservation Area, Vero Beach

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

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.

September 9, 2024

I am a male Scarlet Skimmer

I live where native dragonflies don't hang

I prefer to hang out in low-quality wetlands

Frankly my dear, I don't give a dang.

Location: Jones' Pier Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/18756

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.

September 8, 2024

I am an Eastern Oyster

I was born male but turn female to breed

I live in brackish or salt water

8 to 25 feet deep. 

Location: Jones' Pier Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/eastern-oyster

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.

September 7, 2024

I am a Two-lined Spittlebug

I do not have any natural enemies

I am known to damage pastures

And cause farmers to utter obscenties.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ag242

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.

September 6, 2024

I am a Triangulate Combfoot

I prey on Fire Ants and Ticks

Both of which are harmful to humans

But I can eat them like potato chips.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/81579-Steatoda-triangulosa

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.

I am a Spinybacked Orbweaver

Depending on where I reside - 

My spines can be black or red and

The dorsum of my abdomen can be yellow or white.

If you get on the other side of my web

You can see my underside

This is where my spinnerets are

Which is where I get my silk supply.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/g_cancriformis.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.

September 4, 2024

I am a nymph in the genus Acanthocephala

A genus in which the species are many

When I'm an adult, you'll be able to tell my species

Based on my legs and the color of my antennae.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/2718

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.

September 3, 2024

I am a Common Ground Dove

Mourning Dove is my friend on the right

When you see us together, it's easy to tell

Who's who, just based on our size.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources:  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/species-compare/66036531

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.

September 2, 2024

This is a cone from a Bald Cypress tree

A common conifer in the south east. 

The tree provides shelter for wildlife,

But its roots can bring you to your knees.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=tadi2

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.

September 1, 2024

I am in the Genus Efferia

Also known as a Hammertail (Robber Fly)

Right now I'm preying on an arthropod

We aren't mating - my prey has different eyes.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://robberfly.org/efferia/

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.