30-9-2020 EL PINET, MURCIA - ROBBERFLY (Genus Machimus)

The genus Machimus comprises a large, diverse group of medium-to-large predatory robber flies in the family Asilidae. Known as fierce aerial hunters, these bristly insects are ecological assets in agricultural and wild ecosystems. They are found across the globe, mostly throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.

Key Facts About Genus Machimus

Aerial Hunters: Machimus robber flies dart out from perches to catch other flying insects mid-air, including flies, bees, wasps, and beetles. They are highly beneficial for naturally controlling pest populations.

Unique Hunting Tactics: They grab prey with their long, spiny legs, and use a short, stout proboscis to pierce the victim's exoskeleton. They inject a paralyzing neurotoxic saliva that rapidly liquifies the prey's insides, which the fly then drinks.

Facial Mustache: They are easily recognized by their prominent, dense mustache of bristles known as a "mystax". This functions as protective armor, preventing struggling prey from injuring the fly's eyes and face.

Habitats: Adults prefer sunny, open areas like dry grasslands, heaths, and woodland edges. They habitually perch on blades of grass, twigs, or bare ground while waiting to ambush passing targets.

Life Cycle: Females deposit their eggs in loose soil or decaying plant matter. The larvae are also voracious predators, living underground and feeding on other insect larvae (such as beetle grubs) through the winter before pupating.

Identification: Telling specific Machimus species apart can be a challenge. Identification typically relies on examining leg color patterns, the precise hairing on the sides of the face, and (in males) the unique shape of the terminal abdominal segments.

30-9-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - WESTERN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/475028-Porphyrio-porphyrio

29-9-2020 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.

29-9-2020 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.

29-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - NAPOLEON SPIDER (Synema globosum)

Synema globosum is a species of spider belonging to the family Thomisidae (crab spiders). It is sometimes called the Napoleon spider, because of a supposed resemblance of the markings on the abdomen to a silhouette of Napoleon wearing his iconic hat.

The adult males reach 2–4 mm (0.08–0.16 in) in length, while females are 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in) long. They can mostly be encountered from May through August on flowering plants (especially yellow or red Apiaceae species), waiting for their prey.

The two pairs of the front legs, used for hunting the flower-feeding insects, are more developed than the rear ones, which have a predominant motor function.

A striking feature of this species is the variation in colour among females. Mature males have a black abdomen with two white marks. In mature females, the background colour of the abdomen can be red, yellow or white, with a black pattern which has been noted for a certain resemblance to the silhouette of Napoleon.

 Prosoma and legs are black or dark brown.

Like other species of the family Thomisidae, these spiders do not make a web, but actively hunt their prey.

29-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STINK BUG (Acrosternum heegeri)

The species Acrosternum heegeri Fieber, 1861 is a well-known member of the Mediterranean fauna in Europe and until recently was not recorded outside its natural range. In recent years, the presence of stable populations of the species in Budapest has been confirmed, and the first findings on the territory of Serbia are from 2013, when several overwintering adults were found under the bark of deciduous trees in Novi Sad. 

Since 2017, active individuals have been recorded throughout the season, for now mainly from the area of Vojvodina. This bug is probably conquering new territories by transporting people and goods, but we assume that climate change is also responsible for establishing stable populations in new environments. The paper presents the findings of the species A. heegeri in Serbia, which were taken from the Alciphron database on insects in Serbia. A. heegeri is a polyphagous herbivore and has the status of an economically significant species in the Middle East because it causes damage in pistachio plantations.

 As natural expansion of southern species towards the north is getting more and more common in recent years in Europe (e.g., Ott 2001, Károlyi & Rédei 2017, Paulovics & Vas 2021, most probably driven by warming and drying climate, preferred by antlions, it is reasonable to include species in the identification key with considerable probability to appear in Hungary. Species of this category were included by the following biogeographical criteria: the species is either known from at least one country directly neighbouring Hungary or known from the Balkan Peninsula north of Greece (Greece not included).

28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World.

The common moorhen lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests. Elsewhere it is likely the most common rail species, except for the Eurasian coot in some regions.

The closely related common gallinule of the New World has been recognized as a separate species by most authorities, starting with the American Ornithologists' Union and the International Ornithological Committee in 2011.

The moorhen is a distinctive species, with predominantly black and brown plumage, with the exception of a white under-tail, white streaks on the flanks, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. The bill is red with a yellow tip. The young are browner and lack the red shield. The frontal shield of the adult has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides; the tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is a smooth waving line. In the related common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) of the Americas, the frontal shield has a fairly straight top and is less wide towards the bill, giving a marked indentation to the back margin of the red area.

The common moorhen gives a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened. A midsized to large rail, it can range from 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in) in length and span 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in) across the wings. The body mass of this species can range from 192 to 500 g (6.8 to 17.6 oz).

This is a common breeding and resident bird in marsh environments, rivers, well-vegetated lakes and even in city parks. Populations in areas where the waters freeze, such as eastern Europe, will migrate to more temperate climates. In China, common moorhen populations are largely resident south of the Yangtze River, whilst northern populations migrate in the winter, therefore these populations show high genetic diversity.

This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes walking on lilypads or upending in the water to feed. They are often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the common moorhen remains plentiful and widespread.

28-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN PAPER WASP (Polistes dominula)

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) is an invasive species, often identified by its slender, black-and-yellow appearance (resembling yellowjackets) and trailing legs during flight. Unlike native species, they build small, open-comb nests in sheltered, dark, and often artificial areas like pipes, eaves, and electrical boxes.

Key Facts about the European Paper Wasp:

Appearance and Identification:

Coloration: Primarily black with bright yellow markings, often mistaken for yellowjackets.Body Shape: Slender with a narrow "waist".Flight: Long hind legs dangle below them while flying.Size: Similar to other paper wasps, but generally more slender.

Behavior and Ecology:Nesting: They build small, open-comb, papery nests made of chewed, saliva-mixed wood fibers.

Habitat: They prefer urban environments, nesting in hidden, dark, or enclosed spaces such as eaves, bird boxes, and utility pipes.Diet: They are predatory, preying on insects, particularly caterpillars, to feed their larvae, and also feed on nectar and fruit.Temperament: They are generally less aggressive than yellowjackets and tend to sting only when their nest is disturbed.

28-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOARY FOOTMAN MOTH (Eilema caniola)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/424241-Eilema-caniola

28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Eyprepocnemis plorans)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/424336-Eyprepocnemis-plorans

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.

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)

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.

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.

27-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Genus Dolicharthria)

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 - GEOMETER MOTH (Family Geometridae)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/49530-Geometridae

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.

26-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN LOCUST (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.

Anacridium aegyptium, commonly known as the Egyptian Grasshopper or Egyptian Tree Locust, is one of the largest grasshoppers in Europe. It is highly recognizable by its striped eyes, blue hind legs, and excellent arboreal camouflage.

Key Facts at a Glance

Size: Females are massive, reaching up to 6.5–7 cm in length. Males are significantly smaller, typically ranging from 3.5 to 5 cm.

Distinctive Eyes: The most definitive identification feature is their eyes, which feature clear, vertical black and white stripes.

Coloration: Bodies range from grey, brown, to olive, which helps them blend perfectly into tree bark and foliage. They feature an orange dorsal stripe on the neck (pronotum) and a row of small white spots.

Legs & Flight: The hind tibiae are blue with orange femora. Only the adults can fly, while nymphs are wingless and rely solely on jumping.

Habitat: Common across the Mediterranean (including southern regions like Spain), they prefer warm, dry scrublands, orchards, and olive groves.

Behavior: Unlike swarming locusts, this species is solitary and entirely harmless to crops. They are mostly leaf-eaters (folivorous).

Life Cycle: They overwinter as adults, mate in the spring, and the nymphs appear in the late spring.

26-9-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - CABBAGE WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

Pieris rapae is a small-to-medium-sized butterfly species of the whites-and-yellows family Pieridae. It is known in Europe as the small white, in North America and the United Kingdom as the cabbage white or cabbage butterfly, on several continents as the small cabbage white, and in New Zealand as the white butterfly. The butterfly is recognizable by its white color with small black dots on its wings, and it can be distinguished from P. brassicae by the latter's larger size and black band at the tip of the forewings.

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)

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.

26-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GRASS MOTH (METASIA CUENCALIS)

The Metasia cuencalis is a small micromoth belonging to the family Crambidae (grass moths) and the subfamily Spilomelinae. It is a southwestern European and North African species widely known for its cryptically colored wings and localized habitats.

Key Characteristics & Identification

Appearance: A small moth with cryptic, mostly dark brownish/grayish tones.

Wing Markings: It typically features a thin, transverse black line near the end of the first third of the forewing, which then curves into a distinct semicircular shape.

Family Traits: Like other Crambidae, it possesses highly developed tympanal organs on its abdomen, which allow it to hear the ultrasonic frequencies emitted by predatory bats.

Habitat & Distribution

Native Range: Its distribution spans southwestern Europe and parts of North Africa, with populations officially recorded in Spain, Portugal, France, and Morocco.

Localities: In Spain, for example, it is frequently observed in inland and mountainous regions, including the provinces of Cuenca—from which its scientific name is derived.

Environment: It thrives in dry, warm, and natural grassy or shrubland ecosystems, spanning both valleys and mountainous forest-grass ecotones.

Behavior & Life Cycle

Flight Period: Depending on the latitude and local weather, adults are on the wing during the spring and summer months (often seen between May and September).

Nocturnal Habits: They are nocturnal and are readily attracted to artificial light sources at night. During the day, they are easily disturbed from their daytime roosts in the grass.

Diet: The larvae (caterpillars) of the Metasia genus typically feed on low-lying grasses, leaf litter, and plant debris near the soil surface.