July 7, 2023

I am a Florida Cottonmouth

I'm patterned brown now, as I age I'll get darker

When I was a baby, my tail tip was yellow

My color's not always the best ID marker.

Thanks to today's special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Note: Although this snake is not aggressive, it is venomous and it's bite can be lethal to people and pets. Please read the article linked below for details.

Location:  Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor unit

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/florida-cottonmouth/

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 6, 2023

We are a pair of Wood Ducks

Nesting on top of a dead palm tree

We mate twice a year in the spring and the fall

Within a mile of water's where we like to breed.

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock, Jungle Trail

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 5, 2023

I am a Pale Daddy Longlegs spider

I was introduced in Florida from southeast Asia

I am not dangerous to humans and help control other pests

So there is no need for euthanasia. 

Update: This is a spider in the Pholcidae family, but is not necessarily a Smeringopus pallidus per Bug Guide. Need to re-research this one. 

Notes: This is an actual spider - what people up north call "Daddy Longlegs" are actually Harvestmen, in the order Opiliones. 

There is a bizarre myth that says daddy longlegs have the most potent venom in the world but their jaws aren't strong enough to bite humans. It is true that they don't bite humans, but the part about them having the most potent venom in the world is complete and utter bunk. 

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock, Jungle Trail

Sources: http://418.e25.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ent361.pdf

https://spiders.ucr.edu/daddy-long-legs

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 4, 2023

I am a female Mabel Orchard Orbweaver

If I were male I'd have a single red band

My mate also has much larger pedipalps

Despite being smaller than I am.

I use my pedipalps to help catch prey

And hold it while I inject venom

My mate uses his... for something else

When love is gaining momentum...

Location: My house, Fellsmere

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

https://www.britannica.com/animal/spider-arachnid/Importance#ref494939

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 3, 2023

I am an Eastern Cottontail

In the Americas I can be most anywhere

From Manitoba all the way down to Brazil

I'm hunted for sport, meat and my hair. 

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock, Jungle Trail

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 2, 2023

I am a Common Grackle

I can be a pest because I damage corn crops

In wintertime I gather with a few million friends

And we hang out in very large flocks.

Location: Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 1, 2023

I am a female Gray Wall Jumping Spider

My mate is dark where I am white

I like to snack on Diptera

And sometimes flies that are larger than I!

Location: Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/jumping_spiders.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson