Plume Moth (Pterophoridae Family)

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Plume Moth (Pterophoridae Family)

tiny. flutters. The outstretched wings look like a “T” when it lands.

Learn more: http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/3495275?uid=3739600&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21103305563787

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Ornate Bella Moth caterpillar (Utetheisa ornatrix)

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Ornate Bella Moth caterpillar (Utetheisa ornatrix)

I saw some rabbitbells with ripe seed pods. Crotalaria rotundifolia (RABBITBELLS) is a larval host for this moth species.

Knowing that the larvae of bella moths drill into the pods to eat the seeds, I took a peak and discovered one with the signature hole. I cracked it open to find this tiny guy. I returned him to the plant to get started on the next pod, which he seemed happy to crawl onto.

Learn more: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/leps/bella_moth.htm

My take: http://web.archive.org/web/20121006173112/http://www.beautifulwildlifegarden.com/what%e2%80%99s-in-a-day.html

Take 2:
http://web.archive.org/web/20120702071508/http://www.beautifulwildlifegarden.com/half-hidden-beauty-in-the-garden.html

I used a hawkweed leaf as a backdrop.

seedpod:

I

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Ox Beetle (Strategus aloeus)

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Ox Beetle (Strategus aloeus)

Mixed reviews on beneficial or not. Larvae decomposes decaying vegetation and wood

It is said to be a pest of young palms, and although in Florida seems it is minor, TX seems to have problems (source: http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/33134-strategus-aloeus-tis-the-season-for-the-ox-beetle/)

I vote beneficial.

One of the Scarabs; Rhinoceros Beetles (Dynastinae) is the subfamily. Nocturnal

This particular specimen was patiently holding still for many camera shots. That’s when I realized that is was “petrified” (deceased). Actually looked like a plastic toy.

Learn: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-44_ox_or_elephant_beetle.htm

http://museum.unl.edu/research/entomology/Guide/Scarabaeoidea/Scarabaeidae/Dynastinae/Dynastinae-Tribes/Oryctini/Strategus/Strategus.html

Fascinating face:

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Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

Insects and spiders make up the bulk of the diet. They will nosh on bayberry seeds and some fruit pulp.

Learn more: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Carolina_Wren/lifehistory

Shown on Florida Native Plant: Winged Sumac amid a Cabbage Palm

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Red-banded Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea)

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Red-banded Leafhopper (Graphocephala coccinea)

aka Candystriped Leafhopper. Member of the sharpshooter subfamily. May be considered a pest, but he sure is pretty.

Learn more: http://ninnescahlife.wichita.edu/node/411

Shown on Florida Native Plant: NETTED PAWPAW (Asimina reticulata)

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Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa)

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa)

this is only the second time I have encountered this species in my garden. He was hanging out on the patio.

Diet consists of Beetles and other small invertebrates

Learn more: http://fl.biology.usgs.gov/herps/Frogs_and_Toads/H_gratiosa/h_gratiosa.html

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Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Rabbit

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Rabbit

Diet consists of bark, twigs, leaves, fruit, flowers, grass seeds, sedge fruits and more.

Learn more: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/animals/mammal/syfl/all.html

My take: http://web.archive.org/web/20120409052222/http://www.beautifulwildlifegarden.com/hippity-hoppity.html

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