August 7, 2023

I am known as a Large-billed Tern

South America's where I'm usually found

This was my first time in Florida

I was recognized by my huge bill and black crown.

Location: T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Broadmoor unit

Sources: https://ebird.org/species/labter1

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 6, 2023

I am a Florida True Katydid

I'm probably female because I'm pinkish-brown

Only 10 percent of males are this color

You'll see many more green Katydids around.

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/35543

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 5, 2023

I am in the Tribe Macrosiphini

That's a fancy way of saying I'm some kind of Aphid.

Dee unknowingly picked up me and 20 of my friends

We'd be easier to see if we were in the family Giraffid.

There are 2 tribes in the subfamily Aphidinae

Aphidini's like Macrosiphini, but not a copy - 

Antennae length is one way to differentiate - 

Aphidini's antennae are never longer than their body.

(Note: That is my finger it is on, it's a very tiny insect!)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://influentialpoints.com/aphid/Aphidinae.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 4, 2023

This plant is known as Sandhill St. John's Wort

Some people say Perforate St. John's Wort helps with depression

But these make me happy, such cute little flowers, 

And I'll choose viewing them over ingestion. 

(Note: This plant Hypericum tenuifolium, the alleged medicinal one is Hypericum perforatum.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/hypericum-tenuifolium

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort-and-depression-in-depth

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 3, 2023

I am a Bassareus brunnipes

I'm a species of Case-bearing Leaf beetle

When I was a larvae I lived in a case made of poop

It protected me from predators lethal.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/13739

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 2, 2023

These are eggs in the Order Neuroptera

I'm thinking Lacewings, as I've seen them around

Eggs on a string, seem a precarious thing, 

But soon Lacewing larvae will abound.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/fact-files/orders/neuroptera.html

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 1, 2023

I am a Red House Spider

You might remember seeing my face before

My mom had 4 eggs, and then past away

In the picture below, I'm spiderling 24.

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2023/05/may-4-2023.html

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson