Flora & Fauna

Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)

Love Bug (Plecia nearctica)

The Love Bug (Plecia nearctica) is a small, distinctively colored species of march fly native to parts of Central America and the southeastern United States, most famously associated with Florida and the Gulf Coast. Known for their sudden, massive population explosions and their habit of flying in locked pairs, these insects are a staple of […]

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.

Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla)

These birds are quite common in Sarasota, and can often be seen with non-breeding colors with the head less black and more mottled gray.

Prickly Pear (Opuntia)

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

Pine Lily (Lilium catesbaei)

September & October are the blooming months for the beautiful native Pine Lily, which can be seen in the dry prairie and other damp areas around Sarasota. This flower is a perennial secret kept from snowbirds because it would be very unusual to see it after the month of October. Most recently, I have seen […]

Painted bunting (Passerina ciris)

Felts Preserve is perhaps the only place near Sarasota where you can consistently see these birds in season (winter).

Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida)

Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)

This small, ground-dwelling owl, with its bright yellow eyes and expressive eyebrows, has captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. Found in open prairies, pastures, and even suburban areas, the Burrowing Owl is a captivating presence in Florida’s diverse landscapes. Let’s dive into the life, habits, and significance of this delightful owl, […]

White Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

As the golden sun begins its descent over the sprawling wetlands and dense hammocks of Florida, a quiet rustle in the underbrush signals the presence of one of the most iconic inhabitants of this diverse landscape: the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). This elegant creature, with its characteristic white tail flashing a warning signal to its […]