September 21, 2021

I am a Leucauge argyra

On the top I am black and yellow

I don't have orange spots like Leucauge argyrobapta

My coloring's just a tad more mellow.

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 20, 2021

I am a Cape May Warbler

You can tell by my yellow tummy and dark streaks

You can also ID me by the sound of my voice - 

Which is a high-pitched tseet-tseet-tseet-tseet-tseet.

Location: Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cape_May_Warbler/sounds

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 19, 2021

These are the berries of the Saw Palmetto

On nature preserves, they are illegal to gather

They can be used to treat human some human medical conditions

But humans are not the only critters that matter.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/2021/08/17/beware-saw-palmetto-berry-poachers/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 18, 2021

These are the flowers of the Rosary Pea

They look quite innocent and lovely

But the seeds of this plant contain poison

Ingest just one drop and you'll see no recovery.

Birds, however appear to be immune to it's charm

And they can and do eat it, quite smugly.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/abrus-precatorius/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 17, 2021

I am a Marbled Grasshopper

I like to live in areas that are sandy

I also like to crepitate loudly

It's not just fun, it's my modus operandi.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/band.pdf

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 16, 2021

This plant is known as Marsh Fleabane

It's also called Cattle-tongue

It starts to bloom in the summer

After the spring has sprung.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-pluchea-odorata/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 15, 2021

I am known as a Marl Pennant

I have been seen in Florida throughout most of the year

I mostly live in coastal areas

And my wings are mostly clear.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/18786/data

https://www.vararespecies.org/specie/Macrodiplax%20balteata

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson