Tuesday, 24 November 2020
24-11-2020 MARJALES DE INTERIOR, ALBUFERA - BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)
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The booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus, is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a stature comparable to the common buzzard. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger, weighing approximately 840–1,025 grams, while males are lighter at 510–770 grams. The species measures around 40 cm in length and boasts a wingspan ranging from 110 to 132 cm. It is characterized by two distinct plumage morphs: a pale variant with light grey feathers and a darker head and flight feathers, and a darker morph with mid-brown plumage and dark grey flight feathers.
When identifying the booted eagle, look for the white markings on the wings, often referred to as "landing lights," which are visible when the bird is in flight. The pale morph is dominant, but the darker morph can be more prevalent in certain eastern populations. The call of the booted eagle is a distinctive shrill "kli-kli-kli."
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The booted eagle favors wooded, often hilly landscapes with some open areas. It breeds in rocky, broken terrain but is adaptable during migration, utilizing a variety of habitats except dense forests.
This raptor has a wide distribution, breeding in southern Europe, North Africa, and across Asia, with a disjunct breeding population in southwestern Africa. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while the southern African populations are sedentary.
The booted eagle is typically observed flying at low altitudes, making it quite conspicuous. It is often seen in pairs or as solitary individuals. The species is known for its sophisticated courtship rituals involving elaborate flight displays.
The booted eagle's vocalization is a piercing "kli-kli-kli," which can be heard during its flight.
ure, the booted eagle lays 1-2 eggs in a nest constructed from sticks and lined with green leaves, either in a tree or on a crag. The female incubates the eggs for about 45 days, while the male provides food. After hatching, the female continues to guard the nest and the young, with the male supplying all the nourishment until the chick fledges after 70-75 days.
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The dark morph of the booted eagle may be confused with other local medium-sized birds of prey due to its coloration and size.
The booted eagle hunts small mammals, reptiles, and birds, often stooping from flight with wings folded and feet extended to capture its prey. In Southern Africa, birds are the most common prey, although frogs are also suggested to be an important dietary component elsewhere.
The booted eagle is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, there is a notable lack of research on this species, particularly the Southern African populations, which were only discovered in the 1980s. Changes in climate and human land use may influence migration patterns, underscoring the need for further study to understand the ecology and conservation status of this species.
Sunday, 22 November 2020
22-11-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)
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The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.
Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.
The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.
22-11-2020 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)
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In the field, look for the Common Chiffchaff's short whitish supercilium, fine dark bill, and dark legs. Its primary projection is short, and the plumage may appear duller and browner as it wears. Juveniles are browner above with yellow-white underparts, but they soon acquire brighter plumage after their first moult.
The Common Chiffchaff breeds in open woodlands with a mix of taller trees and ground cover across northern and temperate Europe, Asia, and parts of north Africa. It prefers woodland with trees at least 5 meters high and an undergrowth of grasses and nettles.
This species has a vast breeding range, extending from Europe to eastern Siberia and northward to about 70 N. It winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia, and north Africa. The Common Chiffchaff is one of the earliest spring migrants to return to its breeding grounds and one of the last to depart in autumn.
22-11-2020 LA FONT EN CARROS, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)
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The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, charismatic passerine bird, exhibiting a blend of dark and vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by their dark grey to black upperparts and breast, with a striking orange-red rump and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, with grey to grey-brown feathers and the same vivid tail coloration that is the hallmark of the species.
Adult males are easily identified by their dark upperparts and black breast, contrasting with the orange-red lower rump and tail. The belly and undertail may vary from blackish-grey to orange-red, depending on the subspecies. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with overall greyer tones and a distinctive orange-red rump and tail. The presence of pale fringes on the secondaries forms a whitish wing panel in some subspecies.
The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.
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This species is widely distributed across south and central Europe, Asia, and north-west Africa. It is a resident in milder regions, while populations in the northeast migrate to warmer areas during winter.
The Black Redstart is known for its robin-like movements, including quick ducks of the head and body, and frequent tail flicking. Males possess a rattling song and a tick call, adding to their distinctive presence.
The Black Redstart's vocal repertoire includes a variety of calls, which differ among subspecies. The male's song is a rattling melody, while its call is a sharp 'tick', often heard during its active foraging.
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Typically monogamous, the Black Redstart begins breeding in mid-April. Nests are built by females in sheltered nooks, lined with soft materials. Clutches consist of 4 to 6 eggs, incubated primarily by the female. Both parents tend to the fledglings, which leave the nest after 12 to 19 days.
The Common Redstart shares some similarities but can be distinguished by its different behavior, ecological requirements, and less dark plumage.
The Black Redstart's diet includes insects, which it often catches mid-flight. It is also known to forage in coastal areas for tiny crustaceans and flies.
The IUCN Red List classifies the Black Redstart as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.
Thursday, 19 November 2020
20-11-2020 GALISTEO, CACERAS - BLACK STORK (BLACK STORK (ciconia nigra)
The black stork (Ciconia nigra) is a large bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae. Measuring on average 95 to 100 cm (37 to 39 in) from beak tip to end of tail with a 145-to-155 cm (57-to-61 in) wingspan, the adult black stork has mainly black plumage, with white underparts, long red legs and a long pointed red beak. A widespread but uncommon species, it breeds in scattered locations across Europe (predominantly in Portugal and Spain, and central and eastern parts), and east across the Palearctic to the Pacific Ocean. It is a long-distance migrant, with European populations wintering in tropical Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asian populations in the Indian subcontinent. When migrating between Europe and Africa, it avoids crossing broad expanses of the Mediterranean Sea and detours via the Levant in the east, the Strait of Sicily in the center, or the Strait of Gibraltar in the west. An isolated, non-migratory, population occurs in Southern Africa.
19-11-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)
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The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.
Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.
The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.
19-11-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - REED BUNTING (Emberiza schoeniclus) (FEMALE)
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The common reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus, is a passerine bird of medium size, measuring between 13.5 and 15.5 cm in length. It belongs to the Emberizidae family, a group distinct from the finches. The male is characterized by a striking black head and throat, a white collar, and underparts, with a brown back heavily streaked with black. The female, in contrast, is more subdued in coloration, with a streaked brown head and more pronounced streaking on the underside.
When identifying the common reed bunting, look for the male's distinctive black head and white collar, which are particularly noticeable during the breeding season. The female can be identified by her streaked appearance, which provides excellent camouflage in her reedbed habitat.
This species thrives in reedbeds but is also known to breed in drier open areas such as moorland and cultivated land. It is particularly associated with the purple moor grass and rush pastures, indicative of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats in the UK.
The common reed bunting has a broad breeding range across Europe and extends into much of the Palearctic. While many birds migrate southwards in winter, populations in the milder south and west of its range tend to be resident.
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The common reed bunting exhibits a diet that varies seasonally; insects are the primary food source when feeding young, while seeds predominate at other times. The male's song, a repetitive "srip," is a familiar sound within its habitat.
The breeding season for the common reed bunting typically commences in early April and can last until late August. The species is monogamous, with both parents involved in raising the offspring. Nests are constructed from twigs, grass, and reeds, lined with finer materials like hair, moss, and rootlets, often situated in a bush or reed tussock. The clutch usually consists of 4-5 olive-grey eggs, adorned with characteristic hair-like markings.
While the common reed bunting is distinctive, it may be confused with other bunting species. Careful observation of the head patterns and habitat use can aid in correct identification.
The diet of the common reed bunting adapts to the seasonal availability of food sources, with a preference for seeds but a reliance on insects during the breeding season to feed the young.
The IUCN classifies the common reed bunting as Least Concern, with an estimated European population of at least 4.8 million pairs. Despite this, there have been reports of population declines in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, indicating the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
19-11-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)
The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.
The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.
Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.
This species is migratory by nature, seeking the warmer climates of Africa to spend the winter. It is seldom seen north of its breeding grounds. The Squacco Heron has been observed as a vagrant in the Fernando de Noronha islands and, on rarer occasions, in mainland South America. It nests in modest colonies, often in the company of other wading birds, and constructs its nests from sticks on platforms in trees or shrubs.
The Squacco Heron selects freshwater locales across Europe and the Middle East to breed, later migrating southward to the Sub-Saharan African region. During the breeding season, they lay a clutch of three to four eggs.
Adept at foraging, the Squacco Heron feeds on a diet consisting of fish, frogs, and insects, making the most of its wetland environment.
Tuesday, 17 November 2020
16-11-2020 LORCHA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)
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The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.
Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.
The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.
Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.
Monday, 16 November 2020
Sunday, 15 November 2020
16-11-2020 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.
15-11-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)
The common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, is a bird of prey from the kestrel group within the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In the United Kingdom, it is often simply referred to as the "kestrel." This raptor is small compared to other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds, with long wings and a distinctive long tail.
Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in their plumage. The male has a blue-grey cap and tail with a black tip bordered by a narrow white rim. Its back is chestnut with black spots, and the underside is buff with black streaks. The female is larger and lacks the blue-grey coloring, having a brown back with black bars and a similar underside to the male. Both sexes have a prominent black malar stripe, bright yellow cere, feet, and eye-ring, with dark toenails, bill, and iris.
The common kestrel favors open habitats such as fields, heaths, shrubland, and marshland. It does not require woodland but needs alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It thrives in treeless steppes and can adapt to human settlements and various landscapes, from wetlands to arid savannas.
The common kestrel is diurnal and can be sedentary or migratory, depending on the region. It is known for its characteristic hunting behavior, hovering 10-20 meters above the ground before diving steeply onto prey. It is also capable of seeing ultraviolet light, which aids in detecting the urine trails of small mammals.
Breeding occurs in spring or the start of the dry season, with the kestrel preferring cavity nests in cliffs, trees, or buildings. Clutches typically consist of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The young fledge after 4-5 weeks and stay with the family for a short period thereafter.
The common kestrel's diet consists almost exclusively of mouse-sized mammals, such as voles, shrews, and true mice. It may also consume small birds, particularly during the summer when fledglings are abundant. Invertebrates and arthropods can be significant food sources seasonally.
The common kestrel was formally described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae under the current binomial name Falco tinnunculus. Linnaeus specified the type location as Europe but restricted this to Sweden in 1761. The genus name is Late Latin from falx, falcis, a sickle, referencing the claws of the bird. The species name tinnunculus is Latin for "kestrel" from "tinnulus", "shrill". The Latin name tinnunculus had been used by the Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner in 1555. The word "kestrel" is derived from the French crécerelle which is diminutive for crécelle, which also referred to a bell used by lepers. The word is earlier spelt 'c/kastrel', and is evidenced from the 15th century. The kestrel was once used to drive and keep away pigeons. Archaic names for the kestrel include windhover and windfucker, due to its habit of beating the wind (hovering in air).
15-11-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (MALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)
The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, charismatic passerine bird, exhibiting a blend of dark and vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by their dark grey to black upperparts and breast, with a striking orange-red rump and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, with grey to grey-brown feathers and the same vivid tail coloration that is the hallmark of the species.
Adult males are easily identified by their dark upperparts and black breast, contrasting with the orange-red lower rump and tail. The belly and undertail may vary from blackish-grey to orange-red, depending on the subspecies. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with overall greyer tones and a distinctive orange-red rump and tail. The presence of pale fringes on the secondaries forms a whitish wing panel in some subspecies.
The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.
This species is widely distributed across south and central Europe, Asia, and north-west Africa. It is a resident in milder regions, while populations in the northeast migrate to warmer areas during winter.
The Black Redstart is known for its robin-like movements, including quick ducks of the head and body, and frequent tail flicking. Males possess a rattling song and a tick call, adding to their distinctive presence.
The Black Redstart's vocal repertoire includes a variety of calls, which differ among subspecies. The male's song is a rattling melody, while its call is a sharp 'tick', often heard during its active foraging.
Typically monogamous, the Black Redstart begins breeding in mid-April. Nests are built by females in sheltered nooks, lined with soft materials. Clutches consist of 4 to 6 eggs, incubated primarily by the female. Both parents tend to the fledglings, which leave the nest after 12 to 19 days.
The Black Redstart's diet includes insects, which it often catches mid-flight. It is also known to forage in coastal areas for tiny crustaceans and flies.
15-11-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - 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.
The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.
This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.
The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.
Saturday, 14 November 2020
10-11-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.
Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.
In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents; northern populations, including many European birds, migrate to Africa and southern Asia to over-winter there. The birds may also wander north in late summer after the breeding season, and their tendency to disperse may have assisted in the recent expansion of the bird's range. At one time common in Western Europe, it was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase. By the beginning of the 21st century the bird was breeding again in France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Britain. Its range is continuing to expand westward, and the species has begun to colonise the New World; it was first seen in Barbados in 1954 and first bred there in 1994.
12-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WOLF SPIDER (Alopecosa albofasciata)
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Alopecosa is a spider genus in the family Lycosidae (wolf spiders), with about 160 species. They have a largely Eurasian distribution, although some species are found in North Africa and North America.
Most species grow up to 2 cm. Alopecosa females make a burrow in which they deposit their egg sac. The female then stays in the burrow guarding the sac until the eggs hatch.[citation needed]
Alopecosa inquilina
The species in this genus have been traditionally grouped into sibling species complexes (groups) based on morphological characters, but, as morphology-based taxonomy can be unreliable, alternative methods have also been employed to identify species correctly. For example, differences in observed courtship and copulation behaviour have proved to be a useful tool for species identification and delimitation, particularly in cryptic species. Molecular techniques have also been applied to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships between some species.
Friday, 13 November 2020
12-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)
Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.
Physical characteristics Size: Adults grow to about \(15-20\) cm long, with the tail making up two-thirds of the total length.Body shape: They are slender with a long tail, a narrow head, and long, thin toes.Color: Dorsal colors are typically grey-brown with varied patterns. Females tend to have more prominent longitudinal stripes, while males are often smaller. Some individuals also have ventral color variations, including yellow, orange/red, and white morphs.
Habitat and behavior Habitat: The species is adaptable and can be found in various environments, including rocky areas, shrubby vegetation, and even human settlements.Distribution: Its range extends from the Rhône Valley in France to the Sierra Nevada in Spain.
Activity: They are diurnal and active, often seen basking, foraging, and hiding in vegetation.Diet: They feed on small invertebrates and sometimes fruit.Reproduction: As an oviparous (egg-laying) species, females lay an average of 2.80 eggs per clutch in continental populations.
13-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Dyscia)
Dyscia is a genus of moths belonging to the large family Geometridae. These moths are part of the subfamily Ennominae, known for their specific larval, adult, and genetic characteristics.
Here are key facts regarding the genus Dyscia and its characteristics:
Taxonomy and DistributionScientific Name: Dyscia (Family Geometridae).
Origin: The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825.Distribution: Species in this genus are primarily found in Europe and Asia Minor, with specialized species found in regions such as the Balkan Peninsula.Species
Examples: Dyscia conspersaria (found in southeastern Central Europe/Asia Minor) and Dyscia intermedia (a species identified in Serbia).
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Appearance: Like other geometer moths, Dyscia moths tend to have thin, slender bodies and broad wings, which they often hold flat against surfaces.
Coloration: They frequently feature cryptic, mottled, or grayish-brown patterns designed to blend in with their environment, such as rocks or twigs.
Antennae: Males in this genus often have feathered or pectinate antennae to detect female pheromones.
Habits: These moths are primarily nocturnal but can be found resting on vegetation or surfaces during the day.
Habitat Preference: They are often found in dry or rocky areas, with many species classified as xerophilic (preferring dry environments) or xero-mesophilic.
Life Cycle (Inchworms)Larvae (Inchworms): The caterpillars are called "inchworms" or "spanworms" because they appear to "measure the earth" by moving in a distinctive looping motion.
Looping Motion: Unlike most caterpillars, they lack many of the middle prolegs, possessing them only at the very rear.
Camouflage: The larvae often mimic twigs, standing erect and motionless to avoid predators.
Similar SpeciesDyscia intermedia is specifically noted to be very similar in appearance to Dyscia raunaria and Dyscia royaria, making it difficult to distinguish them without examining the genitalia.Dyscia moths, like many geometer species, are important ecological components of their habitats, acting as pollinators and food sources for birds and other predators.
13-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JASMINE MOTH (Palpita vitrealis)
Palpita vitrealis, common name jasmine moth or white pearl, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae.
This species occurs worldwide, including Africa (Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa),Asia, Australia and Europe. In Europe, it is mainly found in southern Europe, but may be found further north.
The wingspan of Palpita vitrealis can reach 27–31 mm. The body and the wings are translucent with a slight sheen. Eyes are large and reddish-brown. On the upper edge of the forewings is present a rather broad orange or brown border. The forewings also show two black spots in the middle. Legs are white and brown ringed.
These moths mainly fly from August till late October, depending on the location. They feed on nectar of various flowers, including ivy and buddleia. This species shows a migratory nature. The larvae are initially yellow, later becoming green. They can grow to a length of about 2 cms. They feed on the leaves of the host plants, mainly jasmine (Jasminum officinale), privet (Ligustrum species), Forsythia, Arbutus unedo and european olive (Olea europaea). In Africa the preferred host plants are Sida rhombifolia, Grewia, Helicteres isora, Schima noronhae and Randia scortechinii. The larvae are considered a pest of olive fields, as they attack the leaves and fruits. The final instar of the larvae spins some leaves together and form a silky cocoon to pupate.
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