A Field Guide to Manhunters

Every season, all sorts of people head south to Naples for all sorts of reasons. But now comes word of an altogether intriguing subgroup that has set its sights on Southwest Florida-the Man Hunter. Specifically, the Rich-Man Hunter.

According to a New York-based research group-apparently one with a whole lot of time on its hands-Naples ranks among the five best places in the United States for a woman to find a wealthy husband. This should really come as no surprise. There are a lot of wealthy men in Naples. Billionaires are legion, and mere millionaires have become as common as sand flies, or Hummer H2s.

Far be it from us to speculate at too great a length as to why Naples enjoys such a high concentration of guys with gobs of money. It might have something to do with the equally high concentration of private equity-member country clubs. One of those "if you build it, they will come in droves" kind of things. Or maybe it's because of Florida's lenient state income tax, which is so lenient, in fact, that there isn't one.

At any rate, word has now spread that Naples is a prime preening ground for women who want four carats on their fingers and five bedrooms overlooking the Gulf. Flocks of them will soon be heading our way. To help you get the most out of this seasonal migration, we offer this field guide for identification of the species.

Scientific Name: Symphonica horrenda
Habitat: Will show up at anything the Phil has to offer and will attach herself to any high-minded charitable group that will have her. Typically prefers black-tie venues.
Plumage: A little black dress-the littler the better-with pearls, lots of pearls.
Identifying Characteristics: Is known to volunteer for WGCU pledge drives just so she can star-69 promising donors.
Mating Call: "I suppose it would be amusing to watch it performed at the Sugden, but if you really cared, you'd take me to New York and we'd see it on Broadway."

Scientific Name: Caffeinatus seductratus
Habitat: The most visible table at the Coffee Beanery, Tony's Off Third, the café at Barnes & Noble or any Starbucks. Often flits between several during the course of a day.
Plumage: Typically overdressed and overprimped for her surroundings. Who else would wear a Max Mara trouser suit with stiletto heels at seven o'clock in the morning?
Identifying Characteristics: Baits her table with copies of Forbes, The Economist and the Wall Street Journal just to attract potential quarry.
Mating Call: "Have you seen what the Dow's done today?"

Scientific Name: Aerobicii vixenii
Habitat: Wide-ranging and quite mobile, usually with the top down on her convertible. Often spotted peering at prospects over the produce at Fresh Market.
Plumage: Whatever she wore to her morning workout, even if she didn't really go to her morning workout. In any event, it will be tight and leave little to imagination.
Identifying Characteristics: Really good delts. Also, more makeup than you would think for someone who allegedly sweats a lot.
Mating Call: "Meet me at Naples Fitness Center and I'll jump-start that pacemaker of yours."

Scientific Name: Makeus anofferus
Habitat: Knowing that some rich guys like flipping property more than they like sex, this pragmatic creature hangs her license at high-end real-estate brokerages and stakes her turf. Although she prefers listings in gated communities, can occasionally be found slumming at open houses in spec-home developments.
Plumage: A bright red Jil Sander power suit whose too-low top button is highlighted by a "Business Is Great" lapel pin.
Identifying Characteristics: Usually seen in conversation on her hands-free cellular headset.
Mating Call: "Here's my card if you want a special private showing."

Scientific Name: Nippus Andtuckus
Habitat: The pool area at the Ritz-Carlton, the Registry, LaPlaya and other exclusive waterfront resorts and condos.
Plumage: As little as possible.
Identifying Characteristics: Numerous, all surgically enhanced.
Mating Call: "I've got some Number 30 sunblock. Care to share?"

Scientific Name: Imbiba regina
Habitat: Makes the rounds between Vergina, Yabba and Cafe Lurçat, depending on how promising the crowds look. Occasionally known to extend her range to Campiello on Third and Stoney's at Bayfront before joining other nighthawks to swap war stories at Paddy Murphy's.
Plumage: Chiffon mini by BCBG, black tank by Tar-zhay. Fake Manolos with a heel that breaks at 1 a.m.
Identifying Characteristics: Flirts extensively with every cute, young (poor) bartender until a potential Mr. Right appears.
Mating Call: "Is that your portfolio in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?"