August 31, 2018

Location: Merritt Island, Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area

This is a Chrysobalanus icaco
Commonly known as the Cocoaplum.
Birds and other wild life love its fruit,
Which humans also make jelly from.

Sources: Florida Native Plant Society - Chrysobalanus icaco

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 30, 2018

Location: Merritt Island, Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area

This plant is known as Firebush
It helps butterflies and birds to thrive.
But if it freezes, the plant will die back,
But the roots will probably survive.

Sources: Florida Native Plant Society - Firebush

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 29, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, my porch

I am an American Cockroach
I'm known in Florida as a "Palmetto Bug"
Cause "cockroach" sounds dirty and icky
But a "Palmetto Bug" is something you could just hug!

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - American Cockroach

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 28, 2018

Location: Durham, NC, Museum of Life and Science

I am known as a Great Black Wasp
I dig tunnels under ground.
I lay eggs in the tunnels and next to each egg,
There's a Katydid or Cricket for my young to chow down.

Sources: Insect Identification for the Casual Observer - Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 27, 2018

Location: Durham, NC, Museum of Life and Science

I am an Augochloropsis metallica
Commonly known as a small Sweat Bee.
Me and my millions of little bee friends
Pollinate 1 of every 3 bites that you eat.

Sources: Bees of Georgia

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 26, 201

  Location: Durham, NC, Museum of Life and Science

I am a Silver-spotted Skipper,
As a caterpillar, legumes are what I devour.
As an adult, I prefer blue, purple, red -
You won't find me on yellow flowers.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 25, 2018

Location: Durham, NC, Museum of Life and Science

I am a Carolina Chickadee
I have a black cap and bright white cheeks.
I can live anywhere from forests to city parks,
As long as there are large trees.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Carolina Chickadee

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson