September 5, 2026

I am a Great Southern White Butterfly

When I was young I ate cabbage and kale

Technically they are cultivars of the same species

But cabbage is tasty and kale's a big FAIL. 

(Ok, this might be an opinion here. The caterpillars of the Great Southern White eat both cabbage and kale, but I assume Great Southern White caterpillars do not have taste buds as kale is super gross, and cabbage adds a nice crunch to burritos and casseroles.)

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Blackpoint Drive

Sources: https://a-z-animals.com/blog/kale-vs-cabbage-comparing-two-great-brassicas/

https://plowingthroughlife.com/hamburger-cabbage-casserole/

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.

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.

April 3, 2024

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

Shown here with my friend, Honey Bee

We're both pollinators who love Biden's Alba

But I'm the only one who's migratory.

Location: WW Ranch Road, SSRPSP

Sources: https://herofortheplanet.org/pollinators/explore/migration/

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.

June 30, 2023

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

Ascia is my family name

My family is monotypic which means

No other species family name is the same.

Location: Oyster Bar Marsh Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascia

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 12, 2023

I am a great Great Southern White butterfly

My color can vary widely

From white to brown

Based on where I'm found

But I can never be called unsightly.

Location: Oyster Bar Marsh Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://www.butterfliesofamerica.com/L/t/Ascia_monuste_a.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 18, 2022

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

When I was young the Mustard family's what I ate

Now I'm grown up and only drink nectar

I have far more discriminating taste.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Ascia-monuste

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 10, 2022

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

My Deely Boppers are turquoise

I never wear trousers

My farts smell like flowers

And never make an audible noise.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/great-southern-white/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 14, 2021

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

It's harder to tell that with my wings closed

My colors change with the wet and dry seasons

Which is a moot point if this is how I'm posed.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Ascia-monuste

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 27, 2021

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

You can ID me by my turquoise antennal clubs

You can find me in coastal habitats

Fluttering amongst wildflowers and buds.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/great-southern-white/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 14, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, T.M. Goodwin WMA

I am a Great Southern White butterfly
I have thin black stripe but I'm mostly white
When perched delicately on a flower
I look like a blushing bride!

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Great Southern White Butterfly

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 13, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, Lagoon Greenway

I am Great Southern White butterfly
The tips of my antennae are neon aqua blue.
I live in penninsular Florida
In open fields, salt marshes, and coastal dunes.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson