https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/83845-Oxyopes
Wednesday, 2 June 2021
25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - COMB CLAWED DARKLING BEETLE (Heliotaurus ruficollis)
Heliotaurus ruficollis (Fabricius, 1781) is a common Mediterranean comb-clawed beetle (family Tenebrionidae) recognized by its shiny black body, dark red thorax (pronotum), and 9–11 mm size. Often called the "toro del sol" (sun bull), these diurnal beetles are found in sunny, flower-rich habitats from April to June, where they feed on pollen and nectar, acting as pollinators.
Key Facts about Heliotaurus ruficollis:
Appearance: They have a black head, reddish thorax (pronotum), and black elytra (wing covers) that may show subtle blue tints, along with long legs.
Habitat and Distribution: Highly common in the Western Mediterranean region, including Spain and North Africa, residing in meadows, gardens, and shrublands.
Diet and Behavior: Adults are strictly floricolous (flower-living), feeding on pollen and nectar. They are highly active during the hottest, sunniest hours.
Larval Stage: Larvae are saprophagous, living in the soil or decaying wood, where they contribute to nutrient recycling.
Ecological Role: They are considered beneficial pollinators, though they can sometimes be seen in large numbers on flowers.
Seasonality: Visible primarily during spring, from April to June.
Classification: Belong to the order Coleoptera, family Tenebrionidae (darkling beetles), and subfamily Alleculinae.
2-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PINK CRAB SPIDER (Thomisus onustus)
Thomisus onustus is a crab spider belonging to the genus Thomisus. These spiders are found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. T. onustus reside in flowers in lowland vegetation. Females are distinguished by their larger size and ability to change color between white, yellow, and pink as a means of matching flower color. This cryptic mimicry allows them to both evade predators and enhance insect prey capture abilities. Males are smaller, more slender, and drab in coloration, usually green or brown. T. onustus is also distinguished from other relatives by its distinct life cycle patterns in which spiderlings emerge in either late summer or early spring. Furthermore, T. onustus have developed a mutualistic relationship with host plants where spiders feed on and/or deter harmful florivores while benefiting from the plant's supply of pollen and nectar, which T. onustus spiders are able to use as food sources, especially during periods of low insect prey abundance.
T. onustus is a medium-sized spider that exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females between lengths of 7–11 mm and smaller males ranging between lengths of 2–4 mm. Females are heavy-bodied and mostly stationary, whereas males are slender and more motile. Females have a pink, yellow, or white prosoma and males are brown to green-yellow in color. Both sexes have a triangular opisthosoma. This species can be distinguished from its close relative Thomisus zyuzini by its long ventral tibial apophysis and retrolateral tibial apophysis, the arrangement of the basal tibia tubercle on the male palp, and the circular intromittent orifice, which is oriented anteriad in the epigynum.
Tuesday, 1 June 2021
24-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra)
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The corn bunting (Emberiza calandra) is a robust passerine bird, a member of the bunting family Emberizidae. It is distinguished by its heavily streaked buff-brown plumage. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the male is slightly larger than the female. This bird is often likened to larks due to its streaked appearance and shares the same open habitat preference.
When observing the corn bunting, look for a large bunting with a dark eye and yellowish mandibles. The bird's lack of showy colors, particularly on the head, sets it apart from other Emberiza species. The underparts are streaked across the flanks and breast, with the streaking forming a gorget around the throat. Notably, the lesser wing coverts are dark with white tips, and the tail is a plain brown.
The corn bunting is typically found in open country with trees, such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It prefers areas where it can forage for seeds and insects on the ground.
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This species has a wide range, extending from Western Europe and North Africa to northwestern China. It is mainly resident, but some populations in colder regions migrate southwards in winter.
The corn bunting is known for its territorial behavior during the breeding season. Males can be polygynous, with some having up to three females. The sex ratio is generally balanced, leading to some males remaining unmated each season. Males contribute minimally to parental care, only feeding the chicks when they are more than half-grown.
The male corn bunting's song is a distinctive metallic sound, often compared to the jangling of keys. This song is typically delivered from an elevated perch such as a low bush, fence post, or telephone wire.
The corn bunting's nest is constructed from grass and lined with hair or fine grass, usually situated on the ground. Clutch sizes average four eggs but can range from three to six. Males are not involved in nest building or incubation but may feed the chicks at later stages.
The diet of the corn bunting consists mainly of seeds, supplemented by insects like crickets, which are particularly important when feeding young.
The corn bunting is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it has experienced significant declines in parts of north-west Europe due to intensive agriculture. Conservation efforts, such as those by Natural England, offer grants to support measures that help conserve this species.
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