June 30, 2020

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

This is known of the Queen of the Night
It only blooms after dark
The flowers can be up over 8 inches wide
And its stamens look kind of like sparks.

Special thanks to guest photographer Heather Stapleton.

Sources: Biology Online - Selenicereus grandiflorus

Photo © 2020 Heather Stapleton,  text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 29, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, Broadway

I am a Red-tailed Flesh Fly
I am common throughout the US
The subarctic is the only place I don't live
I eat dead things with a touch of finesse.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Red-tailed Flesh Fly

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 28, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, Broadway

I am a Three-spotted Skipper
I lay eggs on leaves that my caterpillars eat
I have several broods from spring through the fall
The caterpillars hang out in nests made of rolled leaves.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Three-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes tripunctus)

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 27, 2020

Location: Indian River Drive, Sebastian

I am a Western Honey Bee
In Florida,  I pollinate 3/4 of all crops
I contribute millions to the US economy
And to almost all foods for which you shop.

Sources: UF | IFAS BugWeek@UF Incredibugs - Honey Bee

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 26, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

We are Horse's Paper Wasps
As shown here, we commonly nest on metal beams
Females malaxate liquid from prey that workers catch
And feed the remaining solids to the babies.

Sources: Wikipedia - Polistes major major

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 25, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am a Zebra Swallowtail
I'm black and white with a few red spots
I get moisture from sand and nectar
And I breed in woodlands near swamps.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Zebra Swallowtail Eurytides marcellus

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 24, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

We are a pair of Mourning Doves
We live throughout North America except the far north
We breed like bunnies - up to six broods a year
Especially in climates that are known for their warmth.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - Mourning Doves

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson