6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MANTIS (MALE) (Mantis religiosa)

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.

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a large hemimetabolic insect in the family of the Mantidae ('mantids'), which is the largest family of the order Mantodea (mantises). Their common name praying mantis is derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs that can be observed in animals in repose. It resembles a praying attitude. Both males and females have elongated bodies with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that all Mantodea share are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs (the 'raptorial legs'), which is highly modified for the efficient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey.

In Germany, M. religiosa is listed as Gefährdet [endangered] on the German Red List on the basis of an assessment from 1998. It is not supposed to be caught or held as a pet. At a global level, it is assessed by the IUCN as least concern.

7-10-2020 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4237-Tachybaptus-ruficollis

 

7-10-2020 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - NORTHERN WHEATEAR (FEMALE) (Oenanthe oenanthe)

The Northern Wheatear, or Oenanthe oenanthe, is a small, charismatic passerine bird. It is the most widespread member of the wheatear genus Oenanthe in Europe, North and Central Asia, with populations also in northeastern Canada, Greenland, northwestern Canada, and Alaska. This bird is notable for its migratory habits, breeding in open stony country and wintering in Africa.

Adult Northern Wheatears measure 14.5–16 cm in length, with a wingspan of 26–32 cm and a weight range of 17-30 g. Both sexes boast a distinctive white rump and tail, marked by a contrasting black T-pattern. The summer male is adorned with grey upperparts, a buff throat, and a striking black face mask and wings. Come autumn, the male's plumage softens to resemble the female's, which is generally paler with brown upperparts and buff underparts. The male's song is a whistling, crackly melody, while its call is a sharp "chack," and the flight call mirrors this sound.

The Northern Wheatear favors open, stony terrain for breeding. It often nests in rock crevices and abandoned rabbit burrows, demonstrating a preference for environments that offer both shelter and open ground.

Historically, the Northern Wheatear was trapped and sold as a delicacy in England, known as "the English ortolan." This practice has since ceased, and the bird now primarily holds interest for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

This bird's breeding range spans Europe, across the Palearctic to east Siberia, and into northwest North America. Remarkably, all Northern Wheatears migrate to spend the winter in Africa, regardless of their vast breeding distribution.

The Northern Wheatear is known for its impressive migratory behavior, undertaking one of the longest journeys of any small bird. It crosses oceans, ice, and deserts to migrate between its breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere and wintering grounds in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Northern Wheatears reach sexual maturity at one year of age. The female is solely responsible for nest construction, often in cavities like rabbit burrows or rock crevices. Clutches typically consist of 4-7 pale blue eggs, which are incubated predominantly by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 15 days and gain independence at around 28-32 days old. Usually, only one brood is raised per year.

As an insectivorous species, the Northern Wheatear feeds on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates, foraging on the ground in its open habitat.

7-10-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - BLACK TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/3947-Limosa-limosa

 

7-10-2020 EL SALER, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

 Large wader (approx 102 cm or 3.5 ft) with an also large wingspan (approx 175 cm or 5.5 ft). Stylized silhouette and long neck. Greyish plumage in general. White head in adults with black forelock and long, black feathers like a plume. Light neck with dark lines. Ashen back and dark spot on the shoulders. Lighter belly. Long, sharp, yellow bill. Yellow legs. Silhouette in flight with neck folded in the shape of an "s" and stretched legs.

Its habitats are principally Wetlands, River and Riverside

It lives in all types of wetlands with salty or fresh water in winter. In the breeding season it needs wetlands with nearby tree vegetation. Also in Reservoirs, lagoons, ditches and irrigation ponds, stream banks, coast line.

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CARPET MOTH (Subfamily Larentiinae)

Larentiinae is a subfamily of moths containing roughly 5,800 species that occur mostly in the temperate regions of the world. They are generally considered a subfamily of the geometer moth family (Geometridae) and are divided into a few large or good-sized tribes, and numerous very small or even monotypic ones which might not always be valid. Well-known members are the "pug moths" of the Eupitheciini and the "carpets", mainly of the Cidariini and Xanthorhoini. The subfamily was described by Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel in 1845.

Morphological and DNA sequence data indicate that they are a very ancient lineage of geometer moths; they might even be distinct enough to warrant elevation to full family status in the superfamily Geometroidea. They share numerous plesiomorphic traits – for example at least one areola in the forewing, a hammer-shaped ansa of the tympanal organ and the lack of a gnathos – with the Sterrhinae which are either somewhat less distant from other geometer moths or are part of the same distinct lineage; the Lythriini were until recently placed in the Larentiinae but are apparently Sterrhinae.

But the Larentiinae characteristically tend to have much longer foreleg tarsi and hindleg tibiae than their relatives, and also have hairy or toothed extensions on the upperside sections of the transtilla; their caterpillars often have the abdominal prolegs reduced already (as is typical for the more advanced geometer moths), and the Larentiinae's tympanal organs have a unique and characteristic structure.

Carpet moths in the subfamily Larentiinae (family Geometridae) are small-to-medium-sized moths known for intricate, wavy, carpet-like patterns on their wings. While named for their appearance, most Larentiinae larvae feed on plants, not household fabrics, distinguishing them from destructive Tineidae "carpet moths". They are widely distributed, particularly in temperate regions.

Key Facts about Larentiinae "Carpet" Moths.

Appearance: They are generally small, with wingspans often around \(20\text{mm}\), featuring complex brown, green, or grey transverse, wavy lines.

Behavior: Adults are often attracted to light.Diet & Habitat: While many species are named for their wing patterns, their caterpillars typically feed on specific host plants (e.g., knotweeds) rather than household materials.

Diversity: This is a large subfamily within the Geometridae family, comprising roughly 5,800 species, including specialized groups like "pug moths".

Confusion with Pests: They are often confused with the Tapestry Moth (Trichophaga tapetzella), which is a separate species in the Tineidae family that actually feeds on wool, fur, and carpets.

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/123096-Eupithecia

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG TAILED SILVERFISH (Ctenolepisma longicaudata)

 https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/183202-Ctenolepisma-longicaudata

4-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN LOCUST (Anacridium aegyptium)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/132892-Anacridium-aegyptium

5-10-2020 GATA DE GORGOS, ALICANTE - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Genus Calliptamus)

Calliptamus is a genus of medium-sized, short-horned grasshoppers belonging to the family Acrididae and subfamily Calliptaminae. Known for their stout bodies and often red or pink hind wings, these insects are primarily distributed across the Mediterranean Basin, Europe, Africa, and Asia, reaching as far as Japan. 

Here are the key facts about the genus Calliptamus:

Species and Classification

Number of Species: The genus includes approximately 17 recognized species.

Key Species: The most well-known species are Calliptamus italicus (Italian Locust), Calliptamus barbarus (Barbary Grasshopper), Calliptamus plebeius (Canarian pincer grasshopper), and Calliptamus wattenwylianus.

Identification Challenges: Identification is difficult because morphological characteristics vary greatly depending on habitat (plain, desert, mountain) and region. Identification often requires examining the male genitalia (aedeagus). 

5-10-2020 GATA DE GORGOS, ALICANTE - MEADOW BROWN BUTTERFLY (Maniola jurtina)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/55653-Maniola-jurtina

23-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors. It is thought to be the world's most abundant species of Accipitridae, although some populations have experienced dramatic declines or fluctuations. Current global population estimates run up to 6 million individuals.

Unlike others of the group, black kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend much time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. Their angled wing and distinctive forked tail make them easy to identify. They are also vociferous with a shrill whinnying call.

The black kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania, with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. Several subspecies are recognized and formerly had their own English names. The European populations are small, but the South Asian population is very large.

Black kites can be distinguished from red kites by the slightly smaller size, less forked tail (visible in flight), and generally dark plumage without any rufous. The sexes are alike though the male is a little smaller and less aggressive (this is the case in most birds of prey). They weigh on average 735 grams. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler. The patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. The body feathers have dark shafts giving it a streaked appearance. The cere and gape are yellow, but the bill is black (unlike that of the yellow-billed kite). The legs are yellow and the claws are black. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Males and females have the same plumage but females are longer than males and have a little larger wingspan. Their wingspan is around 150 cm.

The species is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The temperate populations of this kite tend to be migratory while the tropical ones are resident. European and central Asian birds (subspecies M. m. migrans and black-eared kite M. m. lineatus, respectively) are migratory, moving to the tropics in winter, but races in warmer regions such as the Indian M. m. govinda (small Indian/pariah kite), or the Australasian M. m. affinis (fork-tailed kite), are resident. In some areas such as in the United Kingdom, the black kite occurs only as a wanderer on migration. These birds are usually of the nominate race, but in November 2006 a juvenile of the eastern lineatus, not previously recorded in western Europe, was found in Lincolnshire.

Black kites are most often seen gliding and soaring on thermals as they search for food. Their flight is buoyant and the bird glides effortlessly, changing directions easily. They will swoop down with their legs lowered to snatch small live prey, fish, household refuse and carrion, for which behaviour they are known in British military slang as the shite-hawk. They are opportunist hunters and have been known to take birds, bats, and rodents. They are attracted to smoke and fires, where they seek escaping prey. Kites are also known to spread fires by picking and dropping burning twigs so as to flush prey, leading to them being known in some circles as "firehawks". The Indian populations are well adapted to living in cities and are found in densely populated areas. 

4-10-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.

Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.

The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.

4-10-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/43151-Oryctolagus-cuniculus

4-10-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Alectoris rufa)

The red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, is a plump gamebird belonging to the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is colloquially known as the French partridge, setting it apart from the English or grey partridge. Exhibiting a light brown back, grey breast, and buff belly, this bird is easily recognized by its white face with a striking black gorget. The flanks are adorned with rufous streaks, and it stands on characteristically red legs. When startled, it may choose to run, but it can also take to the air with rounded wings for short distances.

Adults display a sandy-brown upper body, a pinkish-buff belly, and a pale grey breast. A black gorget with bold rufous and black flank bars, a cream throat, pink legs, and a red bill and eye ring are distinctive features. The eye is encircled by a bright red ring, adding to its striking appearance.

The red-legged partridge favors dry lowlands for breeding, such as farmland and open stony areas. It nests on the ground and can be found cohabiting with wild rabbits.

Originally from southwestern Europe, including France, Iberia, and northwest Italy, the red-legged partridge has been introduced and naturalized in parts of England and Wales. It forms flocks outside the breeding season and is a non-migratory terrestrial species.

This bird is known for its preference to run rather than fly when disturbed. However, it is capable of short flights if necessary. It is a sociable species, forming flocks when not breeding.

The red-legged partridge vocalizes with a distinctive three-syllable call, which can be phonetically described as "ka-chu-chu."

The species is known to breed in dry lowland areas, laying eggs in a ground nest. It has the remarkable ability to breed two clutches simultaneously.

The rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) is very similar in appearance and occupies southeastern Europe, replacing the red-legged partridge there.

Primarily seed-eating, the red-legged partridge's diet also includes insects, which are particularly important for the protein needs of the young.

The red-legged partridge is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with concerns about its decline across its range due to habitat loss and overhunting.

2-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (idaea cervantaria)

 1.4 to 2.2 cm wingspan. Straw-coloured, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or greyish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed spots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are barely noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a  light wavy stripe. It has a spot on each wing but those on the front wings may go unnoticed.

There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for a correct and safe identification, genital analysis must be used. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.

The caterpillars feed on dry leaves of herbaceous plants and in captivity on petals of different Asteraceae and sea alder (Lobularia maritima), the latter common in our province, especially in sunny areas of the limestone mountains, and occasionally used in gardening for the showiness of its inflorescences. 

3-10-2020 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.

3-10-2020 BENIRRAMA, ALICANTE - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Genus Calliptamus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/180699-Calliptamus

30-10-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/482-Fulica-atra

1-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL DUSTY WAVE MOTH (Idaea seriata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/322983-Idaea-seriata

1-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found from most of Europe (except the Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Fennoscandia, the Baltic region and Portugal) to the Caucasus and Armenia. It is also present on the Canary Islands and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 18–20 mm. Adults are on wing from late June to August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Calamintha (including Calamintha nepeta and Calamintha sylvatica), Hypericum, Origanum and Thymus species. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.

1-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - YELLOW BELLE MOTH (Aspitates ochrearia)

Aspitates ochrearia, the yellow belle, is a moth in the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Pietro Rossi in 1794. It is found in western and southern Europe, as well as North America.

The wingspan is 25–34 mm. Adults are on wing from April to June and again from August to September in two generations per year.

The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, including Daucus carota and Plantago coronopus. The larvae can be found from April to June. The species overwinters in the larval stage. Pupation takes place in spring.

30-9-2020 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.

It is found in Europe in coastal dunes.

Eggs are laid on leaves close to the ground, hatch in the autumn, and the young larvae hibernate. The larvae feed on grasses, various shrubs and deciduous trees, such as oak, European beech, poplar and Calluna.[citation needed] The cocoon is formed on the ground.

Adults' wingspan is 40–55 mm and it flies from June to September depending on the location (in Britain it is on the wing in August). They fly during the day, but also at night, and will come to a light. The female is larger than the male.

29-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JASMINE MOTH (Palpita vitrealis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/336922-Palpita-vitrealis

30-9-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - LAMENTING GRASSHOPPER (Eyprepocnemis plorans)

Eyprepocnemis plorans, the lamenting grasshopper, is a species of insect in the family Acrididae. It is the type species of the genus Eyprepocnemis, and is found in Africa, parts of the Middle East, and southern Europe. It typically inhabits wetlands and other moist habitats.

This is a medium-sized grasshopper, with females growing to a length of about 4.5 cm (1.8 in), while males are slightly smaller. The general colour is greyish-brown. The head and prothorax have a central dark band edged with paler stripes. The eye has a longitudinal dark streak, a characteristic shared by Anacridium aegyptium, Heteracris annulosa and Heteracris adspersa. The femurs of the hind legs have greenish, blue and yellow striations, and the hind tibia have reddish or bluish iridescence, and black and white spines.

Eyprepocnemis plorans is native to much of Africa, parts of the Middle East such as Iran, and southern Europe, where it is present in southern Greece, southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and southern Spain. It seems to be expanding its range northwards in Italy, possibly as a result of putative climate change. It usually occurs in wetlands, reed beds, freshwater and salt marshes, riverside vegetation, coastal vegetation and man-made habitats. It appreciates vertical-growing stems such as reeds, and habitats with tall forbs mixed with lower-growing plants.

Grasshoppers are in general polyphagous, eating vegetation from many different plant sources. Eyprepocnemis plorans feeds mainly on grasses and sedges. The female deposits an egg pod in the ground and the eggs hatch in the spring. The nymphs undergo five moults, becoming more similar to the adult insect at each developmental stage; they do not undergo metamorphosis and mature in the summer. In parts of the range many adults survive the winter. This species is rather wary and is a good flier.

The karyotype of this grasshopper includes a number of B chromosomes (extra chromosomes) and exhibits a very widespread polymorphism; populations in Spain show about 40 different variations in B chromosomes, resulting in an increase in the frequency of chiasmas.

During spermatogenesis in E. plorans, the autosomal chromosomes achieve complete synapsis, but the single X sex chromosome always remains unsynapsed. The autosomal chromosomes are transcriptionally active during the leptotene to zygotene stages of meiosis, whereas the X chromosome is inactive throughout meiosis likely because of specific epigenetic modifications.