Two-striped Walkingstick Insects - I was lucky!

 Anisomorpha buprestoides. The larger of the two is the female with the small male insect on it's back. I was lucky because I found out after taking this photo that this insect can spray a caustic chemical more than a foot and it can cause sever eye pain, irritation and even blindness! I was inches away taking pix when I found them on my door frame tonight . As I went to close the door and head inside she scurried through the opening by the hinge and followed me into the house! What do you DO with an insect this big?!? It had to be 6" long. I used a flip flop to shoo it out and it quickly fled.

Heron and Turtles : Sarasota Jungle Gardens

There is so much amazing wildlife at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. I was lucky to capture this a second before the heron flew off, startling the turtles who then went *bloop* back into the water.

Buster the White Peacock : Sarasota Jungle Gardens

This is Buster. He is not an official resident at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens but has decided to stay! He just flew in one day and can frequently be seen hanging around the grounds. Beautiful!

Save Our Seabirds: Great Horned Owl

This is one of the many owls being cared for at SOS: Save Our Seabirds.

Save Our Seabirds: Injured Sandhill Crane

After visiting Mote Marine Aquarium we walked across the parking area to visit SOS: Save Our Seabirds, a facility that rescues and rehabilitates injured birds. This Sandhill Crane is one of a group who have been fitted with prosthetic legs. Common causes of these injuries are cars and golf balls.

Playful Octopus: Mote Marine Aquarium

This amazing cephalopod was busy playing with his Mr Potato Head when I visited the aquarium this weekend. He had other toys in his tank to keep him busy - they are such intelligent, interesting creatures!

Polka-Dot Wasp Moth

This iridescent Oleander Moth Syntomeida epilais was in front of my house when I returned from Sears with my new vacuum! I was really excited and had to show everyone.