While exploring nature with your friends is fun, however, there are times that you just need to be by yourself. No outside noise, no need for conversation, just you surrounded by trees, sand, plants, and all living creatures. When I am out there, it makes me feel so restful. I see so much wonder and beauty that it creates a recharge of energy. It was a long three weeks that had passed and, indeed, a much-needed time to be recharged by nature.
We’ve heard of birding, herping, and so forth, but what if you are like me, who tend to zone on multiple subjects? Well, that, my friends, is what we call bioblitzing!
If you haven’t already signed up at iNaturalist, click the link below. This will jump-start your new adventure into bioblitzing!
During my time in nature, recharging my mind, body, and soul, I observed 99 species, and six of them were new to my species list!
Two Super Cool Plants for the Florida Summer!
During my bioblitzing, two plants took precedence over any other plants I saw. Devil’s Walkingstick and Rattlesnake Master. Why do you ask? Pollinators!
First up, Devil’s Walkingstick.
What a beautiful color combination this plant has for blooms. The pink stems and green flower buds with white tips. It’s quite an impressive setup the flowers have, but what was more impressive was the number of pollinators!
Wasps, ants, beetles, and bees it was incredible.
Here are some links for more information about the Devil’s Walkingstick.
ENH239/ST080: Aralia spinosa: Devils-Walkingstick (ufl.edu)
Devil’s Walkingstick: Your New Favorite Thorny Pollinator Plant? (wfsu.org)
Second is the Rattlesnake Master
It is kind of a weird name for this plant, and even though it doesn’t have showy flowers, it is a perfect addition to a Florida native landscape. This is another plant on my list that I would like to learn more about and explore through the microscope!
Here are some links about the Rattlesnake Master:
Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS)
Rattlesnake Master – Florida’s Wildflowers & Butterflies (ufl.edu)
Rattlesnake Master (fs.fed.us)
If you come across these plants, hang out for a while, see how many different species of insects visit, and add them to your observation list!
Be safe in your travels!
Categories: Native Plants, Nature Photography, Pollinators
Florida Nature 
Your bioblitzing certainly produced terrific results!
It is so amazing how much “life” we encounter when we slow down and take time to “smell the rattlesnake master”!
Very enjoyable and informative post. Thank you.
LikeLike