May 22, 2026

I am known as a Small Hooded Cockroach

The cover of the first part of my thorax

Looks like I'm wearing a cowl-neck sweater

My lack of fashion's my only drawback.

Location: On the side (outside) of my house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/111902

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as a Rehn's Cockroach

I'm sure you are sitting there saying "ewww"

But take a close look at my wings and legs - 

They're translucent, you can see right through!

(I thought this was kind of silvery when I first took the photo, but eventually realized you can see through it. Very cool.)

Location: On the side (outside) of my house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/507337/bgpage

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Rabid Wolf Spider

I'm harmless to humans but not to other bugs

I'm known as a "sit and wait predator"

Where sit and.. AAUUUUUUUUUGGGgggggg...

(Note: This spider and I were having a nice little chat and unfortunately I distracted her and this jerk wasp came by and nailed her. I realize everyone has to eat but I still felt bad for my inadvertent involvement. The wasp carried the spider off; I lost track of them but I assume she had young somewhere and was taking the spider home to them for dinner.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Delaware Skipper

But don't be fooled by my name

I was named for the Delaware Native American tribe

Who lived where I first came into my fame*.

* Delaware Skippers are more common in Florida than in the northeast.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

(Don't read today's post if you are eating. Or, if you are on a diet and struggling, continue scrolling, it might stop you from eating. I took the photo, forgot I took it and was snacking when I downloaded the photo and it came up for review.  Not a diet plan for everyone, but it sure slowed me down!)

I am a Turkey Vulture

Minding my own business in the grass

Dee thought I might be on a nest

I was eating my lunch, I bet she wish she had asked!

(It was a very demised and stinky wild hog, but I've never photographed maggots for the blog before. Now I remember why...)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I'm a Flat-headed Bald Cypress Sapwood Borer

I am a species of metallic wood-bearing beetle

I can do some damage to oak and maple trees

But I'm totally harmless to people.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/2934

https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/woodborer-metallic-woodboring-beetle/

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as a Gallinipper

I'm basically a very large mosquito

I have a nasty bite and like the taste of humans

But I'm easy to avoid, I've no way to fly incognito.

Location: On the side (outside) of my house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/neighborhoods/mosquito-control/psorophora-ciliata

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as a Black Stink Bug

But that name's not entirely true

My legs are part white

And my back spot is light

And my mate likes my sweet perfume

Location: On the side (outside) of my house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN795

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as an Eastern Leaf-footed bug

You know I'm me cause my white stripe is unbroken

I'm mostly considered a minor pest to crops

And can be found from Florida to Hoboken*.

*Technically Long Island, but they are close enough, and Long Island doesn't rhyme with "unbroken"

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN229

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are known as Dark Flower Scarabs

We feed on pollen and sap and fruit

We occasionally are pests of mangoes and corn

Destroying the flowers before fruit is produced.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN750

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are both Spotless Lady Beetles

Though I (in photo 1) posed with my head down

And with macrophotography I look like a peach

But not Jame's*, which was big as a town. 

* As in Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391240608_Eye-spot-only_Ladybird_Beetle_Cycloneda_sanguinea_Linnaeus_in_New_Countries_and_Islands_while_declining_in_abundance

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_and_the_Giant_Peach

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are Southern Green-striped Grasshoppers

We can be seen in brown or green phases

Scientist argue if we are Chortophaga viridifasciata

But just live in different places.

(To clarify, these are both Southern Green-striped Grasshoppers [Chortophaga australior], which have two distinct color phases. In question is whether or not Southern Green-striped Grasshoppers are a different species from the Green-striped Grasshoppers [Chortophaga viridifasciata] found outside of the southeastern US.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/orth/view.php?checklist_number=79.0

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are instars of the Tobacco Budworm moth

We are considered pests due to what we eat:

Tobacco leaves

Which contain nicotine,

Which is harmful to all human beings.

(I'm not sure why they were all over the thistle - perhaps the anti-smoking messages are getting out into the wild!)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/chloridea-virescens

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are all Blister Beetles 

Though the specific species is hard to tell

We are mostly variations of orange and black

And are all fairly small and svelte.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN323

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

This is Purple Passion Vine

It can climb or just sprawl on the ground

Its petals sport a wavy fringe

Reminiscent of that 60's hippie sound.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pain6

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

This is a Florida Pricklypear

It's a favorite food for many creatures

It's a beneficial plant in the environment

But hurts if it gets in your sneakers. 

(Not that I know from experience or anything...)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pascoco/2025/06/05/exploring-floridas-natives-the-prickly-pear/

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as a Red-shouldered Hawk

I am Dee's 4000th iNaturalist observation,

We encourage you to learn iNaturalist yourself

Observation greatly helps conservation!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: Dee's video series about how to use iNaturalist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw7UG4BcJDK3fhZ7G7rLaO6-jgju5P8Rc

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a female Halloween Pennant

You can tell cause my wings are yellow

My mate is a brighter orange and stays

Attached when I lay eggs, clingy fellow!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_pennant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_pennant#/media/File:Celithemis_eponina-mating.jpg

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I'm an adult Western Palm Warbler

If I was born east of Hudson Bay you could tell -

I would be much brighter yellow on my underparts

And I'd have yellow eyebrows as well.

Location: Wolf Branch Nature Preserve, Apollo Beach, FL

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I'm an adult male Prairie Warbler

Cornell Lab refers to me as "dapper"

I take that as a compliment but feel a bit bad - 

My wife and kids are much drabber.

Location: Wolf Branch Creek Nature Preserve, Apollo Beach, FL

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as Trogoderma anthrenoides
Adult females do not require food
My reproduction depends on the weather - 
If its 27.5 C, I'll lay the largest brood.

Location: Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL

Sources: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/abs/effect-of-temperature-and-humidity-on-trogoderma-anthrenoides-sharpcoleoptera-dermestidae-and-comparisons-with-related-species/8266492B89AF2240E95768AB10BBB2DF

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

This plant is Prickly Sowthistle

Its pointy leaves are blueish green

The flowers are yellow

And they resemble

Dandelions that you have seen.

Location: Wolf Branch Creek Nature Preserve, Apollo Beach, FL

Sources: https://southwestdesertflora.com/WebsiteFolders/All_Species/Asteraceae/Sonchus%20asper,%20Spiny%20Sowthistle.html

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 30, 2026

These are the seeds of the Rosary Pea

They contain the deadly poison Abrin

Although they are often made into beads

Beauty's not worth the danger within. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/abrus-precatorius

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 29, 2026

This is Lantana camara

It's bark can be used to treat leprosy

But it's considered an invasive exotic

So saying it can do good might be called heresy.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://botany.biology.ufl.edu/news/2013/lantana-camara-lantana/

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 28, 2026

This plant is called Scarlet Sesbane

It's a non-native and invasive

It has seeds that remain viable in the ground for years

Yet it's beauty is quite persuasive.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://plant-directory.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/sesbania-punicea/

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 27, 2026

I am a Marbled Grasshopper

My tibias are orange or red but I'm mostly grey

My hindwings show a dark band in flight

I can be found from Florida to the great plains.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/9571

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 26, 2026

I'm a male Common Hentz Jumping Spider

And much to Dee's surprise

If you click to enlarge this photo

You will see all 8 of my eyes!

(This is a teeny tiny spider [only 4-5 mm, or about .157 inches] - I was surprised my camera picked up all of his eyes.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 25, 2026

I am a Oblique Heterocampa Moth

I can be purple, tan, pink or green

But regardless of color, the diamond pattern

On my back can always be seen.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/prominent-moths (refer to photo#7 description)

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 24, 2026

I am known as a Killdeer

I eat invertebrates such as crayfish and snails

I also follow plows

To see what they arouse

If it's larvae, they won't live to tell the tale!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 23, 2026

I am known as a Marbled Orbweaver

So named for my abdomen pattern

I'm more oval shaped than other orbweavers

If I wore a belt I would look like Saturn

Thanks to very special guest photographer, Heather Stapleton.

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 22, 2026

I am an Idioderma virescens

In the south-eastern US I'm a common true bug

True bugs have incomplete metamorphosis

Click below for a website Dee loves. 

Note from Dee: I was researching this bug and I couldn't find a lot of information about it, but my search did turn up this amazing site that shows how all life on earth is related. It is just too cool. Warning to nature/science nerds: don't click if you have to do something important in the next few hours:-)

Location: My car, Sebastian

Sources: https://www.onezoom.org/

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 21, 2026

I am a female Pine Warbler

I'm sitting in a pine tree doin' my thing
My mate is much brighter yellow than me

But we both have a white, broken eye ring.

Location: North Sebastian Conservation Area

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 20, 2026

This red stuff is known as Bark Rash Lichen

It's a mixture of alga and fungus

Its color changes depending on season and shade

And it won't grow on a tree that is trunkless.

(Make sure you read the linked article, it has one of the best descriptions of identifying lichens that I have found, including a brief but informative vocabulary section.)

Location: North Sebastian Conservation Area

Sources: https://lucec.loyno.edu/natural-history-writings/bark-rash-lichen-0

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 19, 2026

We are known as Cedar Waxwings

Why are we called that? I'm glad you asked.

See the bright red wingtips 

In the first pic

It looks like I dipped them in red candle wax!

Location: North Sebastian Conservation Area

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 18, 2026

I am an adult Milkweed Bug

I'm in my 5th molt, so I'm ready to breed

I only eat seeds

Of the plant, Milkweed

Unlike Monarchs, I don't eat the leaves

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/milkweed-bug#:~:text=Milkweed%20bugs%2C%20Oncopeltus%20fasciatus%2C%20are,per%20day%20in%20small%20clusters.

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 17, 2026

I am a Monarch caterpillar

My current age is between 36 hours and 12 days

I'll curl up for a day, hanging from a leaf

Then it will only take me 3 minutes to pupate!

(Be sure to check out the link below to learn about the lifecycle, very cool photos.)

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://susanberkkoch.com/blog/monarchs-are-mythical-and-mysterious/

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 16, 2026

I am an adult Tricolored Heron

When I was younger I was more rusty

Occasionally my beak becomes a bright aqua color

It's a sign that I am feeling lusty.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.