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🌿 Saturday Saunter: Old Miakka Preserve 🌿

Explore the rich history and diverse ecosystems of Old Miakka Preserve! 🌳 Named after a settlement in the 1840s, this hidden gem boasts four miles of trails winding through scrub habitat, pinewood flatwood, and wetlands. You'll be greeted by a tapestry of flowering plants, bustling with pollinators and the occasional sighting of gopher tortoises.

One trail pays homage to Horticulturalist Tim Cash, who dedicated years to studying the plants within the preserve. If you're seeking a serene trail bathed in sunshine and adorned with flowers, Old Miakka Preserve in Sarasota, FL, is the perfect destination.

📸 Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

🌟 Question for You: Have you visited any interesting preserves lately? Shoot us a message and share your pictures and fun facts about your visit with us! Imagine Our Florida will feature your story as a Saturday Saunter contributor.

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📸 Foto Friday 📸

Today, let’s talk about lovebugs (Plecia nearctica), a familiar yet often misunderstood insect. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't man-made; first documented in Florida in 1947, they're now found across the Gulf Coast up to North Carolina.

Lovebugs have two major "flights" in late spring and late summer when they appear in large numbers. During mating, males clasp females in mid-air, with the male turning 180 degrees for the duration.

Female lovebugs lay around 350 eggs before dying, living for about a week, while males live for about five days. Lovebug larvae feed on decomposing vegetation, aiding in converting decaying matter into organic matter. Adults feed on nectar from various plants.

Despite not being eaten by many creatures due to their slightly acidic bodies, lovebugs are considered pests, particularly near roads where they can clog radiators and damage car paint. They're drawn to car exhaust, mistaking it for decaying matter.

While they might be a nuisance during their flight seasons, lovebugs play an essential role in our ecosystem. Let’s appreciate these little creatures that contribute to the balance of nature!

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