Friday, 4 September 2020
2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - SOUTHERN BROWN ARGUS BUTTERFLY (Aricia cramera)
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The Southern Brown Argus (Aricia cramera) is a small, dark-brown butterfly found in Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. Similar to the Common Blue, it is distinguished by brown uppersides, orange marginal spots, and a, 28mm wingspan, flying in multiple, continuous broods from March to October.
Key Facts
Scientific Name: Aricia cramera.
Appearance: Both sexes are dark brown with a distinct orange lunule band on the margins of both wings. They often possess a specific spot configuration on the underwing (a "keyhole" spot on the hindwing) that differs from the similar Brown Argus (Aricia agestis).
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Habitat: Prefers sunny, dry open areas, flowery meadows, and rocky terrains on calcareous soils.
Range: Found in Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, Portugal, Italy (Sardinia), Mediterranean islands, and the Canary Islands.
Flight Period: March to October, with multiple overlapping generations.
Larval Food Plant: The larvae feed primarily on Geranium species, such as Erodium cicutarium.
Behaviour: Known to be territorial, with males often sitting on grass stems to check for mates.Key Identification PointsWingspan: 2.2 to 3 cm.
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Distinction: They resemble female Common Blues, but Aricia cramera generally lack the blue scales on the upper wing surface.Observation: They are often found in colonies and do not travel far from their breeding site.
Aricia cramera, the southern brown argus, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is a butterfly of Southern Europe and North Africa and can be found from Morocco and Tunisia up to Spain and Portugal, on Mediterranean islands including Menorca and on the Canary Islands.
The wingspan ranges to up to 30 mm. The butterfly flies from May to September depending on the location.
The larvae feed on Erodium, Helianthemum and Geranium species.
2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut, is a species of flowering plant in the maple, soapberry and lychee family Sapindaceae. It is a large, deciduous, synoecious (hermaphroditic-flowered) tree. It is also called horse-chestnut, European horsechestnut, buckeye, and conker tree. It is not to be confused with the sweet chestnut or Spanish chestnut, Castanea sativa, which is a tree in another family, Fagaceae.
Aesculus hippocastanum is a large tree, growing to about 39 metres (128 ft) tall with a domed crown of stout branches. On old trees, the outer branches are often pendulous with curled-up tips. The leaves are opposite and palmately compound, with 5–7 leaflets 13–30 cm (5–12 in) long, making the whole leaf up to 60 cm (24 in) across, with a 7–20 cm (3–8 in) petiole. The leaf scars left on twigs after the leaves have fallen have a distinctive horseshoe shape, complete with seven "nails". The flowers are usually white with a yellow to pink blotch at the base of the petals; they are produced in spring in erect panicles 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall with about 20–50 flowers on each panicle. Its pollen is not poisonous for honey bees.[10] Usually only 1–5 fruits develop on each panicle. The shell is a green, spiky capsule containing one (rarely two or three) nut-like seeds called conkers or horse-chestnuts. Each conker is 2–4 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄2 in) in diameter, glossy nut-brown with a whitish scar at the base.
2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - COMMON CHAFFINCH (MALE) (Fringilla coelebs)
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The Eurasian chaffinch, common chaffinch, or simply the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a common and widespread small passerine bird in the finch family. The male is brightly coloured with a blue-grey cap and rust-red underparts. The female is more subdued in colouring, but both sexes have two contrasting white wing bars and white sides to the tail. The male bird has a strong voice and sings from exposed perches to attract a mate.
The chaffinch breeds in much of Europe, across the Palearctic to Siberia. The female builds a nest with a deep cup in the fork of a tree. The clutch is typically four or five eggs, which hatch in about 13 days.
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The chicks fledge in around 14 days, but are fed by both adults for several weeks after leaving the nest. Outside the breeding season, chaffinches form flocks in open countryside and forage for seeds on the ground. During the breeding season, they forage on trees for invertebrates, especially caterpillars, and feed these to their young. They are partial migrants; birds breeding in warmer regions are sedentary, while those breeding in the colder northern areas of their range winter further south.
The eggs and nestlings of the chaffinch are taken by a variety of mammalian and avian predators. Its large numbers and huge range mean that chaffinches are classed as of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)
Colias croceus, clouded yellow, is a small butterfly of the family Pieridae, the yellows and whites.
Colias croceus is one of the most widespread species in Europe. The common clouded yellow's breeding range is North Africa and southern Europe and eastwards through Turkey into the Middle East, but it occurs throughout much of Europe as a summer migrant, in good years individuals reaching Scandinavia. In Asia, its range extends into central Siberia in the north and barely into India in the south; it is not found in Central Asia.
This species is primarily an immigrant to the UK, originating from southern Europe and northern Africa. In the UK they can be seen on the south coast almost every year in varying numbers, and regularly breed there. Occurrence in the rest of the UK varies considerably from year to year, but they are increasingly observed as far north as Dumfries and Galloway. It has also been recorded in Ireland from the Raven, Co. Wexford, to Belfast, Co. Down.
A truly migratory European butterfly, this species is famous for occasional mass migrations and subsequent breeding, which are often referred to in the United Kingdom as "clouded yellow years". Notable clouded yellow years include 1877, 1947, 1983, 1992, 1994, 1996 and 2000.
Colias croceus has a wingspan of 46–54 millimetres (1.8–2.1 in). The upperside of the wings is golden to orange yellow with a broad black margin on all four wings and a black spot near the centre forewing. Usually these butterflies settles with its wings closed, consequently the black margin of the uppersides of the wings is difficultly visible.
The underside lacks the black borders and is lighter, with a more greenish tint, particularly on the forewings. In the forewing underside is the same dark spot as on the upperside, but often with a light centre; the hindwing underside has a white centre spot, often with a smaller white or dark dot immediately above it. Sometimes, a row of black dots occurs on the underwings' outer margins, corresponding to where the black border ends on the upperside. Females differ from the males in having yellow spots along the black borders on the upperside.
In flight, Colias croceus is easily identifiable by the intense yellow colouring, much brighter than that of the lemon-yellow male common brimstone which also lacks black markings. Like all Colias species they never open their wings at rest.
In about 5% of females, the golden upperside colouration is replaced by a pale cream colour. These females have been distinguished as form helice. The pale form helice does not seem to be distinct, as intermediates exist, and the variation is to some extent related to humidity during development, with dryer conditions producing paler colouration. These pale forms helice can be confused with Berger's clouded yellow (Colias alfacariensis) and the rarer pale clouded yellow (Colias hyale). Even the palest C. croceus tends to have more black on the upperside, however, in particular on the hindwings.
Young caterpillars are yellow-green with a black head. Later they become completely dark green, with a white red-spotted lateral line after the third moult. The pupae are green and have a yellow side stripe.
2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - FALSE MEADOW SAFFRON (Colchicum montanum)
False Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) is a highly toxic, autumn-blooming plant often confused with true, edible saffron (Crocus sativus). While it produces pink, crocus-like flowers, it is a member of the Colchicaceae family and contains poisonous colchicine, which can be fatal if ingested. Key features include flowers appearing without leaves ("naked ladies") in autumn and strap-like leaves in spring.
Key Facts About False Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale):
Highly Toxic: All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are dangerous if eaten due to the compound colchicine.
Appearance: Known as "naked ladies" or "naked boys" because the pink flowers emerge in autumn without any leaves.
Distinction from True Saffron: Unlike true saffron, it is not used for cooking and should not be mistaken for it.
Foliage: Leaves emerge in the spring, which can be mistakenly gathered as wild greens like Ramsons.
Habitat: Commonly found in damp hay meadows and gardens.
Medicinal Context: Colchicine, derived from the plant, has been used in medicine but is highly toxic in larger quantities.
Differences from True Saffron:
True Saffron: Crocus sativus (Iridaceae family), stigmas are harvested for culinary spice.
False Saffron: Colchicum autumnale (Colchicaceae family), highly poisonous.
Thursday, 3 September 2020
2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)
The Black Redstart (\(Phoenicurus\) \(ochruros\)) is a small bird, about the size of a robin, known for its dark plumage and bright red tail. It is adaptable and can be found in both natural rocky habitats and urban environments like cities and quarries. Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and worms, supplemented by seeds and berries, and some populations migrate in winter.
Appearance Size: Approximately \(14.5\) cm in length, with a wingspan of \(23-26\) cm.Males: Dark grey body with a black face and throat, and a white patch on the wings.Females and Juveniles: Grey-brown all over.Tail: Both sexes have a bright red tail with a single black band down the middle.
31-8-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - GOLDEN RINGED DRAGONFLY (Cordulegaster boltonii)
The golden-ringed dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is a large, striking species of dragonfly found widely in Europe and locally in northwestern Africa, especially near flowing waters like streams. It is the longest British species of dragonfly, and the only member of its genus to be found in the United Kingdom.
In the United Kingdom, they are easily identified by their distinctive black and yellow stripes, which is not found in any other dragonfly in the country. A very large species, males average 74 mm (2.9 in) and the longer females average 84 mm (3.3 in). Wingspan is up to 101 mm (4.0 in). The female is the longest British dragonfly, in part due to the unusually long ovipositor, and in other measurements it is exceeded by the emperor (Anax imperator).
The female lays the eggs in shallow water. The hairy larvae live at the bottom of the water and are well camouflaged amongst the silt. They emerge after about 2–5 years, and usually under the cover of darkness.
They are often seen flying leisurely over mountain streams or a river; they also occasionally show up at a pond. They are also typically seen flying over heath land. Their bright yellow and black stripes make them easy to identify, even from a fair distance away. They feed mainly on insects ranging from small prey such as midges to flies, butterflies and even bumblebees. This strikingly-coloured insect is incredibly aerobatic and they sometimes fly very high up into the sky.
Wednesday, 2 September 2020
31-8-2020 PARADOR TERUEL, ARAGON - SOUTHERN BROWN ARGUS BUTTERFLY (Aricia cramera)
The Southern Brown Argus (Aricia cramera) is a small, brown Lycaenidae butterfly found in Southern Europe, North Africa, the Canary Islands, and Mediterranean islands, typically inhabiting hot, dry, flowery areas. It features chocolate-brown wings with bright orange spots and a white fringe, often mistaken for the common blue.
Key Characteristics and Biology
Appearance: Wingspan of 25–31mm. The upper sides are dark brown with a distinct band of orange spots (lunules) along the edges, which are often bolder and more complete than the similar Aricia agestis. The under-sides are a pale brown with black spots surrounded by white rings and orange lunules.
Distribution: Primarily found in Spain, Portugal, North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia), the Canary Islands, and parts of the Mediterranean.
Habitat: Prefers sunny, dry, and rocky locations, including grasslands, scrubland, and cultivated areas.
Lifecycle: The larvae feed on various Geranium species and other plants, such as Erodium and Helianthemum. It is multi-brooded, with adults flying from April to October, or even year-round in the Canary Islands.
Similar Species: It is very similar to the Brown Argus (Aricia agestis), but the Southern Brown Argus typically has a darker underside ground color and larger, more intense orange spots.
This butterfly is generally common in its range and, like its relative the Brown Argus, is known for being highly mobile.
2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - SOUTHERN PINE HAWK MOTH CATERPILLAR (Sphinx maurorum)
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Sphinx maurorum, the southern pine hawkmoth, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Karl Jordan in 1931. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in southern and central France as far north as Corrèze and as far south as the Atlas and Rif mountains of North Africa. There are also records from Corsica.
The wingspan is 70–80 mm. There are one to two generations per year. Mostly, there is one generation with adults on wing from mid-July to early August. In some years, adults are on wing from May to June and again in August.
The larvae feed on Pinus (especially Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinaster) and Cedrus species.
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Sphinx maurorum (southern pine hawkmoth) is a sphingid moth found in the Iberian Peninsula, southern/central France, and North Africa (Atlas/Rif mountains). With a 70–80 mm wingspan, this grey-colored, defoliating pest feeds primarily on Pinus (pine) and Cedrus (cedar) trees. Adults appear from May to August in one or two generations.
Key Facts about Sphinx maurorum:
Appearance & Size: The wingspan typically measures between 70 and 80 mm. They are generally grayish with black, longitudinal lines on the forewings. They are similar to Sphinx ligustri but distinct as a separate species.
Habitat & Distribution: Primarily inhabits the Iberian Peninsula, southern/central France (as far north as Corrèze), North Africa, and Corsica. They are often found in pine-dominated, sunny areas.
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Diet & Larvae: The larvae are defoliators of pines (Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster) and cedars (Cedrus species).
Life Cycle: Adults generally have one generation, appearing from mid-July to early August, though they can have two, appearing in May–June and again in August. The pupae overwinter in the ground.
Taxonomy: First described by Karl Jordan in 1931, it is sometimes referred to as Hyloicus maurorum or considered a subspecies of Sphinx pinastri, although it is now recognized as distinct.
Behavior: Adults often rest on the bark of pine trees, camouflaging with the surface.
Status: It has been cited as a pest of pine and cedar species in the Iberian and North African regions.
Sunday, 30 August 2020
30-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)
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The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.
Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.
These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.
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The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.
With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.
The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.
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The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.
The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.
As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.
The IUCN currently lists the Spotted Flycatcher as Least Concern, although there are noted declines in some regions of its range.
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