15-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius ) is a species of chat. This thrush-like Old World flycatcher was formerly placed in the family Turdidae. It breeds in southern Europe, northwest Africa, and from Central Asia to northern China and Malaysia. The blue rock thrush is the official national bird of Malta and was shown on the Lm 1 coins that were part of the country's former currency.

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.

The European, north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India and southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe.

Blue rock thrush breeds in open mountainous areas. It nests in rock cavities and walls, and usually lays 3-5 eggs. An omnivore, the blue rock thrush eats a wide variety of insects and small reptiles in addition to berries and seeds.

15-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLACK PINE SAWYER BEETLE (Monochamus galloprovincialis)

Monochamus galloprovincialis, the pine sawyer beetle, also referred to as the black pine sawyer beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Olivier in 1795, originally under the genus Cerambyx. It has a wide distribution, occurring naturally throughout Europe and the Caucasus. It has also been introduced into the Canary Islands. It serves as a vector for the parasitic nematode species Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, and also acts as a host to the parasitoid wasp species Dolichomitus tuberculatus.

Adult beetles are strong fliers, and in flight mill experiments were, on average, able to fly 16 km over the lifetime of the beetle. The adult male produces an aggregation pheromone to attract females.

Subspecies

Monochamus galloprovincialis cinerascens Motschulsky, 1860

Monochamus galloprovincialis galloprovincialis (Olivier, 1795)

Monochamus galloprovincialis pistor (Germar, 1818)

Monochamus galloprovincialis tauricola Pic, 1912

(Monochamus galloprovincialis) is a species of longhorn beetle native to Europe and the Caucasus. It belongs to the family Cerambycidae and is primarily known for inhabiting coniferous forests, where it utilizes weakened or dying pine trees (Pinus spp.) for its larval development. It is highly notable in forestry as the primary vector for the devastating, invasive pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in Europe.

Physical Characteristics

Size: Adults typically measure between 12 and 26 mm in length.

Antennae: Possesses exceptionally long antennae characteristic of longhorn beetles. In males, the antennae can stretch to twice the length of the body.

Coloration: The body is generally brown-black to pure black. The elytra (wing cases) feature a mottled tapestry of black, grey, or yellowish-pubescent markings. This acts as highly effective camouflage against the rough bark of host pine trees.

Sexual Dimorphism: Antennal segments 3 through 11 are solid black in males. In females, the bases of these segments feature distinctly lighter, greyish pubescence.

Life Cycle and BehaviorMaturation 

Feeding: Upon emerging from pupation, young adults engage in "maturation feeding" for 10 to 15 days. They chew on the bark of thin twigs and young shoots of healthy pine trees, causing minor damage to the forest canopy.

Oviposition: Mated females excavate small slits into the bark of weakened, dying, or freshly logged pine trees to deposit their eggs.Larval Development: Legless larvae hatch and feed on the nutrient-rich phloem under the bark. They eventually bore deep into the inner wood (xylem). Their internal boring constructs linear galleries that end in a specialized pupal chamber.

Adult Emergence: After pupating, the adult chews its way outward. It exits the tree trunk via a distinct, perfectly circular emergence hole measuring 5 to 7 mm in diameter.

 Ecological & Economic Impact

While the beetle naturally targets weakened timber and helps cycle decaying wood, it functions as a critical biosecurity threat:

Vector of Pine Wilt Disease: M. galloprovincialis is the primary vector for the invasive pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) across European territories like Portugal and parts of Spain. When young adult beetles emerge from infested trees, they carry thousands of microscopic nematodes within their respiratory systems. During maturation feeding on healthy trees, the nematodes enter the feeding wounds, rapidly causing lethal pine wilt disease.

Mutualistic Exploitation: The relationship is mutually beneficial to a degree. The nematode needs the beetle for transit to new trees. The beetle benefits because the nematode kills healthy trees, generating an abundance of dead, ideal host material for the beetle to lay eggs.

Monitoring & Biosecurity: Due to the catastrophic threat to forestry, international agencies actively monitor the beetle's distribution. Black cross-vane traps baited with host volatiles (like α-pinene) and the beetle's male-produced aggregation pheromone (monochamol) are widely deployed to capture, monitor, and inspect beetle populations for nematode presence.

16-6-2021 EL SALER, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.

The primary call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking "fraaank." At breeding colonies, a variety of guttural and raucous noises can be heard, including greeting calls between mates and alarm calls when predators are nearby.

Breeding takes place in colonies, or heronries, typically in high trees near water. Nests are reused and added to each year. The breeding season sees a clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs laid, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old.

Grey Herons are apex predators within their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of aquatic creatures such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. They have also been known to consume small mammals and juvenile birds.

16-6-2021 EL SALER, VALENCIA - AUDOUIN'S GULL (Ichthyaetus audouinii)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/144522-Ichthyaetus-audouinii

 

16-6-2021 EL SALER, 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.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

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.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Squacco Heron as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

Non-breeding Squacco Herons share certain physical characteristics with other heron species such as the Indian Pond Heron and the Malagasy Pond Heron, including tawny plumage, lighter streaking, a smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.

16-6-2021 EL SALER, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/201282-Gallinula-chloropus

 

16-6-2021 EL SALER, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13858-Passer-domesticus

 

16-6-2021 EL SALER, VALENCIA - BLACK TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa)

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

27-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTEMADURA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/143294-Colias-croceus

 

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/578607-Galerida-cristata

 

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/145291-Emberiza-calandra

 

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - MEADOW BROWN BUTTERFLY (Maniola jurtina)

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

 

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - OLD WORLD SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Papilio machaon)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56529-Papilio-machaon

 

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - SPINY STARWORT (Pallenis spinosa)

Pallenis spinosa, commonly known as spiny starwort or spiny golden star, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Pallenis of the family Asteraceae. The Latin name of the genus is derived from palea (chaff), referring to the chaffy receptacle, while the species name spinosa, meaning spiny, refers to the spiny bracts surrounding the flowers.

Pallenis spinosa reaches on average 60 centimetres (24 in) of height. Leaves are alternate, lanceolate or elliptical. The basal ones have short petioles, while the cauline ones are sessile or semiamplexicaul. A solitary inflorescence grows at the top of the branches. The large, slightly convex receptacle shows numerous, yellowish orange, hermaphrodite disc florets and two whorls of yellow ray florets. The long, villous, involucral bracts end in an apical sharp-pointed spine. The flowering period extends from May through July. Fruits are achenes of about 2–2,5 millimeters of length.

This plant occurs in desert and coastal habitats of Southern Europe, North Africa, the Canary Islands and the Middle East.

These plants can survive in very dry environments and can be found on uncultivated sunny lands and on the roadsides at 0–1,400 metres (0–4,593 ft) above sea level.

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - COMMON HEDGE PARSLEY (Torilis arvensis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56846-Torilis-arvensis

 

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - 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.

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - WILD CARROT (Daucus carota)

Daucus carota, whose common names include wild carrot, European wild carrot, bird's nest, bishop's lace, and Queen Anne's lace (North America), is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to temperate regions of the Old World and was naturalized in the New World.

Domesticated carrots are cultivars of a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp. sativus.

Similar in appearance to the deadly poison hemlock, D. carota is distinguished by a mix of tripinnate leaves, fine hairs on its solid green stems and on its leaves, a root that smells like carrots, and occasionally a single dark red flower in the center of the umbel. Hemlock is also different in tending to have purple mottling on its stems, which also lack the hairiness of the plain green Queen Anne's lace (wild carrot) stems. Both plants have been spread into North America by European settlers and have become common wildflowers; Daucus carota is often known as Queen Anne's lace there. Anne, Queen of Great Britain is the Queen Anne for whom the plant is named. It is so called because the inflorescence resembles lace, prominent in fine clothing of the day; the red flower in the center is said to represent a droplet of blood where Queen Anne pricked herself with a needle when she was making the lace.

31-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - WESTERN GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea ssp. cinerea)

The term "western grey heron" is a variation of Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), a large, long-legged wading bird found in wetlands across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has grey upperparts, a white head with black stripes leading to a crest, and a yellowish-pink bill. Known for its calm foraging behavior, it hunts by standing still and striking quickly at fish, amphibians, and small mammals. 

Appearance

Plumage: Ashy-grey on the back and wings, with a greyish-white underside.

Head: White with a black stripe running from above the eye to the back of the head, where it forms a crest.

Neck: Light colored with dark streaks on the front.

Bill: Long, strong, and yellowish-pink, becoming brighter in the breeding season.

Legs: Long and brownish.

Size: Stands about 1 meter tall with a wingspan of around 1.75 meters. 

Behavior and diet

Foraging: Stalks or stands motionless in the water, waiting for prey to come close.

30-5-2021 PERALVILLO, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian Coot is all-black and larger than its cousin, the Moorhen. It has a distinctive white beak and 'shield' above the beak which earns it the title 'bald'. Its feet have lobed flaps of skin on the toes which act in the same way as webbed feet when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards others.

European Coot, also known as the Eurasian Coot, is a bird species commonly found in Europe and Asia. They belong to the Rallidae family and are easily recognizable by their black plumage and distinctive white beak.

Here are 10 interesting facts about the European Coot:

European Coots have a wingspan of up to 75 cm and can weigh up to 1.2 kg.

These birds are excellent swimmers and divers, using their lobed toes to propel through the water.

European Coots are omnivores and feed on various foods, including aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.

During the breeding season, these birds are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nests against intruders.

European Coots have a unique way of feeding their chicks, producing a particular type of milk in their crop that they regurgitate and feed to their young.

These birds are highly adaptable and can live in various habitats, from lakes and rivers to city parks and gardens.

European Coots have distinctive white beaks and red eyes, thought to be an adaptation for better underwater vision.

These birds are monogamous during the breeding season but may mate with different partners in subsequent years.

European Coots have a lifespan of up to 17 years in the wild.

Despite their common name, European Coots are also found in parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea.

 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.

1-6-2021 PUEBLA DON RODRIGO, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

The European greenfinch, or simply greenfinch, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. Exhibiting a predominantly green plumage with yellow accents on the wings and tail, the male is a vibrant sight, while the female and juveniles are more subdued with brownish tones. This bird measures approximately 15 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 24.5 to 27.5 cm, resembling the size and shape of a house sparrow.

To identify the European greenfinch, look for its thick and conical bill, a characteristic of seed-eating birds. The male's plumage is a striking green with yellow flashes on the wings and tail, whereas the female and young birds are more muted with brownish backs. The male's display flight is akin to a butterfly, a dance to charm its mate.

The greenfinch favors woodland edges, farmland hedges, and gardens with dense vegetation for breeding. It nests in trees or bushes within these habitats.

1-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RUNNING CRAB SPIDER (Family Philodromidae)

Philodromidae, also known as philodromid crab spiders and running crab spiders, is a family of araneomorph spiders first described by Tord Tamerlan Teodor Thorell in 1870 (then known as subfamily Philodrominae within Thomisidae). It contains over 500 species in thirty genera.

The most common genus is Philodromus which is widespread, similar to Ebo. Other common genera include the elongate grass-dwelling Tibellus and the widespread Thanatus, which includes the house crab spider that commonly captures flies on and in buildings.

2-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WOOD LEOPARD MOTH (Zeuzera pyrina)

Zeuzera pyrina, the leopard moth or wood leopard moth, is a moth of the family Cossidae.

It is considered a pest by fruit growers, as the larvae feed on branches of many kinds of fruit trees (see list below). Olive trees in particular are very susceptible and can be killed by the larvae burrowing within them.

This species can be found primarily in Europe (excluding Ireland) but also in northern Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco) and Asia (Taiwan, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey). It was introduced into the northeastern United States prior to 1879 and has a range extending from Maine, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

These moths are associated with woodland, gardens and orchards.

Zeuzera pyrina has a wingspan of 35–60 mm. This is a highly distinctive species. The male is slightly smaller than the female. The length of the abdomen of the female is about 45–50 mm. These moths have a white head, with a black forehead and a very furry white thorax marked with six black spots. The abdomen is black, with short white hair-like scales on the posterior edge of each segment and a flat brush of scales on the apex. Forewings are whitish, long and narrow, with numerous black spots or black spots with white interior spots, arranged in rows along the veins. Hindwings are translucent, except in the anal area, with small black spots. In addition to the dimensions, the two sexes differ in the shape of the antennas, thinner in the female, while in the male they are markedly bipectinate, with the exception of terminals articles.

The moth flies from June to September depending on the location. The caterpillars are xylophagous. They feed on the wood of various deciduous trees and shrubs (see list below), feeding internally for two or three years in the stems and branches before emerging to pupate under the bark. It can be a pest of fruit production.

2-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GOLDWING MOTH (Synthymia fixa)

 The Goldwing moth (Synthymia fixa) is a small, specialized moth known for its striking, hidden coloration and limited habitat range in southern Europe and North Africa. It belongs to the Erebidae family, specifically within the subfamily often referred to as underwing moths. 

Here are key facts about the Goldwing moth (Synthymia fixa):

Physical Characteristics

Appearance: They are small, with a wingspan of only 37–40 mm. The forewings are typically brown, providing excellent camouflage when at rest.

Hidden Colors: When disturbed, they reveal bright orange or golden hindwings. This sudden flash of color is a defense mechanism intended to surprise predators.

Appearance in Flight: They are often described as small brown moths that appear bright orange when flying in the countryside.

Flight Time: They are primarily seen in late spring, particularly April and May.

Day-Flying: While many moths are nocturnal, Goldwings can be seen flying during the day, particularly when disturbed from their resting spots.

Habitat: They prefer warm regions and are found in the Maltese islands, parts of southern Europe, and North Africa. 

Host Plant: The caterpillars feed exclusively on Bitumen Vetch (Bituminaria bituminosa), which is also known as Pitch Clover or Silla tal-mogħoż in Malta.

Habitat Association: Due to their specialized diet, the moths are found in close proximity to patches of Bitumen Vetch. 

Distribution: While common in certain Mediterranean areas, they are not a resident British species, with only a single, historic report of one being caught in Devon in 1937.

Visibility: In good years, they can be seen in large numbers fluttering through patches of their host plant in the Maltese countryside.