11-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia cf. 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.

Subspecies

Eupithecia semigraphata semigraphata

Eupithecia semigraphata arida Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata canariensis Dietze, 1910

Eupithecia semigraphata gravosata Schutze, 1956

Eupithecia semigraphata lutulentaria Schwingenschuss, 1939

Eupithecia semigraphata nepetata Mabille, 1869

Eupithecia semigraphata porphyrata Zerny, 1934

11-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)

The genus Dyscia is a distinct group of geometer moths within the massive family Geometridae and the subfamily Ennominae. These moths are best known for their incredible camouflage, highly specialized habitat choices, and their unique larval stage—the "inchworm".

Physical Characteristics

Adult Dyscia moths generally display muted, earthy tones that make them look like dried leaves or lichen-covered rocks.

Wingspan: Typically ranges from 22 mm to 42 mm depending on the specific species.

Coloration: Their wings come in shades of sandy beige, chalky white, or light brownish-grey. They are heavily peppered with fine, dark scales and usually feature a distinct central spot on the forewings.

Resting Posture: Like most geometer moths, they rest with their broad wings held completely flat and spread out, creating continuous pattern lines across their forewings and hindwings.

Antennae: Males possess noticeably feathery antennae used to detect female pheromones, while females feature simple, thread-like antennae.

10-10-2020 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.

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/475739-Crocallis-auberti

 

9-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/475739-Crocallis-auberti

 

10-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DISCRETE CHAPERON MOTH (Cymbalophora pudica)

The wingspan of Cymbalophora pudica is typically 35–42 mm in males and 37–42 mm in females. The background color of the wings and the shape of their markings are rather variable. The external surface of the forewings usually may be milky white or pinkish, with a pattern of black triangular patches. Hindwings vary from white to pinkish with marginal spots. The blackish-haired thorax is characterized by two yellowish longitudinal stripes and by a broad, yellowish cervical spine. The antennae of the males are ciliated (hairy), while those of the females are filiform (thread like). The abdomen is reddish with black spots.

The wings may be shaded with yellowish in Cymbalophora f. flaveola Schultz, 1906, in gray in Cymbalophora f. fumosa Oberthür, 1911. Cymbalophora f. Cohaerens Schultz, 1905 shows confluent spots. Very pink forms are called rosina. The caterpillars are gray brown, hairy, and covered with black-brown warts on each segment.

Like other species of the genus Cymbalophora ("cymbal bearers"), males are capable of emitting sounds from their wings during flight.

Cymbalophora pudica preyed upon by the rove beetle Ocypus olens

This species is univoltine. Caterpillars can be found from May to June. Then they construct their cocoons and rest a long time in the cocoon prior to pupation. The moths are on wing from August to September, depending on the location. The larvae feed on Taraxacum officinale, Stipa species, Brachypodium phoenicoides, Festuca species, various grasses (Poaceae) and other low growing plants.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

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

 

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN RECLUSE SPIDER (Loxosceles rufescens)

The Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles rufescens) is a species of spider that originated in the Mediterranean region as its name implies, but can now be found in many parts of the world and is listed as one of the most invasive spiders worldwide. Usually dwelling in caves, this species will also inhabit basements and tunnels. The spider hunts at night and eats insects including silverfish and cockroaches, and they usually target smaller species.

Similar to other species in their genus, bites from L. rufescens can cause necrosis and, for some individuals, systemic damage due to the enzyme sphingomyelinase D. Pest control may be undertaken with similar strategies as used for the brown recluse spider.

Loxosceles rufescens is a cave-dwelling arachnid that is nearly indistinguishable in appearance from Loxosceles reclusa, the brown recluse spider. Individuals can be identified as medium-sized spiders distinguished by three pairs of two eyes organized in the shape of a triangle (spiders commonly have eight eyes), with a violin-shaped pattern on their cephalothorax. This spider belongs to the genus Loxosceles which contains many of the most dangerous spiders in the world. Both males and females grow to approximately 7–7.5 mm in length.

Loxosceles rufescens egg sacs contain approximately 40 eggs that each take a few weeks to hatch, depending on the temperature. The young spiders grow slowly and produce molts during their growing phase. These molts often have a pale ghostly appearance. Mediterranean recluse spiders typically live from one to three years. The webs of Mediterranean recluse spiders spin function as a daytime hiding spot and provide seclusion for the egg sacs. The webs are very thin and fragile, formed by strands of silk laid in a disorganized manner.

The Mediterranean recluse is listed as one of the most invasive species in the world. It is native to the Mediterranean area and western Asia, including parts of Europe and Northern Africa, and prefers warm temperatures and generally dry weather. Today, this spider has a global distribution due to increased human travel and the increase of transported goods.

This species has been introduced to Madagascar, southeast Asia from India to Japan, Australia, and numerous Atlantic and Pacific islands (including four in the Hawaiian archipelago) and in North America, it has been recorded in over 20 of the United States, widely scattered from California to Florida and north to Michigan, as well as Ontario, Canada.

In South Africa, only a single specimen was recorded from Cape Town in 1914.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PINK BARRED EUBLEMMA MOTH (Eublemma cochylioides)

Eublemma cochylioides, the pink-barred eublemma, is a species of moth of the family Erebidae described by Achille Guenée in 1852.

It is found throughout the Old World countries (including France). Besides France, it can also be found in such European countries as Greece and Portugal, and on islands such as Crete and Cyprus. It is also common in Asian ones such as Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Taiwan, where it might migrate. When comes African migration the species resort to South Africa, from which it might migrate to such Australian islands as Fiji and Tonga, and including Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.

The wingspan is about 20 millimetres (0.79 in). Male with no pit in the membrane of forewing towards apex, which is somewhat acute. Head and thorax ochreous white. Forewings with ochreous-white basal area, bounded by a very oblique fulvous line, beyond which the area is bright pink. Outer margin fulvous suffused. Two white spots can be seen near outer angle, with some black scaled on their outer edge. Hindwings pale, suffused with fuscous towards outer margin.

The larvae have been recorded on Elephantopus species and Prenanthes spinosa.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (JUVENILE) (Tarentola mauritanica)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/33602-Tarentola-mauritanica

 

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CELLER SPIDER (Holocnemus caudatus)

The Cellar Spider (Holocnemus caudatus) is a small, delicate arachnid native to the Mediterranean. While often overshadowed by its more famous relative, the Marbled Cellar Spider (H. pluchei), it shares many of the fascinating "vibrating" behaviors typical of the Pholcidae family. 

Body & Appearance: It features a yellowish-grey, elongated body with a characteristic dark longitudinal stripe on the underside. Its legs are exceptionally long and spindly, often featuring white and black rings at the joints.

Size: Males typically measure between 5–5.5 mm in body length.

Native Range: This species is primarily found in Spain and Sicily.

Unique Anatomy: The spinnerets (silk-producing organs) are situated in the middle of the abdomen rather than at the very tip, forming a conical protuberance. 

Fascinating Behaviors

The "Vibrating" Defense: Like most cellar spiders, when disturbed, they may rapidly pulse their bodies, making their entire web shake. This creates a "blur" that confuses potential predators.

Maternal Care: Females are known to carry their egg sacs in their mouthparts (chelicerae) until they hatch. They often do not feed during this time to protect the brood.

8-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPANISH CARPET MOTH (Scotopteryx peribolata)

The larvae feed on broom and gorse and probably also other Papilionaceae.

Scotopteryx peribolata inhabits maquis, open, dry and warm woodlands (edges, clearings) and rocky slopes.

The moths occur in September and October and larvae overwinter.

The Atlanto-Mediterranean species occurs from NW-Africa across the Iberian Peninsula to southern and western (Atlantic coast to Normandie) France. Single records also in S-England.

Wingspan 28-33 mm. This attractive geometer is resident in the Channel Islands, but otherwise only occurs sporadically as an immigrant along the south coast of England.

The adult moths occur in August and September and can be flushed in the daytime from the foodplant.

The caterpillars are greyish and feed on broom (Cytisus).

Scotopteryx peribolata, the Spanish carpet, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland and Great Britain, where it is found on the Channel Islands and on occasion along the southern coast of mainland Britain.

The larvae feed on Cytisus, Genista and Ulex species. They are greyish.

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Dolicharthria bruguieralis)

Dolicharthria bruguieralis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It is found from France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Greece and Turkey, east to Japan and Taiwan. It is also found in Africa, including Morocco, Algeria and South Africa.

The wingspan is about 17 millimetres (0.67 in).

It is so called on account of its pearly color.

6-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Crocallis auberti)

Crocallis auberti is a species of geometer moth within the family Geometridae and genus Crocallis, primarily found in Europe.

Here are the key facts regarding Crocallis auberti:

Classification: It belongs to the Animalia kingdom, Arthropoda phylum, Insecta class, and Lepidoptera order.

Distribution: This species is found in Europe, with specific records in Portugal and Spain.

Habitat & Identification: It belongs to a genus often found in warm habitats, such as scrublands and woodland edges. Crocallis species generally have robust, hairy bodies and males have feathered (pectinate) antennae.

Occurrence: It was recorded as present in Portugal according to GBIF Backbone Taxonomy

.Species Context: Crocallis auberti is one of several species in its genus, often confused with or discussed alongside other Mediterranean Crocallis species, including C. tusciaria or C. elinguaria, which are common in similar habitats.The Crocallis genus is known for its members being active in autumn and having larvae that are polyphagous, feeding on various shrubs.

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)

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.

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