This green looking lizard is the green anole, but it is only green when it feels like it. It will change from green to brown depending on its mood, and of course, its surroundings (this is why it is called the American Chameleon even it is not a true chameleon), another similar characteristic to chameleons is that the green anole can move its eyes independent of each other. This species of anole is native to Florida, but has been displaced by the brown anole (previous entry) which seems to be wining territory on its green cousin, the green anole. You can read more about the green anole in this Wikipedia article.

Photographing Dragonflies is not that easy of a thing if you plan on chasing them along a pond river bank, but once you understand that if they like a certain spot will keep coming back to it, you learn to stay put and wait for them to come back. The contrast of the purple/violet color of this dragonfly is absolutely impressive, and makes it standout from its surroundings. After a little search, I found that the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (U.S. Geological Survey) doesn't have a recollection (Odonata information as they call it, because the class this species is in) of this insect being spotted in the Hillsborough County (TampaBay area). After finishing this posting I will submit it to them to see if they will take my account as an "Unconfirmed or dubious record" or as a "Confirmed record". A little more information about this colorful insect can be found in the Florida Entomological Society webpage. They state that the fastest dragonfly can fly as fast as 38 miles an hour... That could possibly land it a speeding ticket with the local police in this area since the closest road's speed limit is 35 mph.

Here they come again... the love making windshield smashing annoying little creatures commonly refered as love bugs. Twice a year, they come and meet my windshield and my broom when I have to get rid of the corpse collection in the front of my house. Turns out they are not bugs, but insects. To be classified as bugs, insects need to have feeding tubes instead of chewing mouthparts, so the love bug which actually is a fly doesn't qualify. Male love bugs (to the left of the picture) are usually smaller than their female counterparts (right side of picture), so they get dragged around like unnecessary baggage. Females are probably larger due to their reproductive system which includes ovaries that contain 70% of the total protein in the love bug. These females might have to sacrifice development of other organs in favor of their reproductive system, thus the noticeably smaller heads and eyes. You can read more about these flies in this article from the University of Florida.

Very interesting how these turtles rush to the water in the pond when they hear a person approaching the little bridge that crosses it, they share the limited "breadcrump landing site" in the water with softshell turtles and ducks. My friends pointed out that some of these turtles were missing limbs, as many had only three limbs plus a stump, who knows who or what caused this damage. May have to do with the fact that they use gator nests to lay their eggs. Although there is not much information about these turtles, you can read just a bit more in Wikipedia.

These little things are actually the largest tree frogs in North America. They are known for their voracious appetite making their diet almost anything they can fit in their mouths. Their diet includes mainly insects, but adults frogs are known to consume other frogs, small lizards, snakes, young mice, and hatchling birds. A very balanced carnivorous diet if you ask me. This fact sheet from SeaWolrd has some good information on this species of amphibian.

These squirrels are one of the most curious inhabitants of the University of South Florida... maybe more than students I might say. They are always looking for that extra edge that will guarantee a healthy nut to burry somewhere. Although this behavior might seem very funny, squirrels have developed it during many years of evolution and it allows them to have a steady food source during the winter season. According to an article from The Seattle Times, squirrels eat nuts or acorns that will perish faster and burry those that will last until winter. Squirrels are also kind of unique in that exhibit deceiving behavior such as digging many holes before burying an acorn, and pretending to burry several in the remaining holes.

Just as I was testing my new camera, I find this green creature in the wall outside my home, stalking the little love bugs that are starting to appear in the high humidity tide that's happening here in Florida. Very interesting looking insect that is of course carnivorous, feeding on other insects. Either preying on insects, or in praying position, this animal for sure has some character. According to Wikipedia, the word mantis derives from the Greek word Mantes which means a prophet or fortune teller... I don't know if it is telling my fortune, but I bet it is telling the fortune of those poor bugs.

I found this cool looking blue winged (not the species) wasp on a flower very close to the Oleander Caterpillar in the previous entry. My guess is that it likes its dessert close to the dinner for its children. As far as the scientific name, it seems to be Eumenes fraternus commonly known as Potter wasp because of the hive it builds as home for its young. The "Eumenes" name might have come from a very well known legendary General or Commander who served under Alexander the Great and who kept money hidden in his tent refusing to lend enough to fund Alexander the Great's expeditions.

While scouting for trees to chop down and make into future bonsai, I noticed this bright orange (Home Depot's colors) spy at a local Lowes. This catterpillar moves really fast, and seems to do a lot of damage to plants as it (and its black spiked orange brothers and sisters) was devastating some at this Lowes. Sorry butterfly lovers, these caterpillars eventually graduate into intersting looking moths, and not into a beautiful butterfly.

Here in Florida, you can find these ducks just about in any lake. They are very large in size, closely in size to geese... sometimes looking as colorful as any goose, and of course, sometimes confused with them. These birds are originally from South America, and are believed to have migrated about 250 years ago.

They have very little fear for humans, as they are many times fed by them(us). This Muscovy duck family was near a very beautiful bridge inside the University of South Florida. They co-exist with us and many other species of animals including squirrels, fish, and turtles.

You can read more about these colorful birds from here:

• Duck Haven, Inc. Society with the purpose of protecting this type of ducks.
• Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. Excellent information page.