Tuesday, 29 September 2020
28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - VIOLET DROPWING DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Trithemis annulata)
Trithemis annulata, commonly known as the violet dropwing, violet-marked darter, purple-blushed darter, or plum-coloured dropwing, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in most of Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. These dragonflies are called dropwings because of their habit of immediately lowering their wings after landing on a perch. Males of this species are violet-red with red veins in the wings, while females are yellow and brown. Both sexes have red eyes.
Trithemis annulata is a robust medium-sized species with a wingspan of 60 mm (2.4 in). The mature male has a dark red head and a yellow labium with a brown central spot. The eyes are red with white spots on the rear edge, and the frons is dark metallic purplish-red. The prothorax is violet with slightly darker longitudinal stripes.
The membranous wings have distinctive red veins, the pterostigma is orange-brown, and there is a large orange-brown splash at the base of the hind wings. The abdomen is fairly broad and is pinkish-violet, with purple markings on the top of each segment and blackish markings on the terminal three segments. Females are a similar size to males, but the thorax is brownish, and the abdomen is yellow with dark brown markings. The wings of females lack the red veins of males but have similar orange-brown patches. It is very similar in appearance to the red-veined dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa), but that species has a more slender abdomen and a wedge-shaped black area on either side of the tip of the abdomen.
Monday, 28 September 2020
28-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL PURPLE BARRED MOTH (Phytometra viridaria)
Phytometra viridaria, the small purple-barred, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Carl Alexander Clerck in 1759. It is found in central and southern Europe, Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Armenia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and further east across the Palearctic to southern Siberia.
The wingspan is 19–20 mm. The length of the forewings is 9–11 mm.
The moth flies from April to August depending on the location.
Forewing olive brownish; the costa at base, and an outer and terminal fascia deep rosy purple; the outer band varying in width; a pale line of ground colour between them; hindwing olive with a median and terminal darker band more or less tinged with purple; in ab. fusca Tutt the purple tints are replaced by dark brown; —ab. aenea Hbn. the ground colour is olive grey or fuscous instead of green; ab. suffusa Tutt is a rare form, blackish fuscous with a still darker terminal border.
Larva green with darker pale-edged dorsal line; the other lines pale, the subspiracular becoming white on anal segments.
The larvae feed on Polygala vulgaris, Polygala serpyllifolia and Pedicularis sylvatica.
28-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EREBIDAE MOTH (Zebeebafalsalis)
Zebeeba falsalis is a small macro-moth belonging to the family Erebidae and subfamily Rivulinae. It was first described by the German entomologist Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1839.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Rivulinae
Genus: Zebeeba (established by William Forsell Kirby in 1892)
Species: Z. falsalis
This moth has a predominantly Mediterranean distribution. It is native to and commonly found across:Southern Europe: Including Portugal, Spain, Italy (Sicily), France, and Greek islands like Crete.Northern AfricaAsia Minor & The LevantExpanding Range: Due to climate change, its range is pushing northward; the first documented sighting in Hungary was recorded in 2020.
Physical CharacteristicsWingspan: Small in size, typically ranging between 16 mm to 20 mm.
Appearance: Features cryptic coloration, mostly consisting of mottled shades of brown, gray, and tan that allow it to blend seamlessly into rocky terrain, bark, or dry concrete surfaces.
Ecology and Behavior
Host Plants: The larvae are specialized feeders. They primary feed on wild Asparagus plants (such as Asparagus acutifolius). They have also been noted to feed on Pistacia species. In newly colonized northern regions like Hungary, it is believed they utilize Asparagus officinalis.Attraction: Adults are nocturnal and are easily attracted to light sources.
28-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)
Eupithecia is the largest genus of moths of the family Geometridae, and the namesake and type genus of tribe Eupitheciini. Species in the genus are, like those of other genera in the tribe, commonly known as pugs. The genus is highly speciose, with over 1400 species, and members of the genus are present in most of the world with exception of Australasia. Roughly a quarter of described Eupithecia species occur in the Neotropical realm, where they have an especially high species diversity in the montane rain forests of the Andes. The genus includes a few agricultural pest species, such as the currant pug moth, Eupithecia assimilata, which is a pest on hops, and the cloaked pug moth, Eupithecia abietaria, which is a cone pest in spruce seed orchards.
Adult specimens of Eupithecia are typically small, often between 12 and 35 mm, with muted colours, and display a large amount of uniformity between species. As a result, identification of a specimen as part of genus Eupithecia is generally easy, but identifying the exact species is difficult and often reliant on examination of the dissected genitals. Most species share a characteristic resting pose in which the forewings are held flat at a right angle to the body—that is, the costal margins of both forewings form a more-or-less horizontal line—while the hindwings are largely covered by the forewings. They are generally nocturnal.
28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - LONG TAILED TIT (Aegithalos caudatus)
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The long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus), also named long-tailed bushtit, is a common bird found throughout Europe and the Palearctic. The genus name Aegithalos was a term used by Aristotle for some European tits, including the long-tailed tit.
This species has been described as a tiny (at only 13–15 cm (5–6 in) in length, including its 7–9 cm (3–3+1⁄2 in) tail), round-bodied tit with a short, stubby bill and a very long, narrow tail. The sexes look the same and young birds undergo a complete moult to adult plumage before the first winter. The plumage is mainly black and white, with variable amounts of grey and pink.
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The long-tailed tit is globally widespread throughout temperate Northern Europe and the Palearctic, into boreal Scandinavia and south into the Mediterranean zone. It inhabits deciduous and mixed woodland with a well-developed shrub layer, favouring edge habitats. It can also be found in scrub, heathland with scattered trees, bushes and hedges, in farmland and riverine woodland, parks and gardens. The bird's year-round diet of insects and social foraging bias habitat choice in winter towards deciduous woodland, typically of oak, ash and locally sycamore species. For nesting, strong preference is shown towards scrub areas. The nest is often built in thorny bushes less than 3 metres (10 feet) above the ground.
Sunday, 27 September 2020
27-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Genus Dolicharthria)
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The Pearl moth (genus Dolicharthria) refers to a group of small, long-legged crambid snout moths. Widely distributed across Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and parts of Asia, these moths are known for their distinctively slender bodies, ocher or pale brown coloring, and a pearly sheen visible on their wings in certain light.
Key Facts at a Glance
Physical Characteristics:
Wingspan: Typically ranges between \(17\) mm and \(27\) mm, depending on the specific species.
Appearance: They feature an ocher, pale yellowish-brown, or grey base color with dark brown cross-lines and distinct cream or yellowish spots.
Posture: All four wings are held wide open at rest.
Habitat & Distribution:Regions: Common throughout central and southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Asia.
27-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN BIRD GRASSHOPPER (Anacridium aegyptium)
Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper or Egyptian locust, is a species of insect belonging to the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae.
A fairly common species, the Egyptian grasshopper is present in most of Europe, the Afrotropical realm, eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, and North Africa, and has recently been observed in Cape Town, South Africa.
These grasshoppers inhabit trees and shrubs, scrub land, maquis, and orchards in warm and bright environments, at an elevation from sea level to 1,500 m.
Anacridium aegyptium is one of the largest European grasshoppers. Adult males grow up to 30–56 mm (1.2–2.2 in) long, while females reach 46–70 mm (1.8–2.8 in) in length. Their bodies are usually gray, brown, or olive-coloured, and their antennae are relatively short and robust. The tibiae of the hind legs are blue, while the femora are orange. The hind femora have characteristic dark marks. They are also easily identified by their characteristic eyes, which have vertical black and white stripes. Their pronota show a dorsal orange stripe and several small white spots. The wings are clear with dark marks.
This species is a folivore, essentially feeding on leaves of various plants. It is a solitary species, harmless to crops. Adults are mainly seen in August and September, but they are active throughout the year. After mating, these grasshoppers overwinter as adults. Spawning occurs in spring just under the soil surface and the nymphs appear in April. These grasshoppers undergo several molts. Nymphs differ from adults in appearance; their color varies from yellow to bright green and ocher and the wings are absent or small, as they are gradually developed after each molt.
27-9-2020 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - LARGE PSAMMODROMUS LIZARD (Psammodromus algirus)
Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.
Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).
The IUCN assessment from 2009 treats Psammodromus algirus nollii and Psammodromus algirus ketamensis as full species and restricts Psammodromus algirus to North Africa.
P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.
Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.
P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.
P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.
27-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROBUST TABBY MOTH (Pandesma robusta)
The Robust Tabby (Pandesma robusta) is an Erebidae family moth naturally found in Africa, Asia, and southern Europe, including Spain. It is known for accidental migrations caused by fruit shipments.
Key facts about the Robust Tabby:
Wingspan: \(35 \text{ mm}\) to \(40 \text{ mm}\).
Appearance: Features a grey-brown mottled pattern with undulating lines and black flecks on its forewings, alongside pale hindwings.
Habitat: Typically inhabits dry temperate or subtropical broadleaf and mixed forests.
Diet: Larvae are polyphagous and feed on the leaves of various woody plants, including Acacia and Populus.
Flight Period: Adults can be found flying all year round in multiple generations.Migration: While naturally occurring around the Mediterranean, it occasionally travels to northern regions via fruit shipments or strong southerly winds.
Saturday, 26 September 2020
26-9-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - CABBAGE WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)
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The caterpillar of this species, often referred to as the "imported cabbageworm", is a pest to crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, bok choy and broccoli. Pieris rapae is widespread in Europe and Asia; it is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Europe and to have spread across Eurasia thanks to the diversification of brassicaceous crops and the development of human trade routes. Over the past two centuries, it spread to North Africa (about 1800), North America (1860s), Hawaii (1897), New Zealand (1930), and Australia (1937), as a result of accidental introductions.
26-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Genus Idaea)
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Idaea, sometimes called Hyriogona (among other synonyms), is a large genus of geometer moths. It was erected by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1825. They are found nearly worldwide, with many native to the Mediterranean, the African savannas, and the deserts of western Asia.
The genus Idaea refers to a massive, nearly worldwide group of geometer moths (family Geometridae, subfamily Sterrhinae) known for their small size and varied, often cryptic patterns. As of 2013-2022, there are roughly 680 to over 1,000 recognized species in this genus, making it the third most species-rich group in its family.
Size: They are small moths, with wingspans typically measuring well under 30 mm (often 10-25 mm).
Their wings often feature shades of brown, white, or gray with delicate, wave-like lines (hence the common name "waves" for many species in this subfamily).
Adults frequently rest with their wings spread flat, often blending in with their surroundings.
26-9-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)
The Eurasian hoopoe, with its scientific name Upupa epops, is a bird of unmistakable appearance. It boasts a warm cinnamon plumage, contrasted by striking black and white wings, and a prominent black-tipped, fan-like crest which it can raise and lower. Its tail features a broad white band across a black background. The hoopoe's long, narrow bill curves downwards, adept for probing the soil, and is black with a fawn base.
When identifying the Eurasian hoopoe, look for its unique silhouette, characterized by its long, tapering bill and erectile crest. In flight, its broad and rounded wings display a bold black and white pattern, and its undulating flight is reminiscent of a large butterfly. The hoopoe's size ranges from 25 to 32 cm in length, with a wingspan of 44 to 48 cm, and it weighs between 46 and 89 grams.
The hoopoe is adaptable, favoring habitats with bare or lightly vegetated ground for foraging and vertical surfaces with cavities for nesting. These can include heathlands, wooded steppes, savannas, grasslands, and forest glades.
This species is native to Europe, Asia, and the northern half of Africa. It is migratory in the northern parts of its range, with European and north Asian birds wintering in the tropics. African populations tend to be sedentary throughout the year.
Hoopoes are known for their sunbathing and dust-bathing behaviors, often spreading their wings and tail against the ground. They are solitary foragers, predominantly feeding on the ground with occasional aerial pursuits.
The hoopoe's call is a soft, melodic "oop-oop-oop," which may vary between two to four syllables. This call is the likely origin of both its English and scientific names.
Hoopoes are monogamous, with pair bonds lasting a single season. They nest in cavities, with the female solely responsible for incubation. Clutch sizes vary geographically, with larger clutches in higher latitudes. The eggs are initially milky blue, becoming discolored in the nest.
The hoopoe's diet consists mainly of insects, but it may also consume small reptiles, frogs, seeds, and berries. It uses its bill to probe the soil for larvae, pupae, and insects, which are then beaten against a surface to remove indigestible parts.
The Eurasian hoopoe is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. However, there has been a noted decline in populations since 2008, attributed to habitat loss and over-hunting in certain areas. Conservation efforts are in place in regions where the species is threatened.
Friday, 25 September 2020
25-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL PURPLE BARRED MOTH (Phytometra viridaria)
Phytometra viridaria, the small purple-barred, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Carl Alexander Clerck in 1759.
It is found in central and southern Europe, Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Armenia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and further east across the Palearctic to southern Siberia.
The wingspan is 19–20 mm. The length of the forewings is 9–11 mm. Forewing olive brownish; the costa at base, and an outer and terminal fascia deep rosy purple; the outer band varying in width; a pale line of ground colour between them; hindwing olive with a median and terminal darker band more or less tinged with purple; in ab. fusca Tutt the purple tints are replaced by dark brown; —ab. aenea Hbn. the ground colour is olive grey or fuscous instead of green; ab. suffusa Tutt is a rare form, blackish fuscous with a still darker terminal border.
The moth flies from April to August depending on the location.
Larva green with darker pale-edged dorsal line; the other lines pale, the subspiracular becoming white on anal segments.
The larvae feed on Polygala vulgaris, Polygala serpyllifolia and Pedicularis sylvatica.
25-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)
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Eupithecia is the largest genus of moths of the family Geometridae, and the namesake and type genus of tribe Eupitheciini. Species in the genus are, like those of other genera in the tribe, commonly known as pugs. The genus is highly speciose, with over 1400 species, and members of the genus are present in most of the world with exception of Australasia. Roughly a quarter of described Eupithecia species occur in the Neotropical realm, where they have an especially high species diversity in the montane rain forests of the Andes. The genus includes a few agricultural pest species, such as the currant pug moth, Eupithecia assimilata, which is a pest on hops, and the cloaked pug moth, Eupithecia abietaria, which is a cone pest in spruce seed orchards.
Adult specimens of Eupithecia are typically small, often between 12 and 35 mm, with muted colours, and display a large amount of uniformity between species. As a result, identification of a specimen as part of genus Eupithecia is generally easy, but identifying the exact species is difficult and often reliant on examination of the dissected genitals. Most species share a characteristic resting pose in which the forewings are held flat at a right angle to the body—that is, the costal margins of both forewings form a more-or-less horizontal line—while the hindwings are largely covered by the forewings. They are generally nocturnal.
Thursday, 24 September 2020
24-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GRASS EGGAR MOTH (Lasiocampa trifolii)
Lasiocampa trifolii, the grass eggar, is a moth of the family Lasiocampidae first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775 and found in Europe.
The Grass Eggar (Lasiocampa trifolii) is a medium-to-large, hairy, reddish-brown moth found across Europe and in coastal areas of the UK. Active in late summer (August-September), adults are nocturnal, attracted to light, and do not feed. They are classified as Nationally Scarce in the UK.
Key Facts about the Grass Eggar Moth:
Appearance: Adults have a 40–60mm wingspan, with females generally larger than males. They are reddish-brown with a distinct white spot in the center of the forewing and a curved outer line. A pale, straw-colored form (f. flava) also exists.
Habitat: Primarily found in coastal sand dunes, shingle beaches, and maritime cliffs, though some populations exist on inland heathland.
Life Cycle & Behavior:
Larvae: The caterpillars are hairy, typically yellow, and feed at night on various plants, including grasses, Calluna, and shrubs like bramble.
Pupation: They pupate in a tough, brown cocoon on the ground.
Overwintering: They overwinter as eggs, which are laid loosely among vegetation.
Flight Time: Adults fly at night from June to September, depending on the location.
Conservation Status: The species is considered "Nationally Scarce" in the UK. In some parts of Europe, it is threatened by habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and changing grazing practices.
Differences from Similar Species: It is often compared to the Oak Eggar (Lasiocampa quercus) but is generally smaller and paler.
Wednesday, 23 September 2020
23-9-2020 MOROS MARJAL, SAGUNTO - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)
The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.
Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.
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