27-8-2025 MUNTANYETA DEL SANS, ALBUFERA - COMMON TRIG (Trigonidium cicindeloides)

Trigonidium cicindeloides is a species of sword-tail cricket widespread in Africa, southern Europe, Asia, and Arabia. During mating season males make a sound created by vibrating the last two joints of their maxillary palpi. This is either to attract females for mating or to drive off other males.

The name "trig" comes from the subfamily name, Trigonidiinae, to which these insects belong. 

Appearance:

Trigs are small insects with long antennae. They can vary in color, such as the striking red-and-black Handsome Trig or the brown Say's Trig. 

Sensory Palps:

They have conspicuous, broadened palps, or mouthparts, that are constantly in motion, allowing them to "taste" their environment. 

Trigs are often found in grasses, bushes, and foliage, particularly in fields, meadows, and other grassy areas. 

27-8-2025 MUNTANYETA DEL SANS, ALBUFERA - SPONGE GOURD (Luffa aegyptiaca)

Luffa aegyptiaca, the sponge gourd, Egyptian cucumber or Vietnamese luffa, is an annual species of vine cultivated for its fruit, native to South and Southeast Asia.

The three-lobed leaves are 7.5–20 centimetres (3–8 inches) wide.

The fruit, approximately 30 cm (12 in) long and maturing to brown, resembles a cucumber in shape and size.

The synonymous botanical specific epithet "aegyptiaca" was given to this plant in the 16th century when European botanists were introduced to the plant from its cultivation in Egypt. In the European botanical literature, the plant was first described by Johann Veslingius in 1638, who named it "Egyptian cucumber". Veslingius also introduced the name "Luffa".

According to researchers in Florida, common cultivars for Luffa aegyptiaca include Smooth Boy, Smooth Beauty, and South Winner. 

The young fruit is eaten as a vegetable and is commonly grown for that purpose in tropical Asia. The young shoots, flowers and leaves can be cooked, and the mature seeds can be roasted for consumption.

Unlike the young fruit, the fully ripened fruit is strongly fibrous and inedible, and is used to make scrubbing bath sponges. Due to the use as a scrubbing sponge, it is also known by the common names dishrag gourd, rag gourd, sponge gourd, and vegetable-sponge. It is also called smooth luffa to distinguish it from the ridged luffa (Luffa acutangula), which is used for the same purposes.

An edible oil can be extracted from the seeds. The resulting oil meal can be fed to rabbits and catfish, or used as a fertilizer.

The fibrous skeleton of the fruit is used as a household scrubber. The fiber is xylem. It has semi-coarse texture and good durability.

Sponges made of sponge gourd for sale alongside sponges of animal origin (Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey).

Luffa has been cultivated throughout Asia for centuries for use as a household cleaning agent and is now, due to the gently abrasive quality of the natural fibers, a popular exfoliating agent in the eco-friendly cosmetic industry.[10] Owing to its striking yellow flowers, the plant is occasionally grown as an ornamental.

It requires much heat and a lot of water to thrive.However, Luffa aegyptiaca can be cultivated in temperate climates. Research from North Carolina suggests that commercial production of luffa in the United States could be economically viable.

Techniques that contribute to success in growing luffa include using black mulch to warm soil temperatures and transplants to increase the germination rate and extend the growing season. Narrow spacing may result in poorer quality sponges. It is best grown with a trellis support for its curled tendrils to hang on to.

27-8-2025 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - LIGHT PGYMY SKIPPER MOTH (Gegenes nostrodamus)

The Light Pygmy Skipper Moth is also known as the dingy swift or Mediterranean skipper, with the scientific name Gegenes nostrodamus. It is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae, characterized by its fast flight and preference for hot, dry, rocky areas near rivers and coasts. This butterfly is found across the Mediterranean, Anatolia, and into India, flying in multiple generations during the warmer months, with both males and females found in similar hot, sunny habitats.

 Common Names: Dingy swift, light pygmy skipper, Mediterranean skipper. 

Scientific Name: Gegenes nostrodamus. 

Family: Hesperiidae (Skippers). 

Appearance: It is a dark brown butterfly that can be distinguished from similar species by its fewer, less distinct white spots on the underside and the presence of long, dense hairs on the underside of the hindwing's leading edge (costa). 

Habitat: They inhabit hot, dry, rocky areas near rivers, streams, and coastal terraces. 

Flight: It is a migratory species with a very fast flight. 

Activity: Butterflies are often seen in summer and autumn. 

Male Behavior: Males establish territories in hot, dry areas to chase away other butterflies. 

Pollen Transfer: When visiting flowers, pollen sacks (pollina) stick to the next flower, facilitating pollination. 

Found from the Mediterranean region, through Anatolia, to Turkestan and India. 

It is a coastal species and can be found in areas like Spain, southeast France (where it might be extinct), and southeast Europe. 

Generations: Several generations can be seen during the spring and through the beginning of autumn.

Larval Stage: The larvae live in a tube constructed from a grass leaf and pupate there.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - DARK MOTTLED WILLOW MOTH (Spodoptera cilium)

Spodoptera cilium, known variously as dark mottled willow, lawn caterpillar and grasslawn armyworm, is a noctuid moth found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and western, southern, and south-east Asia and several countries in southern and eastern Europe. It is a migrant to northern Europe and has been recorded at least nine times in the United Kingdom.

The larva feeds on Oryza. It is sometimes a pest.

19-7-2025 AKUREYRI, ICELAND - LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)

The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull, distinguishable by its size and the coloration of its plumage. It is smaller than the European herring gull and exhibits a range of mantle colors across its subspecies, from dark grey to jet black.

Adult lesser black-backed gulls have yellow legs and a yellow bill with a red spot. Their wings and back are either black or dark grey, depending on the subspecies. In winter, the head becomes greyer. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a distinctive wing pattern. They can be differentiated from juvenile herring gulls by their darker, unbarred tertial feathers.

This species is found along coasts and lakes, where it breeds and feeds. It has adapted to urban environments in some cities, nesting alongside herring gulls.

The lesser black-backed gull breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and is migratory, wintering from the British Isles to West Africa. It has expanded its range to North America, particularly along the east coast, where it is now present year-round in increasing numbers.

21-8-2025 EL CANAL JUCARDE TURIA, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum.

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps, in 1840, in honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name). Its name is sometimes spelt fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Sympetrum fonscolombii can reach a body length of 38–40 millimetres (1.5–1.6 in). This species is similar to other Sympetrum species but a good view with binoculars should give a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen, redder than many other Sympetrum species. The frons and the thorax are red-brown. The eyes are brown above and blue/grey below. The wings have red veins and the wing bases of the hind-wings are yellow. The pterostigma is pale yellow with a border of black veins.

Female are similar but the abdomen is ochre yellow, not red, with two black lines along each side. The wings have yellow veins at the costa, leading edge and base, not red veins as found in the males. The legs of both sexes are mostly black with some yellow.

Immature males are like females but often with more red and a single line along each side of the abdomen.

21-8-2025 EL CANAL JUCARDE TURIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer montanus)

The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a charming passerine bird, easily recognized by its rich chestnut crown and nape, and a distinctive black patch on each pure white cheek. Both sexes are similarly adorned, and the juveniles mirror the adults, albeit with slightly duller hues. This species is somewhat smaller than the closely related house sparrow, and its size is approximately 12.5–14 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 21 cm.

To identify the Eurasian tree sparrow, look for the kidney-shaped black ear patch on each white cheek, the black chin and throat, and the light brown upperparts streaked with black. The wings bear two narrow white bars, and the legs are pale brown. The bill is lead-blue in summer, darkening almost to black in winter. Unlike the house sparrow, there is no sexual dimorphism in plumage, making both males and females equally easy to identify.

In Europe, the Eurasian tree sparrow is typically found in lightly wooded open countryside, while in eastern Asia, it is more common in urban settings. It prefers nesting in natural cavities, holes in buildings, or even the abandoned nests of other large birds. This species is not typically found in mountainous regions, despite its scientific name suggesting otherwise.

The Eurasian tree sparrow has a broad distribution across temperate Eurasia and Southeast Asia, and it has been introduced to other regions such as the United States. Its range extends from Europe across Asia to the Lena River and south to the northern regions of Turkey, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and North Korea.

The Eurasian tree sparrow is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks. It is sedentary in most of its range, but northern populations may migrate southward in winter. This species is known for its untidy nests and can breed in a variety of locations, from tree holes to urban structures.

The Eurasian tree sparrow does not have a true song but communicates with a series of excited "tschip" calls during courtship and other monosyllabic chirps for social interactions. Its flight call is a harsh "teck."

Breeding maturity is reached within a year, and the typical clutch consists of five or six eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 12-13 days, and the chicks fledge after 15-18 days. The species may raise two or three broods each year.

21-8-2025 EL CANAL JUCARDE TURIA, VALENCIA - BANDED GARDEN SPIDER (Argiope trifasciata)

Argiope trifasciata (the banded garden spider or banded orb weaving spider) is a species of spider native to North and South America, but now found around the world. It can be found in certain areas of Europe, namely the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. The similar looking Argiope bruennichi is common in the Azores. They typically begin to appear during autumn from early September to late October as temperatures start dropping. In Egypt, the type locality of this spider, females were found surviving the relatively warm winter months.

Their webs can reach a diameter of about 60 cm. The length of the web depends on the size of the spider. Webs are capable of reaching a total length of two meters.

In Illinois, Argiope trifasciata hatches in early summer but does not become readily notable until mid-August, when they have grown large enough to make their distinctive webs, which can be up to 60 cm (24 in) in diameter, among stems and bushes. The female rests at the centre of the web facing downwards, with her legs often arranged in pairs, making a cross shape; some female spiders conceal themselves in a hidden location close to the web, being alerted to a potential victim by a non-sticky thread leading to the center. Some segments of the web often have thicker threads known as stabilimenta forming a decorative pattern. Male spiders are much smaller than females and have their own small webs in close proximity to the females' webs. Argiope trifasciata is diurnal, and feeds on the insects that get snared in the web. Large, powerful prey like paper wasps, are swiftly wrapped in silk to immobilise them, before being injected with toxic saliva.

Subspecies

Argiope trifasciata deserticola Simon, 1906 (Sudan)

Argiope trifasciata kauaiensis Simon, 1900 (Hawaii)

The silk decorations of Argiope spiders are thought of as visual signals by researchers. Even though the purpose behind the silk decorations made by Argiope trifasciata remains uncertain, there are a few hypotheses: to make the spider appear larger and to act as a warning sign. It has been shown that webs containing stabilimenta catch fewer insects because they are less cryptic, but on the other hand these webs are less often damaged by birds flying through them.

25-7-2025 DUNMORE EAST, IRELAND - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

The Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis, is a small, unassuming bird of the passerine family. It measures between 14.5 to 15 cm in length and weighs a mere 15 to 22 grams. Its plumage is predominantly brown above and buff below, with darker streaks adorning most of its body. The tail is brown with narrow white edges, and it stands on pale pinkish-yellow legs. A distinctive feature is its notably long hind claw, surpassing the length of its other hind toes.

When identifying the Meadow Pipit, look for its streaked appearance and listen for its weak "tsi-tsi" call. In flight, observe its song, which is a simple, repetitive tune that increases in pace towards the end. The bird's small size and long hind claw are also key identification markers.

The Meadow Pipit favors open spaces such as pastures, bogs, and moorlands. It can also be found in low-intensity agricultural areas and, during winter, in saltmarshes and occasionally open woodlands.

This species breeds across the Palearctic, from Greenland and Iceland to the Ural Mountains, and south to central France and Romania. An isolated population resides in the Caucasus Mountains. While migratory over most of its range, wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, it remains resident year-round in western Europe.

The Meadow Pipit is a terrestrial bird, feeding on the ground and using elevated perches to scan for predators. It is known to move to the coast or lowlands during winter, even in areas where it is considered resident.

The call of the Meadow Pipit is a soft "tsi-tsi." Its song, delivered during a short song flight, is a simple melody that quickens as it progresses.

Nests are well-concealed on the ground in dense vegetation. Clutches typically contain two to seven eggs, which hatch after 11 to 15 days. Fledging occurs 10 to 14 days post-hatching, and the species often raises two broods per year. The Meadow Pipit is a frequent host for the cuckoo's parasitic breeding strategy.

Its diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, favoring prey less than 5 mm in length. During winter, it also consumes seeds from grasses, sedges, rushes, heather, and crowberry berries.

The Meadow Pipit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, there has been a noted decline in populations, particularly in French farmland, where numbers have dropped by 68% over the past 17 years.

23-10-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ANGLE BARRED PUG MOTH (Eupithecia innotata)

Eupithecia innotata, the angle-barred pug, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Johann Siegfried Hufnagel in 1767. It ranges from Spain in the west to western Siberia and Central Asia in the east.

There are three forms found in the British Isles:

E. innotata sensu stricto (angle-barred pug) is found only on the east and south-east coasts

f. fraxinata (ash pug) is widely distributed

The forewings are generally dark brown or grey with few distinguishing marks apart from a small white tornal spot which may not be present on the frequent melanic forms. They are crossed by darker oblique lines, which are angled on the front margin; the submarginal line is white and irregular, especially at each end. The wingspan is 18–24 mm.

Two broods are produced each year with the adults flying in May and June and again in August. Moths of the spring brood are usually darker in colour than the later specimens.

19-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Scopula asellaria)

Scopula asellaria is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1847. It is found in southern Europe and North Africa.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Silene species.

Subspecies

Scopula asellaria asellaria

Scopula asellaria dentatolineata (Wehrli, 1926) (Spain)

Scopula asellaria gerstbergeri (Hausmann, 1993) (Canary Islands)

Scopula asellaria isabellaria (Milliére, 1868) (Spain)

Scopula asellaria lenzi (Hausmann, 1993) (Morocco)

Scopula asellaria philipparia (Prout, 1913) (Algeria)

Scopula asellaria romanaria (Milliére, 1869) (Italy)

Scopula asellaria tripolitana (Turati, 1930) (Libya)

14-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TREE GRAYLING BUTTERFLY (Hipparchia statilinus)

Hipparchia statilinus, the tree grayling, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.

The species can be found in Central Europe, Southern Europe, North Africa, Anatolia and the Caucasus.

This butterfly can be found in dry, rocky, grassy and bushy areas at an elevation of 0–1,400 metres (0–4,593 ft) above sea level.

Hipparchia statilinus has a wingspan of 60–68 millimetres (2.4–2.7 in). These butterflies are rather variable, especially in the shades of brown present on the wings and in the intensity of the white bands. Usually the basic color of the upperside of the wings is dull brown in the male, lighter or ocher in the female, with a fringe on the edges. Two blind or very discreetly pupillated black eyespots are present on the forewings, while the hindwings show a very small eyespot.

The underside is marbled with ocher and dusty white bands. On the underside of each forewing there are two black eyespots ringed in yellow, the upper one with a white central spot. Between the two black eyespots there are two white spots. On the underside of the hindwings there may be a black spot near the posterior and anal margin. The caterpillars are greenish-beige with green-brownish longitudinal stripes.

15-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SNOUTED POTTER WASP (Rhynchium oculatum)

The Mediterranean Snouted Potter Wasp, scientifically known as Rhynchium oculatum, is a species of potter wasp found in the Mediterranean region. It's characterized by its black body with yellow markings, a long, constricted waist, and the ability to build mud nests. 

Classification:

Family: Vespidae (Hornets, paper wasps, and potter wasps)

Subfamily: Eumeninae (Potter and mason wasps)

Genus: Rhynchium

Species: Rhynchium oculatum 

Its Size is typically around one inch (2.5 centimeters) long. 

Predominantly black with yellow or white markings on the abdomen (lower body). 

Builds jug or pot-shaped nests from mud, where it rears its young and stores prey. 

Also known as the Mediterranean potter wasp, or the typical snouted potter wasp. 

It Inhabits the Mediterranean region.

The only Rhynchium species found on the Iberian Peninsula according to Shutterstock. 

Potter wasps are known for their hunting behavior, preying on other insects, which they paralyze and store in their nests to feed their larvae.

The Rhynchium oculatum plays a role in the ecosystem as a predator. 

17-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN HUMMINGBIRD HAWKMOTH (Macroglossum stellatarum)

The hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a species of hawk moth found across temperate regions of Eurasia. The species is named for its similarity to hummingbirds, as they feed on the nectar of tube-shaped flowers using their long proboscis while hovering in the air; this resemblance is an example of convergent evolution.

The hummingbird hawk-moth was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. As of 2018, its entire genome and mitogenome have been sequenced.

The hummingbird hawk-moth is distributed throughout the northern Old World from Portugal to Japan, but it breeds mainly in warmer climates (southern Europe, North Africa, and points east). Three generations are produced in a year in Spain. There is evidence that the population in the British Isles is actively expanding its range, as numbers have been consistently increasing. In addition, it is believed that this population is becoming resident instead of migratory, as warmer temperatures due to climate change are allowing individuals to overwinter.

It is a strong flier, dispersing widely in the summer. However it rarely survives the winter in northern latitudes (e.g. north of the Alps in Europe, north of the Caucasus in Russia).

Moths in the genus Hemaris, also of the family Sphingidae, are known as "hummingbird moths" in the US, and "bee moths" in Europe. This sometimes causes confusion between this species and the North American genus.

Two or more broods are produced each year. The adult may be encountered at any time of the year, especially in the south of the range, where there may be three or four broods. It overwinters as an adult in a crevice among rocks, trees, and buildings. On very warm days it may emerge to feed in mid-winter. Unlike other moths, they have no sexual dimorphism in the size of their antennal lobes.

10-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SOUTHERN GREEN STINK BUG (Nezara viridula)

Nezara viridula, commonly known as the southern green stink bug (USA), southern green shield bug (UK) or green vegetable bug (Australia and New Zealand), is a plant-feeding stink bug. Believed to have originated in Ethiopia, it can now be found across the world. Because of its preference for certain species of legumes, such as beans and soybeans, it is an economically important pest on such crops.

Nezara viridula is a cosmopolitan species, living in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Europe between 45 degrees north and 45 degrees south. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to have originated from the Ethiopia region of East Africa, from where it has spread around the world due to its strong flight and human transport along trade routes.

The adult males can reach a body length (from front to elytral apex) of about 12.1 millimetres (0.48 in), while females are bigger, reaching a size of about 13.1 millimetres (0.52 in). The body is usually bright green and shield-shaped and the eyes are usually reddish, but they may also be black. There is a row of three white spots on the scutellum. They differ from the similar green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris) by the shape of their scent gland openings, which are short and wide in N. viridula, and narrow and long in the green stink bug.

14-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - VENEZUELEN APPLE CACTUS (Cereus repandus)

Cereus repandus (syn. Cereus peruvianus), the Peruvian apple cactus, is a large, erect, spiny columnar cactus found in South America. It is also known as giant club cactus, hedge cactus, cadushi (in Papiamento and Wayuunaiki, and kayush.

Cereus repandus is grown mostly as an ornamental plant, but has some local culinary importance. The Wayuu from the La Guajira Peninsula of Colombia and Venezuela also use the inner cane-like wood of the plant in wattle and daub construction.

With an often tree-like appearance, its cylindrical gray-green to blue stems can reach 10 metres (33 feet) in height and 10–20 cm in diameter as a self-supporting plant. There are nine to ten rounded ribs that are up to 1 centimeter high. The small areoles on it are far apart. The gray, needle-like thorns are very variable. They are often numerous, but can also be missing entirely. The longest thorns are up to 5 centimeters long.

The large, cream-colored, nocturnal flowers remain open for only one night and are of vital importance to pollinating bats. The fruits, known locally as pitaya, olala (only in some parts of Bolivia) or Peruvian apple, are thornless and vary in skin colour from violet-red to yellow. The edible flesh is white and contains small, edible, crunchy seeds. The flesh sweetens as the fruit opens out fully. As the cactus grows in arid regions and fruits in the dry seasons, the fruit is an essential source of food for birds in its native range. Cereus repandus is often confused with others species in the genus cereus such as Cereus forbesii,Cereus jamacaru,Cereus hildmannianus, and Cereus hexagonus.

14-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BUNNY EARS CACTUS (Opuntia microdasys)

Opuntia microdasys (angel's-wings, bunny ears cactus, bunny cactus or polka-dot cactus) is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family, Cactaceae. It is native and endemic to central and northern Mexico.

Opuntia microdasys forms a dense shrub 40–60 cm tall, occasionally more, composed of pad-like stems 6–15 cm long and 4–12 cm broad.

Instead of spines it has numerous white or yellow glochids 2–3 mm long in dense clusters. They are barbed and thinner than the finest human hairs, detaching in large numbers upon the slightest touch. If not removed they will cause considerable skin irritation so the plants must be treated with caution. 

The Latin specific epithet microdasys means "small and hairy".

The yellow flowers appear only rarely. Despite this, it is a very popular cactus in cultivation, partly because of the young plant's comical resemblance to a rabbit's head. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Native to Mexico, naturalised in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania. One reason for the success of O. microdasys in desert habitats - at home and as an introduction - is its efficient fog collection ability. The hairs have the perfect structure and microstructure to capture and channel fog.

13-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LEAFHOPPER ASSASSIN BUG (Zelus renardii)

Zelus renardii, commonly known as the leaf hopper assassin bug, is a predacious insect contained within tribe Harpactorini. Diurnal and found on both wild and crop plants, Z. renardii has spread from its native habitats in western North and Central America into three other biogeographic regions across the globe.

Zelus renardii is considered a sister species to Z. cervicalis, as they share two unique characters: the lateral margins of dorsal phallothecal sclerite are recurved, and the medial process is strongly hooked apically.

The native range of Z. renardii extends over various climatic zones throughout mainland North and Central America at altitudes between 8m to 2000m above sea level.Native ranges include tropical, dry, semi-arid, arid, and Mediterranean climates. Additionally, Z. renardii also appears well suited to urban and disturbed areas, as it has been observed in suburban areas on both native and non-native herbaceous and woody plants, as well as common garden plants. Egg masses can frequently be found on vegetable plants. Z. renardii is also sympatric with Z. tetracantus over a large part of its range in western USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica, and other parts of Central America.

11-8-2025 - LA GARROFERA, VALENCIA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory passerine bird, recognized as the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail, known for its graceful flight and agile maneuvers. The adult male of the nominate subspecies is 17–19 cm in length, including elongated outer tail feathers, and has a wingspan of 32–34.5 cm. It is adorned with a rufous forehead, chin, and throat, which are set apart from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated, contributing to the iconic "swallow tail."

The barn swallow can be identified by its steel blue upperparts, a rufous face, and a dark blue breast band that separates the rufous from the off-white underparts. The deeply forked tail is a key characteristic, with a line of white spots across the upper tail's outer end. Females resemble males but have shorter tail streamers and less glossy blue coloring. Juveniles are browner with paler rufous faces and whiter underparts, lacking the adult's long tail streamers.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

This bird has a vast global range, breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Barn swallows are semi-colonial and may settle in groups. They exhibit site fidelity, often returning to the same location annually for breeding. The species is known for its aerial insectivory, catching insects in flight with remarkable agility.

11-8-2025 CANAL TRAVASE DE JUCAR, VALENCIA - SHORT TOED SNAKE EAGLE (Circaetus gallicus)

The Short-toed Snake Eagle, Circaetus gallicus, also known as the Short-toed Eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This raptor is distinguished by its predominantly white underside with greyish brown upper parts, and a pale, earthy brown chin, throat, and upper breast. The tail is marked with 3 or 4 bars. Notable features include an owl-like rounded head, strikingly yellow eyes, and lightly barred underwings. Adults range from 59 to 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 162 to 195 cm, and weigh between 1.2 and 2.3 kg.

In flight, the Short-toed Snake Eagle can be identified by its sizeable wingspan and characteristic white underside. The yellow eyes and rounded head are distinctive, as are the barring on the tail and underwings. When soaring, it holds its wings in a flat position, and it may hover like a kestrel when hunting.

The Short-toed Snake Eagle inhabits open cultivated plains, arid stony deciduous scrub areas, foothills, and semi-desert regions. It requires trees for nesting and open habitats, such as cultivations and grasslands, for foraging.

This Old World species is found across the Mediterranean basin, extending into Russia, the Middle East, parts of Western Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and some Indonesian islands. Northern populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter months.

The Short-toed Snake Eagle is known for its hunting prowess, specializing in reptiles, primarily snakes and lizards. It may engage in ground battles with larger snakes. Occasionally, it preys on small mammals and, rarely, birds and large insects. This eagle is generally silent but may emit musical whistling notes, especially during the breeding season.

While typically silent, the Short-toed Snake Eagle can produce a variety of musical whistling notes, particularly during the breeding season.

During breeding, the Short-toed Snake Eagle lays a single egg and can live up to 17 years. It nests in trees and requires open habitats for successful foraging to provide for its young.

The Short-toed Snake Eagle may be confused with other snake eagles or large raptors, but its distinctive white underside, yellow eyes, and hovering behavior help differentiate it from similar species.

The diet of the Short-toed Snake Eagle consists mostly of reptiles, with snakes being the primary food source. It hunts from the air, often soaring or hovering to spot prey before striking.

The Short-toed Snake Eagle is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its numbers have declined in Europe due to changes in agriculture and land use, necessitating protection to prevent further decreases in population. In the middle and far eastern parts of its range, the species is not yet threatened.

31-7-2025 MOLDE, NORWAY - GARDEN DAHLIA (BISHOP OF LLANDAFF)

'Bishop of Llandaff' is a cultivar of the dahlia, a garden plant. It is a branching, tuberous tender perennial with dark purple, almost black, foliage. This produces a stunning contrast with its scarlet flowers. The plant was first bred by Fred Treseder, a Cardiff nurseryman. It was selected by and named to honour Joshua Pritchard Hughes, Bishop of Llandaff, in 1924 and won the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1928. The plant is about 1 m tall and flowers from June until September. As with all dahlias, frost blackens its foliage, and in areas prone to frost its tubers need to be overwintered in a dry, frost-free place. The variety became very popular in the 1990s.

The simpler form (single or semi-double) of the flower makes the nectar and pollen more accessible to pollinating insects.

A seed strain has been produced from this plant called 'Bishops Children', they retain the dark foliage colour but produce a mix of flower colours and flower shapes from single to semi-double flowers in different sizes.

Plant Profile:

Height: 1.1 m (3+1⁄2 ft)

Spread: 45 cm (18 in)

Site: full sun

Soil: fertile, free-draining

Hardiness: half-hardy

Also comes in rich reds and purples, yellows and oranges, as well as paler shades.

9-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PYRALID SNOUT MOTH (Bostra obsoletalis)

Bostra obsoletalis is a species of moth in the family Pyralidae described by Josef Johann Mann in 1864. It is found in southern Europe, Yemen, Sudan, the Palestinian territories, Tunisia and Morocco.

The wingspan is 14–15 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August.

The etymology of Bostra obsoletalis refers to the genus name "Bostra," which is derived from the ancient Nabataean city of Bosra (also spelled Bostra). The species name "obsoletalis" is likely derived from the Latin word "obsoletus," meaning "worn out" or "faded," potentially referring to the moth's coloration or appearance.

10-8-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SICKLE BEARING LEAF KATYDID (Phaneroptera sparsa)

The "Sickle-bearing Leaf Katydid" refers to several species within the subfamily Phaneropterinae, specifically those belonging to the genera Phaneroptera and Ducetia. These insects are characterized by their sickle-shaped ovipositors in females and are commonly found in warm, grassy or shrubby areas. 

Key characteristics of Sickle-bearing Leaf Katydids:

Phaneroptera: This genus includes species like Phaneroptera falcata (Sickle-bearing Bush-cricket) and Phaneroptera sparsa (also known as Sickle-bearing Leaf Katydid). 

Appearance: They are typically green, slender insects with long antennae and wings that are longer than their body. 

Habitat: They are commonly found in warm, sunny areas such as grasslands, shrublands, and open woodlands. 

Diet: They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on plants. 

Geographic Distribution: They are found in various regions including Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and parts of Asia. 

Conservation Status: Phaneroptera sparsa is currently classified as "Least Concern" due to its widespread distribution and lack of identified threats. 

Katydids are usually considered gentle insects that aren't harmful to humans. Some people consider them garden pests; however, they usually don't cause serious damage to your plants or vegetables.

9-8-2025 PARC SAN PERE, GANDIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

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.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.

9-8-2025 PARC SAN PERE, GANDIA - 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.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.

Monogamous by nature, the Common Blackbird builds a neat, cup-shaped nest, often in dense shrubbery. The female lays three to five bluish-green eggs adorned with reddish-brown blotches. Both parents are involved in feeding the altricial chicks until they fledge.

The Common Blackbird can be confused with the Ring Ouzel or the Common Starling in Europe. In Asia, it has several similar-looking relatives, such as the Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese Blackbirds, which were once considered subspecies.

An omnivore, the Common Blackbird forages primarily on the ground for insects, earthworms, seeds, and berries. It is adept at pulling earthworms from the soil and foraging through leaf litter for other invertebrates.

The IUCN lists the Common Blackbird as Least Concern. It has a vast range and a large, stable population, though there have been localized declines due to changes in agricultural practices and urbanization.