11-5-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The mallard (/ˈmælɑːrd, ˈmælərd/) or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. This duck belongs to the subfamily Anatinae of the waterfowl family Anatidae. Males have green heads, while the females (hens or ducks) have mainly brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes have an area of white-bordered black or iridescent purple or blue feathers called a speculum on their wings; males especially tend to have blue speculum feathers. 

The mallard is 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, of which the body makes up around two-thirds the length. The wingspan is 81–98 cm (32–39 in) and the bill is 4.4 to 6.1 cm (1.7 to 2.4 in) long. It is often slightly heavier than most other dabbling ducks, weighing 0.7–1.6 kg (1.5–3.5 lb). Mallards live in wetlands, eat water plants and small animals, and are social animals preferring to congregate in groups or flocks of varying sizes.

The female lays 8 to 13 creamy white to greenish-buff spotless eggs, on alternate days. Incubation takes 27 to 28 days and fledging takes 50 to 60 days. The ducklings are precocial and fully capable of swimming as soon as they hatch.

11-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

10-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JUMPING SPIDER (Tribe Euophryini)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/712073-Euophryini

9-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BOAR THISTLE (Galactites tomentosa)

9-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FIELD GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus italicus)

9-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

8-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (FEMALE) (Monticola solitarius)

8-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

This species is resident throughout its range, which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the Amur Valley, and from Scandinavia to the Middle East. It is generally non-migratory, except in harsh winters when it may move to more temperate areas.

6-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BURNET ROSE (Rosa spinosissima)

6-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - POND OLIVE MAYFLY (Cloeon dipterum)

Cloeon dipterum is a species of mayfly with a Holarctic distribution. It is the most common mayfly in ponds in the British Isles and the only ovoviviparous mayfly in Europe. Males differ from females in having turbinate eyes.

In common with other members of the genera Cloeon and Procloeon, C. dipterum has a single pair of wings. This is also reflected in the specific epithet dipterum, which is from the Latin di-, meaning two, and the Greek pteron, meaning wing, and in his original description, Carl Linnaeus stated Inferiores alæ vix existunt ("smaller wings hardly present").

The compound eyes of C. dipterum show a striking sexual dimorphism, whereby females have lateral apposition eyes, while the males' eyes have an additional dorsal "turban-shaped" parts that function as superposition eyes. These extra eyes are thought to enable the males to locate isolated females in the mating swarm.

Cloeon dipterum is unusual among mayflies in being ovoviviparous, and is the only ovoviviparous mayfly species known in Europe. Females lay eggs 10–14 days after mating, and the eggs hatch as soon as they hit the water. The larvae can survive for months in anoxic conditions, an adaptation which is necessary to survive the winter in ponds which freeze over and therefore contain little dissolved oxygen. In captivity, adult females have been kept alive for up to three weeks.

Cloeon dipterum is widespread across Europe and Asia. In the British Isles, C. dipterum is the commonest mayfly in ponds, with around 40% of all ponds containing C. dipterum, rising to 70% in the south. In 1953, a single female Cloeon dipterum was discovered in Illinois, having not been previously recorded in North America, and was found near Lucas, Ohio in 1960. The species is now known to have a wide distribution in North America. Individuals of C. dipterum from Madeira are now placed in a different species, Cloeon peregrinator.

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FUNNEL WEAVER SPIDER (Lycosoides coarctata)

Textrix is a genus of funnel weavers first described by Carl Jakob Sundevall in 1833. They have a mainly European distribution, with one species in Ethiopia. The type species of the genus is Textrix denticulata.

The spiders in the genus Textrix have a strongly recurved posterior row of eyes with the medial eyes larger than the lateral eyes. They have a narrow head which is distinct from the thorax. These spiders may resemble wolf spiders as they are often recorded running about in sunshine, but their long and segmented posterior spinners are very marked and identify them as funnel web weavers.

As of August 2023 it contains six species:

Textrix caudata L. Koch, 1872 – Macaronesia, Northern Africa, Southern Europe, Syria

Textrix chyzeri de Blauwe, 1980 – Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Bulgaria

Textrix denticulata (Olivier, 1789) (type) – Europe, Turkey

Textrix nigromarginata Strand, 1906 – Ethiopia

Textrix pinicola Simon, 1875 – Portugal to Italy

Textrix rubrofoliata Pesarini, 1990 – Spain, France, Italy

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPINY FALSE WOLF SPIDER (Zoropsis spinimana)

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.

When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.

The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.

The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.

When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.

The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.

This species has a breeding range that extends across southern and central Europe and into North Africa. Populations along the southern and Atlantic coasts tend to be resident, while those in the north are migratory, seeking warmer climates in southern Europe during the winter months.

Outside of the breeding season, the European serin is a sociable creature, forming flocks that may sometimes mingle with other finch species. It is an active and often conspicuous bird, its presence easily announced by its distinctive trill.

The serin's song is a distinctive buzzing trill, a sound that becomes part of the ambient music in regions where these birds are common.

The European serin weaves its nest within the shelter of a shrub or tree, where it lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. The chosen breeding habitats are often areas of open woodland and cultivation, with a preference for some conifers.

The diet of the European serin is predominantly seeds, but it does not shy away from including insects during the breeding season, providing essential protein for its young.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the European serin as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any imminent threats to its survival.

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_goldfinch

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_tit

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

6-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

6-5-2020 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - SEVEN SPOTTED LADYBIRD (Coccinella septempunctata)

Lachnaia is a genus of brightly colored (yellow, orange, red with black spots) leaf beetles in the Chrysomelidae family found in Europe and North Africa. Often called "ant-nest beetles," their larvae live in ant nests (e.g., Formica rufa), while adults feed on plants like Oaks (Quercus) and Hazels (Corylus). 

Here are key facts about the Lachnaia genus:

Classification: They belong to the tribe Clytrini within the subfamily Cryptocephalinae.

Appearance: They have a strong, convex body, usually 6.5–10 mm long, with elytra (wing covers) frequently featuring black spots.

Defensive Mechanism: Their bright, contrasting colors are a form of aposematism, warning predators of their toxicity or unpalatability.

Habitat: Commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and areas with rich vegetation.

Feeding Behavior: Adults are herbivorous, often feeding on foliage of Rosaceae and Fagaceae. They can cause minor damage to young trees in nurseries, creating irregular holes in leaves.

Lifecycle & Symbiosis: They are closely associated with ants

(Myrmecophily). Larvae live inside ant nests, feeding on vegetable refuse.

Activity Period: Adults are typically active in the spring and early summer.

Species Examples: Includes Lachnaia italica, Lachnaia sexpunctata, Lachnaia cylindrica, and Lachnaia tristigma. 

6-5-2020 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

The Eurasian collared dove, also known as the collared dove or Turkish dove (Streptopelia decaocto), is a bird of modest size, presenting a grey-buff to pinkish-grey plumage that is slightly darker above than below. It is recognized by its distinctive black half-collar edged with white on its nape, from which it derives its name. The species exhibits a blue-grey underwing patch and a tail that is grey-buff above, with dark grey and white-tipped feathers below. The sexes appear similar, with juveniles displaying a less developed collar and a brown iris.

To identify the Eurasian collared dove, look for its medium size, slimmer and longer-tailed body compared to a rock pigeon, and a shorter stature than the wood pigeon. The red legs, black bill, and red iris surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which may appear white or yellow, are key features. The bird's song, a three-part cooing "goo-GOO-goo," and a harsh screeching call are also distinctive identifiers.

This species is often found in proximity to human habitation, particularly where food is plentiful and trees are available for nesting. It is not uncommon to see these doves frequenting bird tables and farms.

Originally from warm temperate and subtropical Asia, the Eurasian collared dove has expanded its range dramatically, colonizing colder countries and becoming a permanent resident in many. Its range now includes Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

5-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PYRALID SNOUT MOTH (Lamoria anella)

5-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LIME SPECK PUG MOTH (Eupithecia centaureata)

The lime-speck pug (Eupithecia centaureata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a common species throughout the Palearctic region (where it is found in Europe, Central Asia, Mongolia, southern Siberia, eastern China (Guangdong) and Taiwan, the Near East and North Africa.

This is a distinctive species, all the wings being largely white except for a black blotch on the costa of the forewing. The wingspan is 20–24 mm. In the ab. obscura Dietze.(perhaps developed chiefly in Asia but also recorded from the Tyrol) the ground-colour of both wings has a smoky suffusion. In the ab. centralisata Stgr., chiefly from Palestine and Central Asia, the markings are weaker, sometimes (except the discal mark) almost entirely obsolete. The larva is long and thin, white-yellow with a red dorsal stripe and horseshoe-shaped red spots running down the sides.

Often two broods are produced each year and the adults can be seen at any time during the summer and autumn. The moths fly at night and are attracted to light and nectar-rich flowers.

The larva is rather variable but is usually green or yellow, often with red markings. It feeds on the flowers of a variety of plants . The species overwinters as a pupa.

5-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ANGLE MOTH (Itame vincularia)

Itame vincularia is a species of geometer moth in the family Geometridae, typically found in North Africa and parts of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and France. Known as the Fidonie du Nerprun in French, its larvae feed on Rhamnus infectoria and Frangula alnus. The moth has a wingspan of approximately 28–32 mm. 

Key Facts About Itame vincularia:

Taxonomy: Classified under Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, Order Lepidoptera, and Family Geometridae.

Scientific Name: Itame vincularia (Hübner, 1813).

Synonyms: Geometra vincularia Hübner 1813, Tephrina mrassinaria Oberthür, 1923, and Itame atlantis Prout, 1928.

Habitat & Distribution: Primarily found in dry, Mediterranean, and North African regions.

Larval Host Plants: The larvae feed on Rhamnus infectoria and Frangula alnus.

Wingspan: The wingspan measures around 28–32 mm.

Appearance: Often identified as part of the Macariini tribe in the Ennominae subfamily. 

5-5-2020 VILLALONGA, VALENCIA - PYRAMIDAL ORCHID (Anacamptis pyramidalis)

5-5-2020 VILLALONGA, VALENCIA - COMMON SLIDER TERRAPIN (Trachemys scripta)

5-5-2020 VILLALONGA RIO SERPIS, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)