The summer solstice has passed, and the weather reflects the seasonal change. High temperatures and stifling humidity are the daily norm.
Still, the sun has begun its daily retreat into the southern sky, and the northern hemisphere repeats its regular annual tilt away from solar exposure.
The creatures and plants which populate the woods, swamps and pastures of north Florida need no notice from the almanac’s editors to recognize the endless seasonal cycle is continuing. All are preparing in their own way for the inevitable dormant season with short days, reduced food, and lower temperatures to come in a few months.
Summer fruit, berries and nuts are in full production. Yaupons, sparkleberries, dogwoods, pines, persimmons, oaks, hickories and many more have a nutritional offering for any wild creature with space in their stomach or cheeks.
Maturing beautyberries are currently offering stark contrast to their foliage. This native species, along with many others, is producing food for future overwintering wildlife.
The animal population is packing on the calories and weight in anticipation of leaner times soon to arrive. All instinctively know it is time to eat and eat some more.
The plants and trees provide this cornucopia as a way to prepare their progeny for the next growing season. Most of their output is consumed by birds, mammals and insects, but a small percentage of seeds will survive to expand the species range and replace winter losses.
Bright orange persimmons, red dogwoods and holly berries, and blue beautyberries use their distinctive colors and shapes to attract birds and animals. In exchange for a free meal, some of the seeds in the fruit survive to be relocated.
Panhandle Florida’s insects are diligently preparing for winter’s onslaught by eating and reproducing at a maximum rate. While most bugs will not survive the first frost, a percentage of their eggs persist, and pupa will emerge next spring.
Likely the most popular mid-summer to early autumn insects are butterflies. The most commonly known are relatively large and brightly colored, but many are small and unembellished with features appreciated by only a few.
In north Florida’s 2023 season, it has been a great year for butterflies. The ample rains provided excellent forage for the caterpillar phase of their life cycle, though there were many complaints about damage to shrubs and gardens.
Some butterflies, particularly the monarchs and cloudless sulphurs, will migrate south to warmer latitudes. Most species of these vibrant insects will remain in the region, laying their eggs in the most hospitable environment available.
Under ideal conditions butterflies will produce several generations in the warm season. Eggs laid late in the year will enter a dormant phase with the onset of cold weather but will emerge the following spring.
Other short-lived insects, such as stinkbugs, handle the winter differently. During cold weather, young stink bugs will hibernate in leaf litter or under tree bark until the onset of warmer temperatures returns the area to its polychromatic hues.
Their two-month life is put on hold until the weather warms up. They then return to being quickly reproducing pests hidden in lush foliage.
Heat and humidity notwithstanding, enjoy the bounty as summer inexorably moves towards fall. Soon the brilliant autumn colors will temporally appear and leave only muted tones in gentle breezes.
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