Saturday Butterfly BioBlitz at B. B. Brown’s Gardens, Lake County, Florida

I will be leading a series BioBlitz events focusing on plants, butterflies, and other critters at B.B. Brown’s Gardens located at 11490 Monte Vista Road, Clermont, FL 34711. 

We need your help to find and record as many species as possible.  This is great fun for kids and adults.  BioBlitz starts at 10:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm.  Please join us!

For more information, please contact info@scrubjaytrail.org (352) 429-5566.

Butterflies seen at B.B. Brown’s Gardens on April 18, 2015.

FAMILY	SCIENTIFIC NAME	COMMON NAME
Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae	Lerodea eufala	Eufala Skipper
Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae	Polites vibex	Whirlabout Skipper
Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae	Hylephila phyleus	Fiery Skipper
Hesperiidae: Pyrginae	Pyrgus oileus	Tropical Checkered-Skipper
Hesperiidae: Pyrginae	Erynnis horatius	Horace's Duskywing
Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae	Heliconius charithonia tuckeri	Zebra Heliconian
Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae	Agraulis vanillae nigrior	Gulf Fritillary
Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae	Vanessa virginiensis	American Lady
Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae	Junonia coenia	Common Buckeye
Papilionidae: Papilioninae	Battus philenor philenor	Pipevine Swallowtail
Papilionidae: Papilioninae	Papilio polyxenes asterius	Black Swallowtail
Papilionidae: Papilioninae	Pterourus palamedes	Palamedes Swallowtail
Papilionidae: Papilioninae	Battus polydamas lucayus	Polydamas Swallowtail
Pieridae: Coliadinae	Pyrisitia lisa	Little Yellow
Pieridae: Coliadinae	Phoebis sennae eubule	Cloudless Sulphur
Pieridae: Pierinae	Ascia monuste phileta	Great Southern White

An American Lady at B.B. Brown’s Gardens in April 2015.

Plants in flower at B.B. Brown’s Gardens on April 18, 2015.

FAMILY	SCIENTIFIC NAME	COMMON NAME
Acanthaceae	Ruellia caroliniensis	Carolina Wild Petunia
Adoxaceae	Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis	American Elder
Alismataceae	Sagittaria lancifolia subsp. lancifolia	Bulltongue Arrowhead
Amaranthaceae	Gomphrena serrata	Globe Amaranth
Annonaceae	Asimina pygmaea	Dwarf Pawpaw
Aquifoliaceae	Ilex vomitoria	Yaupon
Asteraceae	Ageratum houstonianum	Bluemink
Asteraceae	Bidens alba var radiata	Beggarticks
Asteraceae	Coreopsis lanceolata	Lanceleaf Tickseed
Asteraceae	Emilia fosbergii	Florida Tasselflower
Asteraceae	Erechtites hieracifolia	American Burnweed
Asteraceae	Gaillardia pulchella	Firewheel
Asteraceae	Pyrrhopappus carolinianus	Carolina Desertchicory
Asteraceae	Sonchus oleraceus	Common Sowthistle
Boraginaceae	Heliotropium angiospermum	Scorpionstail
Cactaceae	Opuntia humifusa	Pricklypear
Caprifoliaceae	Lonicera sempervirens	Coral Honeysuckle
Caryophyllaceae	Drymaria cordata	West Indian Chickweed
Commelinaceae	Commelina diffusa var. diffusa	Common Dayflower
Curcurbitaceae	Momordica charantia	Balsampear
Euphorbiaceae	Phyllanthus tenellus	Mascarene Island Leafflower
Fabaceae	Erythrina herbacea	Coralbean
Fabaceae	Mimosa strigillosa	Powderpuff
Fumariaceae	Fumaria officinalis	Earthsmoke
Lamiaceae	Salvia coccinea	Tropical Sage
Lamiaceae	Stachys floridana	Florida Hedgenettle
Lentibulariaceae	Utricularia foliosa	Leafy Bladderwort
Magnoliaceae	Magnolia grandiflora	Southern Magnolia
Malvaceae	Malvaviscus penduliflorus	Turkscap Mallow
Malvaceae	Sida acuta	Common Wireweed
Malvaceae	Sida rhombifolia	Indian Hemp
Myrtaceae	Eugenia foetida	Spanish Stopper
Nymphaeaceae	Nuphar advena subsp. orbiculata	Spatterdock
Nymphaeaceae	Nymphaea odorata	American White Waterlily
Onagraceae	Ludwigia peruviana	Peruvian Primrosewillow
Onagraceae	Oenothera laciniata	Cutleaf Eveningprimrose
Oxalidaceae	Oxalis corniculata	Common Yellow Woodsorrel
Portulacaceae	Portulaca pilosa	Pink Purslane
Rubiaceae	Richardia brasiliensis	Tropical Mexican Clover
Verbenaceae	Lantana camara	Lantana
Veronicaceae	Linaria canadensis	Canada Toadflax

A New Cockroach in Florida!

I work for the Suwannee River Water Management District in Live Oak, Florida.  In June I started organizing paperwork associated with our water quality monitoring.  The floor of my office is temporarily piled with stacks of papers.  On Monday June 15, 2015 I picked up one of the stacks from the floor and out fell a small bug.  I was not too surprised because beetles, millipedes, and other invertebrates sometimes find their way into the building from outside. 

I looked at the bug closely.  What was this?  The bug was dead, but still soft.  It was black with an orange-red pronotum and yellow along the margins of the wings.  At first glance, I thought it was a firefly, but no.  This was a cockroach.  A pretty little cockroach of a species that I had never seen before! 

With a little searching on the World Wide Web, I was able to find a key to the cockroaches of Florida developed by Dr. Paul Choate, Professor of Entomology, and his students at the University of Florida (http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/SPEC/Manual/ufblattaria_new.pdf).  However, none of the species in this publication matched the specimen from my office.  With a further investigation on the Web, I discovered photos of the Pale Bordered Field Cockroach (Pseudomops septentrionalis), which did match the roach from my office.  This tropical species is apparently native from Central America to Texas and has been spreading throughout the southeastern U.S. in recent years. 

I contacted Dr. Paul Skelley with the Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA) in Gainesville.  He was not aware of any specimens of the Pale Bordered Field Cockroach from Florida.  However, Bugguide.net (http://bugguide.net/node/view/7856/data) does list two previous reports, so my specimen is not the first sighting of this species in Florida.  Michael Riffle posted a photo of a female with an egg case taken in Tallahassee on July 31, 2013 and Fran Rutkovsky posted a photo of another specimen from Tallahassee taken on June 2, 2015.  I donated the specimen from my office to the FSCA to document its occurrence and Kyle Schnepp kindly confirmed the identification.

So doesn’t Florida have enough cockroaches, especially in Tallahassee?  Apparently not!  Huge changes are occurring in insect populations, most likely in response to global warming.  As insects go, butterflies are relatively easy to track.  The checkered-skippers are especially interesting because the once common Common Checkered-skipper (Pyrgus communis) has disappeared from Florida, while the Tropical Checkered-skipper (Pyrgus oileus) has expanded its range from the southern half of the state to throughout the southeast.  In addition, the western White Checkered-skipper (Pyrgus albescens) invaded the Panhandle sometime in the 1990s and quickly spread throughout the state, even the Keys.

Luckily, the Pale Bordered Field Cockroach is not an insect that frequents houses.  It prefers outdoor, wooded habitats.  I’ve been searching for additional specimens in the vegetation outside my office building, but so far, no luck.   How this new insect will affect Florida’s ecology remains to be seen.  You never know what you may find in your yard or office for that matter!

The Pale Bordered Field Cockroach found in my office in Live Oak.   The live insect is much prettier.

Naturalist-led nature tour of Cuba in November!

Cuba Nature Trip

with lepidopterist and author, Marc Minno, 

and Cuban naturalist, Douglas Fernandez-Hernandez

Pinar del Rio, Vinales Valley, Zapata Swamp, Cienfuegos, and Havana

Nov 14- 21, 2014 -- 8 days, 7 nights

Join lepidopterist Marc Minno and native Cuban naturalist Douglas Fernandez-Hernandez to experience Cuba. Share a true “People to People” exchange of culture and the environment through a humanitarian exchange program by our 501-c-3, nonprofit organization. This exceptional program will include visiting the magical UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Biospheres of Cienfuegos, Zapata Swamp, Vinales Valley, Pinar del Rio, and remarkable Havana. While there, you will learn about the gardens, environment, art, music, architecture and survival of the people living in these historical areas while having an opportunity to personally interface with the people of this region.

Dr. Marc Minno received a Bachelor’s degree in entomology from Purdue University, a Master’s in entomology from the University of California at Davis, and a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Florida.  Dr. Minno has written or co-authored many scientific and popular articles on butterflies and moths as well as the following books of local interest: Butterflies of the Florida Keys (Scientific Publishers, 1993), Florida Butterfly Gardening (University Press of Florida, 1999), Butterflies through Binoculars: Florida (Oxford University Press, 2001), Florida Butterfly Caterpillars and Their Host Plants (University Press of Florida, 2005), and Rare, Declining, and Poorly Known Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) of Forests and Woodlands in the Eastern U.S. (U.S. Forest Service, 2009).  He has surveyed butterflies in all parts of Cuba.

Douglas Fernandez-Hernandez has been studying butterflies since childhood, and is one of Cuba’s distinguished authorities on entomology.  He has published several scientific papers and co-authored a butterfly book.  He and Marc are currently working on updating their recent findings and have published 3 articles on the Zestos Skipper, Monarchs and the Cuban Skipperling (Oarisma nanus), one of the world’s smallest butterfly. 

The package includes: a complimentary conference call briefing 4 weeks prior to the journey, special travel visa, approved license, round trip non-stop charter air service direct Miami-Havana, private air-conditioned motor coach, medical insurance, hotels, luggage handling, transfers, permits, entry fees, English speaking guide, bottled water daily, tips and meals as stated on the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners).  We take care of obtaining all of your documents, travel plans and guide you through the whole process!

We travel on a US Department of Treasury approved license. There are a limited number of seats available for this rare chance to visit this distinctive island. Our team has worked in Cuba for over 12 years. (SEE ITINERARY BELOW)

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Itinerary

Minno Nature trip - Nov 14-21, 2014

Day 1- Friday- Nov 14

Depart Miami to Cienfuegos. Upon arrival, our bus will be waiting for our departure to the UNESCO Heritage City of Cienfuegos, a thriving port since Columbus landing in 1494, before checking into La Jagua Hotel and have Dinner at a private paladar (on your own)

 

Day 2- Saturday- Nov 15

After breakfast, visit the enchanting Botanical Gardens of Soledad, which served as Harvard Harvard House. Cuban Butterfly specialist, Douglas Fernandez and Marc Minno will give an extensive presentation on the butterflies of Cuba, and a butterfly walk. Lunch will be served in the garden before heading to Zapata Swamp. Overnight at Playa Larga Hotel and have dinner (B,L,D)
University’s Tropical Research Station having more than 2,000 species of tropical plants and palm trees for butterfly and bird observations. Some of the oldest Palms in Cuba exist here. Harvard’s name is still visibly carved into a palm tree entrance of what was once called the

 

Day 3- Sunday- Nov 16

After breakfast, early morning guided walk of Zapata Swamp with a key specialist will take up most of the morning. (Half day).  Zapata area has some of the best birding in all of Cuba, and, the Cuban Black Hawk, Cuban Parrot, Cuban Pygmy Owl, Green Woodpecker, Fernandina’s Flicker, Great Lizard Cuckoo, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Crow, Crescent-eyed Pewee, Zapata Wren, Red-shouldered and Tawny-shouldered blackbirds, and many others. Lunch at nature preserve and in the afternoon, look for Flamingoes and many other water birds. Dinner at a private paladar on your own, Overnight at Playa Larga Hotel. (B,L)

 

Day 4- Monday- Nov 17 

After breakfast, depart for the vast Soroa Orchid Gardens, developed and nurtured by the Lunch will be at Casa del Campesino in UNESCO Biosphere of Las Terrazas. There is good birding in this area and the surrounding countryside, including Cuban Tody, Emerald Hummingbird, Loggerhead Kingbird, Cave Swallow, Red-legged Thrush, Yellow-headed Warbler, Black-cowled Oriole and Cuban Blackbird.Check into Soroa Hotel and have dinner. (B,L,D)
University of Pinar del Rio. The Soroa Garden is an excellent place to see the national bird of Cuba, the Cuban Trogon. This area is also a butterfly haven.

 

Day 5 – Tuesday- Nov 18

After breakfast we will head to Vinales Valley. This province is renowned for its scenic beauty, fertile  Mogotes are enormous flat top limestone outcroppings; the mountains in this area contain huge caves and underground river networks.  Birding with local specialist on the canyon rim of a UNESCO biosphere known as VinalesValley.Our drive through Vinales National Park boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire country.  Lunch will be held at El Palenque de los Cimarones with musical entertainment (nice location to be introduced to the Santeria, the Afro-Cuban religion and its origins).  We will explore La Cueva del Indio, part of it by boat and will have a quick photo stop at the country’s biggest painted Mural, and where there is a nesting colony of Antillean Palm Swifts.  Dinner at private Cuban home.  Soroa Hotel (B,L,D)
tobacco plantations, and unusual mogotes.

 

Day 6- Wednesday- Nov 19

After breakfast, we will head to Havana to visit the majestic Jardin Botanico Nacional.  We will stop for lunch. Then enter the UNESCO Heritage City of Havana, check into our hotel.  Dinner at private paladar on your own. (B, L) 

OPTIONAL EVENING:  10:00PM SHOW AT THE TROPICANA, or, other entertainment that might be available that night.  The guides will arrange for tickets and transportation

 

Day 7-Thursday- Nov 20

After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a very personalized visit of remodeled and critically acclaimed National Museum of Fine Art and Museum of Revolution.  We will be led on aan extensive walking tour through UNESCO Heritage City of Old Havana.  There will be free San Jose arts and crafts market , bookstalls, and other museums.  Farewell dinner and entertainment. (B,D)
time to explore the

 

Day 8- Friday- Nov 21

After breakfast, check-out of hotel and depart for the airport. (B)  

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Trip Application Form for Nov 14-21, 2014 trip

Instructions: In order to make your reservation and hold a space, fill out the trip application below and send a non- binding $500.00 deposit per person (Checks only please).  

Questions?  Contact: info@fktreeinstitute.org 866- 355-8733 (866-FLK-TREE)

Name : ___________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone _______________________________ email ___________________________________

o Single ($500.00 deposit)           o Double ($1,000.00 deposit), rooming with ___________________

Roommate’s Name _________________________ Roommate’s cell phone __________________ Roommate’s email ___________________________

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Other notes: 

Mail your deposit check and the application form to:  FK TREE Institute, PO Box 40493, Miami FL 33145.  MARK YOUR CHECK MEMO "Minno Nov 2014 trip"  Make check out to:  Florida Keys TREE Institute (a 501c-3 nonprofit organization)

We take care of getting your documentation, visas and all reservations, starting in Miami. You are responsible for getting to Miami. The trip deposit is refundable up until August 1, 2014. We will confirm receipt of your deposit. On or about mid-July, we will email you a registration packet and instructions which will be due with final payment by, August 1, 2014. It will also include information for optional trip cancellation/ interruption insurance. The package includes medical coverage while in Cuba. About one month prior to the trip, we will have a required toll free conference call to go over all the information for traveling to Cuba. No inoculations are required. Itinerary times may vary with flight schedule.

**limited rooms available**

Price:  $2999.00 per person double occupancy (limited to 28 participants). 

Not included:  Some meals, tips for guide and driver, Cuba departure tax of $30.00 & baggage fees charged in Miami. (Add $250.00 for single supplemental) 

Note:  Trip  cancellation/interruption insurance is available upon request only through our representative.