Webworm Moth

– Webworm Moth –
The Ailanthus Webworm (Atteva aurea) adults are considered good pollinators. The host plant, Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a non-native plant in Florida that the Ailanthus Webworm will use for laying eggs. Caterpillars will emerge and feed on the leaves. This species also use two native Florida plants. Both are Paradise Trees, Simarouba glauca, and Simarouba amara.
Photo Credit: Lynn Marie
Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon
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Hover Fly

The hoverfly (Allograpta obliqua) can be found in most of the continental United States, parts of Canada, and Mexico. It is a colorful and common fly in Florida.
Just like its name suggests, it can hover or fly backward. Adults usually visit flowers for nectar; they have also been seen around aphid (greenfly and blackfly) colonies, laying their eggs and feeding on honeydew secreted by the aphids. Adults aid pollination as they can pollinate some plants.
The larvae stage of this species are essential predators as they feed on aphids, which are crop-damaging insects. When larval populations are high, they can reduce aphid populations by 70 to 100%!
Adults occur throughout the year in northern Florida; they are more abundant during spring and summer. In southern Florida, they are also abundant during winter. Their life cycle varies from three weeks in summer to nine weeks in winter. They lay their eggs singly on a leaf or twig, where aphids are abundant. They hatch for two to three days during the summer and around eight days in the winter. When it is time for the larvae to pupate, they will fasten themselves to a leaf or twig. The pupal stage takes up to ten days in summer and 18 to 33 days in winter.
Photo Credit: Lynn Marie
Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon
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Oak Hammock Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Oak Hammock Trail is located in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Parking is just over a mile east of the refuge at the Visitor Center for Oak Hammock Trail and is shared with the Palm Hammock Trail. Both start at the same trailhead; they immediately split in different directions and are no longer connected. Starting to the right of the kiosk, the Oak Hammock Trail takes the path of a figure 8 that winds through seasonally flooded forests.
Much of the trail does have boardwalks; however, it should be noted that it is not wheelchair accessible because of the need to cross the railroad track to the boardwalk and the sandy/native surfaces beforehand.
Start your walk beneath the tall oaks and be surrounded by a dense crowd of sword ferns along the trail. Enjoy a shaded saunter in this distinctly Florida coastal/hydric hammock. Native plants include wild coffee, laurel and live oaks, cabbage palm, and Simpson’s stopper. Make sure to look up in the canopy for many air plants and orchids.
As you are walking around the Oak Hammock Trail, you find yourself surrounded by a marsh. Unless it is winter, the dry season, you will probably find more mud than water. If you are sensitive to mosquitoes, you should bring bug spray.
A cool thing about this saunter is the potential for wild oranges! Yes, you can eat them if you dare. But beware, these are not your modern sweet grocery store oranges. These are wild oranges, remnants from Old Spanish travelers and early homesteaders. This site was from a Daneburg family homestead between 1947 and 1964, where they grew gladiolas and oranges until the Space Center came along and the government obtained the property. Before the Daneburgs, Captain Douglas Dummitt established the first citrus grove in America just a little north of here in 1807.
In the early 1800s, Douglas Dummitt pioneered grafting sour orange trees (the original Florida orange) to sweet orange trees. Leading to the oranges we now eat, with a bit of help from a series of back-to-back freezes, these on the Oak Hammock Trail must be the sour orange trees.
HOURS: Open dawn to dusk. Expect mosquitoes: use bug spray.
Address: 4050 N. Dixie Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33064
28.644268, -80.716569
Length: 0.7-mile loop
Amenities:
Information Kiosk
Interpretive Signage
Nature Trail, sand, and boardwalk
Picnic Area
Seating Area
Restroom: None here, but the Visitor Center is nearby
Phone: 321-861-0669
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam
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Three spotted Skipper

Three spotted Skipper (Butterfly)
The Three-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes tripunctus) has a wingspan of 1 1/8 – 1 3/8 inches. The wings are a dull dark brown, and the upperside of the forewings (front wings) has three transparent white spots on the edge near the tip and 2-3 spots at the end. The underside of the hindwing (back wing) is yellow-brown with pale spots near the center.
Females lay eggs on top of the host plant’s leaves. The host plant for this species is Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). The caterpillars will eat and live in nests of the rolled leaves. Their habitats are subtropical grassy areas.
Photo Credit: Lynn Marie
Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon
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Follow That Dream Parkway to Bird Creek Beach

Follow That Dream Parkway to Bird Creek Beach
Nature enthusiasts and beach lovers, get ready for an adventure! Bird Creek Beach is a serene and secluded destination along Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. This hidden gem lies within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offering a peaceful coastal experience perfect for relaxation and picnicking. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse birdlife that frequents the area, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
To reach Bird Creek Beach, park at the end of Follow That Dream Parkway, also known as Florida State Road 40. This scenic highway stretches across Central Florida, starting from US Route 41 in Inglis and heading eastward through the breathtaking Ocala National Forest before reaching the charming Ormond Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Apart from its stunning coastal landscapes, Follow That Dream Parkway has a special connection to an iconic Elvis Presley movie. “Follow That Dream,” released in 1962, showcased some of Florida’s most beautiful locations, including Bird Creek Beach and the scenic route of Florida State Road 40.
So, pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the allure of Bird Creek Beach and Follow That Dream Parkway in Florida! Share your favorite moments and experiences in the comments below! Bird Creek Beach and Follow That Dream Parkway await your exploration!
Photo Credit: Dan Kon and Debbie Long
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Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrike
This small bird has a light gray body with a white underbelly. It has a black tail, wing markings, and a mask around its eyes (ECOS date unknown).
The species range extends as far north as Canada, along the prairies of the central region, down to Mexico. It can be found from the northern Gulf Coast to the southern part of Florida, where they spend the winter (FWC 2003).
Loggerheaded shrikes prefer areas with low vegetation, such as grasslands, marshes, prairies, scrubs, and sandhills. They can also be found near agricultural areas, golf courses, and urban areas. They can be found near structures with spines, such as barbed wire or thorns on plants (ECOS date unknown).
Most of their diet consists of insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. However, they consume larger prey such as mice, roadkill, and other birds. They attack the throat of their prey, paralyzing them before impaling them on spines before consuming them (ECOS date unknown).
Both sexes participate in nest selection sites, looking for thorny areas for protection. Females primarily construct the nest made of a stick foundation and lined with soft materials such as foliage and animal fur. About five eggs are laid with gray, brown, and black markings. They incubate for about 16 days, take two days to hatch, and begin leaving the nest at about 18 days and rely on their parents for food for up to 6 weeks (FWC 2003).
The spraying of sodium nitrate fertilizer has been shown to negatively affect populations. When sample nests were compared to control groups, there was a significant loss of eggs, nests, and offspring (Yosef and Deyrup, 2019).
References :
[ECOS] Environmental Conservation Online System. Date unknown. United States Fish and Wildlife Services. [Accessed 2023 March 19]: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8833
[FWC] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2003. Florida’s breeding bird atlas: A collaborative study of Florida’s birdlife (Online). [Accessed 2023 March 19]: http://www.myfwc.com/bba/
Porter, C. 2000. “Lanius ludovicianus” (Online), Animal Diversity Web. [Accessed 2023 March 18] https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lanius_ludovicianus/
Yosef, R and Deyrup, MA. 2019. Effects of fertilizer-induced reduction of invertebrates on reproductive success of Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus). Bulletin of Experimental Biology & Medicine. 166(6):307-312.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
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Fore Lake Recreation Area

Fore Lake Recreation Area
Looking for the perfect outdoor getaway? Look no further! Fore Lake Recreation Area is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Florida. Located within the Ocala National Forest, this beautiful spot offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Get ready to explore the wonders of Fore Lake! Launch your non-motorized boat, Swim in the designated area, birdwatch, or enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Experience the magic of sleeping under the stars! The recreation area offers 31 campsites and camping facilities for those seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.
Fore Lake has something to offer all year round, whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter. Each season brings its unique charm and opportunities for unforgettable experiences.
Planning a family outing? Fore Lake Recreation Area is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, and creating lasting memories together.
Nature photographers, get your cameras ready! The area is a paradise for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife shots.
Let’s help preserve this natural wonder! Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment during your visit.
For more details and directions, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83686
Experience nature at its best – plan your Fore Lake Recreation Area trip now!
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
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Greenhouse Frog

Greenhouse Frog
Federal: Invasive (FWC date unknown)
Florida: Invasive (FWC date unknown)
Greenhouse frogs are 12-30mm long and have red, brown, or bronze-colored granular skin. There are two patterns: a dominant and a recessive pattern. The dominant pattern has two dorsolateral stripes from the eyes to the posterior end. The recessive pattern is a light tan with dark marks and a V-shape on the back and line connecting the eyes. The underbelly is white. The eyes are red with a brown stippling pattern. Fingers are thin, unwebbed, and have small toe pads. Female frogs have a larger snout-vent length (Cervino 2014).
They are native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands (Cervino 2014; FWC date unknown). They are non-native throughout the United States. In Florida, they can be found throughout most of the state, and the range extends along the Gulf Coast to parts of east Texas (Somma 2023).
Greenhouse frogs prefer hot and humid environments. Areas with debris that collects moisture, such as hammocks, swamps, or other lowlands, are ideal locations. They also do well in developed areas that are well irrigated (Cervino 2014; FWC date unknown)
They are primarily insectivores eating beetles, roaches, ants, spiders, and other invertebrates. (Cervino 2014)
Breeding occurs during the rainy season of spring and summer. When conditions are humid, males take refuge under debris and emit a mating call to females. Clutches consist of about 20 eggs under damp debris. Once eggs are laid, no parental care is given (Cervino 2014).
They are terrestrial frogs and directly develop into frogs, skipping the tadpole stage. They are named due to their dispersal through the plant trade. Often found in potted plants, they would be transported with household plant shipments (Somma 2023).
References:
Cervino S. 2014. “Eleutherodactylus planirostris” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web [ Accessed 2023 April 11]: https://animaldiversity.org/…/Eleutherodactylus…/
[FWC] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Date unknown. Greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris) [Accessed 2023 April 11]: https://myfwc.com/…/frogs-and-toads/greenhouse-frog/
Somma LA. 2023, Eleutherodactylus planirostris (Cope, 1862): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. [Accessed 2023 April 11]: https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=61
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