October 31, 2025

This plant is known as Phasey Bean

It's flowers are zygomorphic - let me explain:

My flower can be cut into two equal parts

But only if you cut along one specific plane.

(The linked video explains the concept quite well, the speaker has a fairly strong accent, but the graphics demonstrate the concept quite clearly.)

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRnPa9CPDkA

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 30, 2025

I am a Horace's Duskywing

I have tiny white spots, but I'm mostly dark brown

When I was young I used to feed on Oak leaves

And I'm common in Florida year round

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/58/

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 29, 2025

I am known as a Swarthy Skipper

The name is a reference to my color

I don't really have any defining marks

My mate looks like me, but even duller.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/97/swarthy-skipper

https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/static/documents/butterfly-id/aba-id-swarthy-skipper-20200106.pdf

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 28, 2025

I am a Salt Marsh Moth caterpillar

When I grow up I'll be a pretty white moth

But for now I can be quite a pest - 

I'm known for damaging fall-planted crops

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN375

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 27, 2025

This plant is Golden Canna

It is good for preventing soil erosion

It's also a host for Skipper caterpillars

But it's cold-sensitive and it's roots can get frozen.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cafl11

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 26, 2025

I am an Ocola Skipper

I can be identified by my spots

One in particular is arrowhead shaped

The rest are just yellow-white dots.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/105/ocola-skipper

https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/static/documents/butterfly-id/aba-id-ocola-skipper-20210302.pdf

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 25, 2025

I am known as a Whirlabout

I'm easily confused with the Fiery Skipper

But the Fiery's spots look like black pepper

My spots look like chocolate chippers!

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/125/whirlabout

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 24, 2025

I am known as a Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp

I am a parasitoid of the larvae of Beetles

Parasites feed on critters but don't kill their host

I kill beetles, but generally don't hurt people.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/insects/scoliid-wasp-in-turf/

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN745

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 23, 2025

I am known as a Florida Viceroy

I am orange and white and black

I am hatching out of my chrysalis now

I need to find a new home, I'm too big to go back!

(Shown below is a different Florida Viceroy's chrysalis.)

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/viceroy/

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 22, 2025

I am a Delaware Skipper

I am known for my large proboscis

This lets me get nectar from deep floral tubes

So it doesn't make me self conscious.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-delaware-skipper/

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 21, 2025

I am an Ornate Pennant Dragonfly

I have a colored patch on my hindwings

I also have large, dark red eyes

The better to see you, sweet thing!

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/odes/a/accounts.php?id=91

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 20, 2025

I am a Common Buckeye butterfly

You are probably used to seeing me

With large eyespots of purple and orange

But my wings are open, usually.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/buckeye-common/

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 19, 2025

I am an Aaron's Skipper butterfly

I can be found near coastal salt marshes

I like to get nectar from pickerelweed

I eat simple sugar, but I don't do starches.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Poanes-aaroni

https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/types-carbohydrates

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 18, 2025

I am known as a Squirrel Treefrog

I like to eat spiders and termites

I'll also eat ant, beetles and crickets

But I'm small, so humans are one thing I won't bite!

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 17, 2025

I am an Orange-spotted Flower Moth

I'm tiny - my wings are just over a quarter inch

As a larvae I ate plants in the Spermacoce genus

But I'll eat Richardia grandiflora in a pinch.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://thefsca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Media_Files_Plant-Industry-Files_Entomology-Circular_CIRCULAR-Syngamia-Florella-Stoll.pdf

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 16, 2025

I am a Loammi Skipper butterfly

My antennae are short and my eyes are large

Sadly I am an endangered species

Habitat loss makes my survival quite hard.

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 © 2025 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.

October 15, 2025

I am known as a Queen butterfly

That doesn't mean anything scandalous

I'm colorful, pretty and bold

Some people even call me fabulous!

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Danaus-gilippus

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 14, 2025

I am a male (shown first) Black Swallowtail

I am more colorful than my mate

But she is a better Pipevine mimic

And thus, less likely to be ate!

(Pipevine Swallowtails are poisonous, so it is the female butterfly's best interest to look as much like one as possible to avoid predation.)

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN906

https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/pipevine-swallowtail-blue-swallowtail

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 13, 2025

This flower is known as Pine Lily

It grows well in wet prairies and savannahs

It's fruit is a small capsule that bursts open when ripe

- not the yellow things that look like tiny bananas. 

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-lilium-catesbaei/

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 12, 2025

I am known as a Florida Bee Killer

So called because bee killing's my hobby

There have been some bee losses in Florida

But not enough to start an anti-Bee Killer lobby.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN591

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 11, 2025

This flower is known as a Butterfly Pea

From the top it kind of looks like a fat duck

It grows on trailing vines in pine forests

On the ground when it can't find a tree trunk.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cevi2

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 10, 2025

We are all Phaon Crescent Butterflies

Our colors vary, but the species is immutable

Whether looking at insects, birds, or humans

Diversity makes every species beautiful.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Phyciodes-phaon

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 9, 2025

I am a Little Metalmark

So called, because my wings look soldered

Other than that

I'm orange and black

And between the solder is spotted.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 8, 2025

I am known as a Southern Toad

I blend in with my surroundings just swell!

It's easy to sneak 

Up on what I like to eat

Crickets, roaches and invertebrates as well.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 7, 2025

We are Osceola Turkeys

In the right light, our feathers can look purplish-green

Our subspecies is unique to Florida

Where we spend our days eating insects, and berries and seeds.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://floridawildlifefederation.org/floridas-wild-turkeys-the-osceola-subspecies/

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 6, 2025

I am known as a Barred Owl

I'm a great hunter - I don't mean to boast to you

I eat many reptiles and rodents

Dee's glad, but wishes I'd eat a roach or two.

Location: Fellsmere, FL, my house

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 5, 2025

I am an Eastern Coachwhip

I'm easy to spot because I'm two-toned

My upper half 's black, then fades to light copper

And my beauty is often extolled.

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

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/coachwhip/

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 4, 2025

I am a Delta Flower Scarab beetle,

I'm common in the southeastern US

I spend most of my adult life near flowers

Eating nectar and looking for a mate to impress.

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

Location: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1214

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 3, 2025

I am probably a Virginian Tiger Moth

My color varies so I'm not 100% sure

The season, location and hair length are right

I'll be positive who I am when I mature. 

(Moths are easier to identify than caterpillars.)

Location: John C. Campbell Folk School

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 2, 2025

I am a Differential Grasshopper

I survive winter by entering diapause as an egg

Unfortunately, I might not live much longer

Something tore off my back leg.

Under normal conditions my back legs

Have a beautiful herringbone design

They are yellow and brown

And I'd jump all around

Alas close to the ground I'm now confined.

Location: John C. Campbell Folk School, NC

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 1, 2025

I am a Black-bordered Lemon Moth

When I was a caterpillar my behaviour was odd

If someone picked me up and handled me roughly

I would puke yellow-green goo in response.

Location: John C. Campbell Folk School, NC

Sources: https://guides.nynhp.org/black-bordered-lemon-moth/

Photo and text © 2025 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.