Black & White Stinker

Species Stiretrus anchorago - Anchor Stink Bug

Other Common Names

Anchor Bug

Synonyms and other taxonomic changes

Orig. Comb: Cimex anchorago Fabricius 1775

A handsome species that comes in a variety of color forms. There is only one North American species recognized in this genus. In 1971 two entomologists proposed a new species, Stiretrus fimbriatus, but others believed the proposed species was simply a color variant of S. anchorago.

Stiretrus anchorago

Explanation of Names

anchorago is Latin, though the exact meaning and origin is unclear. One possibility is that it comes from anchora- "anchor" + ago- "to act, do", with the implication of acting as or putting on the appearance of an anchor. While the correct spelling would be ancora, anchora was an alternate spelling that first appeared in the Middle Ages, and could still be found in some dictionaries in Fabricius' day.

The other possibility is that Fabricius used the word anchorago (also spelled ancorago, being perhaps an alteration of ancoratus (Adams, 2007, The Regional Diversification of Latin, p. 296--via Googlebooks). This is an obscure term for a fish said to be found in the Rhine. Modern speculation is that it is most likely a salmon, especially the breeding form with hooked jaws (Adams, 2007 and LATCict). Adams suggests it is based on a compound of Gaulish anco (bent, crooked) plus rago (before, in front), meaning "fish with a hooked snout". While it's tempting to connect the meaning with attributes of the salmon, Fabricius would only have known it as a word for some species of fish.

Identification

Both markings and color are variable, but generally includes a variably-shaped dark central band running from the head toward the rear of the insect. The pale area on the right and left sides of the pronotum contain one to three dark spots (usually two). The dark color is dark blue to black. The light color may be white, pink, yellow, orange, or red.

Internet References

Featured Creatures - David B. Richman and Frank W. Mead, 2001

Systema entomologiae, p.699    Fabricius' original description of the species

Bugguide

 

Polka Dot

Polka Dot Wasp Moth, Syntomeida epilais, and its caterpillars feed on the leaves of oleander, so it is also called the Oleander Moth

Like all lizards, anoles are equipped with moveable eyelids and external ear holes. Adults molt about every month, casting off skin in bits and pieces. Their feet differ from most lizards in that each toe has adhesive pads (lamellae) on its central portion, enabling the anole to climb and cling to vertical surfaces such as walls, fence posts, trees and leaves, on which they spend much of their time.

Green and Cuban Brown anoles are generally about 5 to 8 inches long. Females are usually smaller and can be under 5 inches long. The long, slender tail of the anole (which makes up about half of its length) may break off at the slightest pressure and continue to wiggle on the ground, distracting would-be predators. But, no fear, the lizard's tail grows back over several weeks to once again serve as a quick get-a-way aid.

Another striking feature of the anole is its dew lap, or throat fan. It is attached to the throat and displayed by means of a flexible rod of cartilage which can be swung downward and forward, thereby revealing a brightly colored patch of skin. Males display their dew lap during courtship and when defending territory. This display is often accompanied by a series of head-bobs and push-ups.

Anoles are sometimes called chameleons. This is undoubtedly due to the green anole’s ability to change its skin color, much like its Old World cousin, the true chameleon. While the green anole isn’t able to change colors as noticeably or rapidly as the chameleon, it is able to alter its color from green to gray to brown, depending on light, temperature and mood. The Cuban Brown Anole, on the other hand, is always some shade of brown.

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Florida Gardener.com

Rolex 24 Daytona 5K Run

Before the clock starts on the Rolex 24, compete in your own race in the seventh annual Daytona 5K Run & Fun Walk, which is scheduled for Jan. 28 – the Saturday morning of the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Runner/walkers will pound the same pavement that the sports cars will use prior to their twice-around-the-clock challenge. After you cross the finish line and take the checkered flag, enjoy our post-race awards ceremonies. Daytona Rolex 24 5k Results for 2012 Race.

Fort Matanzas

Fort Matanzas National Monument
is a United States National Monument run by the National Park Service. The Monument consists of a 1740 Spanish fort, Fort Matanzas, and about 100 acres (0.4 km²) of salt marsh and barrier islands along the Matanzas River on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida.Fort Matanzas guards Matanzas Inlet, the southern mouth of the Matanzas River, which can be used as a rear entrance to the city of St. Augustine. Such an approach avoids St. Augustine's primary defense system centered at Castillo de San Marcos. In 1740, Gov. James Oglethorpe of Georgia used the inlet to blockade St. Augustine and launch a 39 day siege. St. Augustine endured the siege but the Spanish realized the need to protect the inlet. Under Gov. Manuel de Montiano construction began in 1740 with completion occurring in 1742. Convicts, slaves, and troops from Cuba were used as construction labor. The Fort was sited on Rattlesnake Island and has a commanding position over Matanzas Inlet.
The Fort is constructed of coquina, a common shellstone building material in the area. It is 50 feet (15 m) long on each side with a 30-foot (9.1 m) tower.

Five cannons were placed at the Fort - four six pounders and one 18 pounder. All guns could reach the inlet, which at the time was less than a half mile away.
When the United States took control of Florida in 1819, the Fort had deteriorated to the point where soldiers could not live inside. The United States never used the fort and it became a ruin. In 1916, restoration work began on the badly deteriorated fort. In 1924, National Monument status was proclaimed. It was transferred from the War Department to the National Park Service on August 10, 1933.
As an historic area under the Park Service, the National Monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
The Headquarters and Visitor Center were added separately to the National Register on December 31, 2008.

The Fort is accessible only by guided boat tours. Hiking trails are available on the barrier island.


 

White Ibis

White Ibis Juveniles.A wading bird of the deep South, the striking White Ibis is frequently seen on lawns looking for large insects as well as probing for prey along the shoreline

American Bald Eagle

Find today American One Female Blad Eagle with 2 Juveniles in Nest (not shown)