December 30, 2024

I am in the Genus Mnemiopsis,

I'm a type of Lobate Comb Jelly

When I move, my cilia refract ambient light

I'm a voracious carnivore FEED MY BELLY!

You can watch a cool short video that I made here: 

https://youtu.be/BUGVm8nDJiI

Location: Round Island, Vero

Sources: https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/comb_jelly

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.

December 29, 2024

I might be a Brown-shaded Gray moth

I have colors, white, rust, brown and black

I have some thin stripes 

But nothing precise -

If I was art, I'd be modern abstract!

Location: Forever Florida, Kenansville

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/222284-Iridopsis-defectaria/browse_photos

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.

December 28, 2024

I'm just a regular Turkey Vulture

I have no melanin issues

But I practice ballet

With such finesse and grace

You'll weep with joy, bring your tissues.

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

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

December 27, 2024

I am a partially leucistic Turkey Vulture

That means my colors aren't quite right. 

If I were albino, I'd have no melanin (pigmentation) at all

But instead it's just one wing that is partially white.

As described in the linked article, "... leucism [is] the partial loss of all types of pigmentation, including carotenoids. Leucism causes white coloration, white patches, spots, or splotches on the skin or fur. Leucism is also discernible from albinism because leucism does not affect the pigment cells in the eyes."

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/blogs/albinism-versus-leucism-in-the-wild-and-at-our-parks.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.

December 26, 2024

I am Green Lynx Spider

Notice the chevron like markings on my back

I'm bigger and fancier than the Lesser Green Lynx

But she's a good spider too, there's nothing she lacks.

(Shout out to Chelsea who says the "lesser" species should be renamed "They try really hard".)

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/green_lynx_spider.htm

https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2024/12/december-22-2024.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.

December 25, 2024

I am a Texas Tan Tarantula

Santaratula is my (St.) nick name

I deliver tasty bugs to the good spiders

The naughty list gets candy canes.

(Spiders allegedly dislike the smell of peppermint and it can be used to deter them from coming in your yard. Although why anyone would not want a spider in their yard is beyond me.)

Location: Harlingen Convention Center, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.thespruce.com/plants-that-repel-spiders-5210893

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.

December 24, 2024

I am a Crambid Snout Moth caterpillar

I can be found in south Texas, but not easily

There have been studies regarding others in my subfamily

But no one seems to bother with me!

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?pid=s0120-04882007000100001&script=sci_arttext

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.

December 23, 2024

I am a Santa Ana Tussock Moth

In the Lophocampa genus

It's possible that we could give you a rash

So it's best to not touch us, just leave us.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.poison.org/articles/caterpillar-stings

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.

December 22, 2024

I am known as a Lesser Green Lynx

I look like a Green Lynx but I lack white stripes

And my abdomen is smaller and rounder

And my legs are short and pale with light spines.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/50658

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.

December 21, 2024

I am a Collared Peccary

I like Scrub Oaks and Prickly Pears

I have a musk-emitting gland on my butt

That I use to remind my herd that I'm here.

(Note from Dee: Happy Solstice. Remember that no matter what else happens, there will be a little more sunshine in your life every day for the next 6 months. Make the most of it.)

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Artiodactyla/Pecari_tajacu.php

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.

December 20, 2024

I am a juvenile Tropical Orbweaver

I have 8 eyes, you can see two here

They are at the bottom of this photo, not on my back

Regardless of how it appears.

(The dots on her back are eye spots (like on butterflies) that serve to ward off predators.)

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://rgvctmn.org/blog/tropical-orb-weavers/

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.

December 19, 2024

I am known as a Pillbug

But I'm a non-insect arthropod

In fact, I'm a terrestrial crustacean

More closely related to crabs than bugs, how odd!

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/Armadillidium_vulgare.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.

December 18, 2024

I am a Curve-billed Thrasher

I use my long bill to catch bugs

It also helps me forage in spiny plants

And you can find me in brushland and scrub.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Curve-billed_Thrasher/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.

December 17, 2024

I am known as a Gulf Coast Toad

I'm small - about 2-4 inches long

An identifying mark is the stripe down my back

And when I'm in the mood I sing a short, flat trill song.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.herpedia.com/frogs-toads/bufonidae/gulf-coast-toad.php

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.

December 16, 2024

I am a Spinybacked Orbweaver

My spikes and back colors vary widely

My spikes:  red or black

I've white or yellow on my back

But my underside varies only slightly.

The female shape and colors can vary by geography. I've seen black spiked white Spiny Orbweavers now and then in FL, but I haven't seen many of the black spiked yellow ones. 

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

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

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

December 15, 2024

I am a Bold Jumping spider

My chelicerae are iridescent lime

I have 8 eyes and great vision

Which I use to find a mate and also to dine.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

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

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

December 14, 2024

I am a Three-lined Maevia

I can be found in Mexico, Arizona and Texas

I used to have 8 legs, now I have 6 -

Possibly a predator caught me being reckless.

Special thanks to my friend Karen who, upon seeing this picture, pointed out to me that 2 of the poor spider's legs were missing. I totally didn't even notice when I took the photo. 

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/476966

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.

December 13, 2024

I'm known as a Gray Cracker butterfly

So named because I make a cracking sound

When my spiny rods contact my anal claspers

Other territorial males can tell I am around.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/sites/default/files/lifesciences/documents/ogatt/Hamadryas_februa%20-%20Grey%20Cracker%20Butterfly.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.

December 12, 2024

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

My wings can be from white to yellow to grey

My antennal clubs are always turquoise blue

And I'm sexually dimorphic, as the scientists say.

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://www2.nau.edu/~gaud/bio300b/sexdi.htm
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/great-southern-white/

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.

December 11, 2024

I am a female Roseate Skimmer

You can tell by the white stripe on my back

Another identifying mark for me:

On my lower abdomen is a brown-edged flap.

As described in the referenced article from the Houston Arboretum, the female Roseate Skimmer uses their flap to "scoop up water and fling it forward as she lays eggs so they are scattered far and wide by the splash."

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://houstonarboretum.org/dragonfly-days-of-summer/
https://lloyddragon.com/roseate-skimmer-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.

December 10, 2024

I am known as a White Peacock butterfly

But I just might have fooled you

My relatives in Florida are usually white

But in Texas, I've got a baby-blue hue. 

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-11-2020.html

https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-white-peacock/

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.

December 9, 2024

We are a pair of mating Western Giant Swallowtails

Similar to Easter Giants except the yellow spots on our necks

The spot's shape and size

Appear different to some eyes

But we're still being studied - it is kind of complex.

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://sciencythoughts.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-new-species-of-giant-swallowtail.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.

December 8, 2024

We are all Laviana White Skippers

We look different based on sex and position

In general, our bodies are dark and our wings are white

With brown on the edges for some definition.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX; Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX, Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen TX,

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Heliopetes-laviana

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.

December 7, 2024

I am a Horse's Paper Wasp

I live from South America to the southern US

I am beneficial to humans as a pollinator

But my sting can hurt a lot nonetheless. 

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

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

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.

December 6, 2024

I am a captive African Spurred Tortoise

I live at the National Butterfly Center

I was badly hurt in fire,

But will and desire

Put me in touch with a new shell inventor.

(Read Spike's sad, but ultimately hopeful story at the link below.)

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://texashighways.com/outdoors/parks/meet-spike-the-national-butterfly-centers-resident-tortoise/

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.

December 5, 2024

I am known as a Blomfild's Beauty

Sitting atop of a hat

I usually keep my wings tightly folded

But today, I'll show off my beauty unmatched.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/52089

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.

December 4, 2024

I am a Common Mestra

I'm gray to tan with an orange marginal band

I'm attracted to fruit and grasses

Scientists theorize that my breeding area's starting to expand.

(Refer to the linked article Remarks section for details of breeding area.)

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/31884

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.

December 3, 2024

I am a Dainty Sulphur

I'm a small, yellow butterfly with long forewings

On my outer wing edge I've some black spots

If I migrate north, it will be in summer or spring.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Nathalis-iole

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.

December 2, 2024

I am known as a Great Kiskidee

I'm one of the largest fly catchers

I'm omnivorous and I'm aggressive

And known to be a pet food and peanut butter snatcher. 

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

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

December 1, 2024

I am a Mexican Bluewing

But you'd never guess that when my wings are closed

My outer wings are brown just like tree bark

Only when open is blue iridescence exposed.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Myscelia-ethusa

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.