It’s hard to think of anything that captured my imagination as a child more than fireflies, and summer nights in Maryland were filled with the flashing lights of these remarkable insects. I hadn’t seen or thought about them for years, but now in Goshen, Connecticut, I am again lucky to see them crowd the darkness.
Insects & Invertebrates of Florida
Great Southern White Butterfly (Ascia monuste)
This elegant butterfly, with its pristine white wings and striking blue-tipped antennae, is a common yet captivating presence in the Sunshine State. From coastal dunes to backyard gardens, the Great Southern White is a testament to the beauty and resilience of Florida’s ecosystems. Let’s embark on a journey through the life, habits, and ecological significance […]
Giant Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio cresphontes)
This magnificent butterfly, the largest in North America, graces our gardens, woodlands, and citrus groves with its striking beauty and mesmerizing flight. From its impressive size and vibrant markings to its fascinating life cycle and ecological importance, the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly is a true emblem of Florida’s rich biodiversity. Let’s embark on a journey to […]
Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly (Protographium marcellus)
With its bold black-and-white stripes and elegant tail streamers, this butterfly is a dazzling spectacle in the wild. The Zebra Swallowtail’s unique appearance and fascinating behavior make it a beloved and captivating presence in Florida’s forests, gardens, and wetlands. Let’s embark on an exploration of the life, habits, and significance of this striking butterfly, a […]
Giant Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana)
Keep your eyes open for katydids, which are all over Sarasota, but are so well camouflaged, you’ll be lucky to spot one.
Julia Butterfly (Dryas iulia)
With its bright orange wings and graceful flight, this butterfly brings a touch of tropical flair to the Sunshine State. From the coastal hammocks to urban gardens, the Julia Butterfly captivates observers with its beauty and fascinating behavior. Let’s take a closer look at the life, habits, and significance of this dazzling butterfly, a true […]
Bella Moth (Utetheisa ornatrix)
Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
Love Bug (Plecia nearctica)
Few creatures pique my interest as much as the Love Bug (Plecia nearctica). Known for their peculiar name and seemingly endless swarming behavior, these little insects are a ubiquitous part of Florida’s landscape. Despite their nuisance reputation, Love Bugs have a fascinating story worth telling. Let’s delve into the life of the Love Bug, exploring […]
Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex badius)
These native ants can keep the fire ants out of a habitat.
Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum)
Notice the lightning whelk’s unique left-handed opening.
Mangrove Tree Crab (Aratus pisonii)
You can see these crabs on the mangrove trees, especially when paddling through mangrove tunnels it Lido Key.
Mangrove Buckeye (Junonia genoveva)
These hang out among the mangroves and look very much like the common buckeye.
Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata)
Picture this: a leisurely day paddling through the serene waters of a Floridian wetland, the sun glinting off the surface, and the air alive with the hum of dragonflies. As you drift along, you spot a curious sight—large, globular creatures with spiral shells, slowly making their way through the aquatic vegetation. Meet the Apple Snail […]
Spiny-backed Orb-Weaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis)
Hey, nature enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the whimsical world of one of Florida’s most fascinating and funky little critters: the Spiny-backed Orb-Weaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis). This spider is not only a master weaver but also a fashion icon in the arachnid world. So, grab your magnifying glass and let’s get up close and personal with […]
Gulf Fritillary Butterfly (Agraulis vanillae)
There’s one particular creature that never fails to ignite my passion and captivate my senses – the Gulf Fritillary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae). With its vibrant orange wings adorned with intricate black markings, this delicate insect embodies the very essence of Florida’s tropical allure.expand_more A Passion Ignited My fascination with the Gulf Fritillary began during my […]
Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia)
This charismatic butterfly, with its distinctive eye-spots and captivating behavior, is a true gem of the Sunshine State’s natural landscape. A Childhood Fascination My fascination with the buckeye butterfly began during my formative years, as I spent countless hours exploring the fields and meadows near my childhood home. I vividly recall the first time I […]
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea guttata)
This imposing insect, with its vibrant colors and voracious appetite, is a true icon of the Sunshine State’s natural landscape, albeit one that often sparks both admiration and exasperation. A Childhood Encounter My first encounter with the Eastern lubber grasshopper occurred during my formative years, as I explored the fields and gardens near my childhood […]
Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius charithonia)
My love affair with the zebra longwing began during my formative years, as I explored the lush gardens and wild spaces that surrounded my childhood home. I vividly recall the first time I encountered a zebra longwing, its striking black and yellow stripes instantly capturing my attention. Its elegant, elongated wings seemed to defy gravity […]
