Even though a horde of mosquitoes was feasting on me, I had to take the time to photograph this enchanting flower. The large throat of the Marsh Genetian (Eustoma exaltatum) is referenced in the genus name, eu stoma is Greek for good mouth.
It also goes by the name of Catchfly Genetian, in reference to the pollinators that wind up deep in the flower. I just wish it was Catchmosquito Genetian instead!
Though delicate in appearance, the Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea imperati) can withstand the harshness of the nearshore environment: blustering winds, high salt concentrations, heat, and low nutrient soil.
Not content to merely survive, this cheery white flower helps colonize sand dunes, thereby stabilizing the area and preventing erosion.
The tricky little flower of two names, Frangipani aka Plumeria, releases most of its scent after dark to lure moths. The nighttime pollinators are duped into transferring pollen by the blooms, as there is no nectar available.
Treasured for its beauty in tropical climates around the globe, the entire Apocynaceae family hides another secret; a poisonous, milky sap. Once again proving that looks aren’t everything…
While I’ve encountered the remains and molts of adult Atlantic Horseshoe Crabs before this was my first meeting with the young of the species. It was so perfectly camouflaged that I only noticed it when it bulldozed through the sand in an effort to avoid getting stepped on.
I couldn’t resist spending a few minutes with this little one before releasing it on its merry way. While formidable in appearance even at this age, the tail (or telson), is mainly used for steering.
I came across this little herbal firework while roaming Sawgrass Lake Park with friends recently. Not only is it a showstopper, this native ground cover is also a host plant for Little Sulphur Butterflies. I can’t wait to add this to my yard!
The Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) originated in the Amazon Basin but has since been introduced around the world, for better or worse.
While beautiful (and in some cases, useful) this species has amazing regenerating super powers: not only is it one of the fastest growing plants on the planet (up to 16 feet in a day), it can also spread by stolons as well as by seed. All of which make control or eradication near impossible.
This rapid reproduction means the species can quickly cover a body of water, disrupting an entire ecosystem. On the plus side, they excel at removing heavy metals from waterways which can be helpful in a water treatment system. The stems are fibrous and can be woven into a multitude of useful items.
Looks like Floridians better start learning to weave!
Recently spent a relaxing day at my favorite spot in nearby Fort De Soto Park. As on my previous visits, I encountered something new and interesting to learn about.
This time the critter introduced itself by scuttling over my toes while I was wading in the bay. While the Longnose Spider Crab (Libinia dubia) may not win any beauty contests, it is perfectly camouflaged for the silty seagrass beds it lives in.
According to my bit of research, they are known to attach pieces of vegetation to further enhance their disguise. Pretty crafty little crabs!
The wildest tidbit about this species is that they have been found happily residing inside Cannonball Jellies. The hows and whys are still not fully understood but it would be a safe place to grow up and the food is free. Not sure how the Cannonball benefits, other than maybe bragging rights, “Hey, guys, look at me. I’ve got a crab in my head!”
I snapped this photo last month in a nature preserve. The showy bloom caught my eye and I was pretty certain it was a milkweed. Since I’m looking to add some milkweed to my front yard I thought this might be a contender.
Sadly, a bit of online research proved me wrong. It is a milkweed but not a native one. Tropical Milkweed is a year-round bloomer, originally from Mexico.
It is quite popular with caterpillars but unfortunately, also a favorable home for the parasite, Ophryocystsis elektrosirrha. Many monarch butterflies already play host to the parasite and transmit them when laying their eggs.
The difference is that native species of milkweed die back during cooler weather, thereby reducing or eliminating the number of Oe on the plant. Tropical Milkweed does not, so when the hungry caterpillars emerge and start devouring the plant they ingest extra Oe. Most species can successfully tolerate some parasites but when the balance tips it becomes a problem.
This bright specimen will not be added to my pollinator garden but thankfully, there are 21 native species for me to choose from.
Not the sharpest set of photos (unlike the Anhinga’s pointy bill) but I thought it was an interesting series. After the “Snake Bird” impales it’s prey, it has to flip it loose using a few quick jerks of the neck.
Like juggling, precision is the key. Toss it too far and a nearby opportunist will steal it from you, miss the catch and it’ll swim away.
As you can see from the fish shape wedged in the neck, this Anhinga was well-skilled.
Native here in Florida, the Wild Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a vine I can’t wait to plant in my front yard. Not only is it a showy specimen but the flowers are a pollinator magnet and it serves as a larval host to several species of butterflies.
Look closely and you’ll see a small spider and the rear end of a Green Orchid Bee (Euglossa dilemma).
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