June 7, 2021

I am a juvenile male Bar-winged Skimmer

I can be found throughout the southeast

When I grow up my body will be powder blue

And I'll breed in slow-moving streams.

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/731

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 6, 2021

This is a Florida Butterfly Orchid,

It grows on Bald Cypress and Live Oak

Although it attracts pollinators, 

Its name comes from what the flowers evoke.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-encyclia-tampensis/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 5, 2021

I am a Spinybacked Orbweaver

I usually live in trees or in shrubs

My venom is not toxic to humans

But it is to other smaller bugs.

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 4, 2021

This is a Tillandsia fasciculata

Commonly known as Cardinal Airplant

Mexican bromeliad weevils have added this

To the list of endangered plants. 

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/frank/savebromeliads/floridas-bromeliads/Tillandsia-fasciculata.html

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 3, 2021

I'm a Western Honey Bee

Shown here with a few of my closest friends

From right to left, there's Rubee and Tobee, 

Then Abbee and... oh my this list might never end...

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/BEES/euro_honey_bee.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 2, 2021

This is a Largeflower Rose Gentian

The base of each petal is yellow edged with red

The petals are bright pink, it's quite distinct

It grows well in open areas that are wet.

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-sabatia-grandiflora/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 1, 2021

This flower is known as Lyreleaf Sage

The flower's lip provides a landing strip for bees

When the bee lands, the stamens are tipped, and

The bee's clad in pollen from her head to her knees.

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=saly2

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson