Charissa mucidaria, the coppery taupe, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jacob Hübner in 1799. It is found in southern Europe and North Africa (including Morocco).
The wingspan is 20–30 mm. Adults are on wing from March to May and again from July to September.
The larvae feed on Sedum, Anagallis, Polygonum and Rumex species.
This common widespread species can be found in most of Europe (as a migrant), in the entire Afrotropical realm, North Africa, in the Near East and Central Asia, in the western Indomalayan realm (not known east of Myanmar.) In the United Kingdom it is only a sporadic migrant. These moths inhabit dry open places, meadows, shrublands, grasslands and parks.
The wingspan of Utetheisa pulchella can reach 29–42 mm. The front wings are narrow, white or cream coloured with a variable pattern of numerous small black spots located between the larger-sized bright red spots. Sometimes the red spots are merged to transversal bands. The hindwings are wide, white, with an irregular black border along the outer edge and two black markings in the middle of the cell. The head and thorax range from cream colour to buff yellow, with the same pattern as the wings. The antennae are long and monofiliform. The abdomen is smooth, with a white background.
Caterpillars are warty, dark brown or greyish, with tufts of greyish hairs, an orange crossline on each segment, a wide whitish line along the back and two other lateral white lines.
This species in southern Europe overwinters as a caterpillar. Pupation occurs on the ground near the host plants, usually on fallen leaves and dead vegetation, or pieces of bark and old wood. During mild winters in temperate and typically Mediterranean climates this species hibernates as pupae. Adults of this multivoltine species usually are present from March to early November in three generations a year, but in the tropics, they develop continuously. They fly both day and night and come to light. The polyphagous larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants, mainly on forget-me-not (Myosotis), Echium, Borago officinalis, Solanum, Plantago lanceolata and Anchusa species. In the Afrotropical realm they mainly feed on Trichodesma zeylanicum, Lithospermum, Heliotropium, Trichodesma and Gossypium species.
Due to their food, the caterpillars accumulate a large amount of alkaloids, consequently also the moths are toxic and unpalatable to birds. The characteristic colouration of its wings serve as a sign of warning to their predators (aposematism).
Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper or Egyptian locust, is a species of insect belonging to the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae.
A fairly common species, the Egyptian grasshopper is present in most of Europe, the Afrotropical realm, eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, and North Africa, and has recently been observed in Cape Town, South Africa.
These grasshoppers inhabit trees and shrubs, scrub land, maquis, and orchards in warm and bright environments, at an elevation from sea level to 1,500 m.
Anacridium aegyptium is one of the largest European grasshoppers. Adult males grow up to 30–56 mm (1.2–2.2 in) long, while females reach 46–70 mm (1.8–2.8 in) in length. Their bodies are usually gray, brown, or olive-coloured, and their antennae are relatively short and robust. The tibiae of the hind legs are blue, while the femora are orange. The hind femora have characteristic dark marks. They are also easily identified by their characteristic eyes, which have vertical black and white stripes. Their pronota show a dorsal orange stripe and several small white spots. The wings are clear with dark marks.
%201.jpg)
Itame vincularia is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in France, Portugal, Spain, North Africa and Turkey.
The wingspan is about 28–32 mm.
The larvae feed on Rhamnus infectoria and Frangula alnus. It is called a Fettered Dyer in English.
%202.jpg)
Subspecies
Itame vincularia vincularia
Itame vincularia latefasciata Rothschild, 1914
Itame vincularia lycioidaria Herbulot, 1957
Itame vincularia mrassinaria (Oberthur, 1923)
Its nutrition is Grasses and herbs.
Heteracris littoralis lives in dunes and other coastal areas. Heteracris littoralis is found in the more densely vegetated islands of grass, Eleocharis and other dune plants where the animals escape from disturbances on the sandy ground.
They are strongly endangered.
Heteracris littoralis is endangered in some places by the ever escalating tourism (hotel construction, other infrastructure), since hardly intact dunes areas are still available. In Gran Canaria, the grasshopper is found in the dunes at Maspalomas. Although the area is a nature reserve, it is devalued by thousands of tourists who roll around in crowds on the beach and in the dunes because a huge hotel city was built around the reserve at Maspalomas.
In Europe, Heteracris littoralis occurs only in the Mediterranean region and on some Canary Islands (Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, indeed belonging to Africa). Moreover, Heteracris littoralis is found in the northern half of Africa and in Southwestern Asia.
The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.
Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.
The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous species of crocodile and is responsible for hundreds of human deaths every year. It is common and is not endangered, despite some regional declines or extirpations in the Maghreb.
The western cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Most taxonomic authorities lump this species and the eastern cattle egret together (called the cattle egret), but some (including the International Ornithologists' Union) separate them. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world in the last century.
It is a white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. It nests in colonies, usually near bodies of water and often with other wading birds. The nest is a platform of sticks in trees or shrubs. Western cattle egrets exploit drier and open habitats more than other heron species. Their feeding habitats include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands and rice paddies. They often accompany cattle or other large mammals, catching insect and small vertebrate prey disturbed by these animals. Some populations of the cattle egret are migratory and others show post-breeding dispersal.
The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.
Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.
Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.
This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
Greater flamingos are social birds, often found in large flocks. They feed with their heads down, filtering out sustenance from the water with their specially adapted bills. During the breeding season, these birds engage in a fascinating display of spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers to enhance their color, a behavior likened to applying "make-up."
The vocalization of the greater flamingo is a distinctive honking, similar to that of a goose, which can be heard over considerable distances.
The species lays a single chalky-white egg on a mud mound, a typical breeding behavior for flamingos.
Greater flamingos feed on a diet that includes small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms, and mollusks. They filter their food from the water with their downward-facing heads and movable upper jaws.
The IUCN Red List classifies the greater flamingo as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, they face threats from habitat encroachment and pollution in their water supplies.
In the voice of David Attenborough, one might say: "The greater flamingo, with its elegant stature and vibrant hues, is a testament to the wonders of the avian world. As it sifts through the shallows, one cannot help but be captivated by its grace and the delicate balance it maintains within its ecosystem."
%201.jpg)
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.
%202.jpg)
The house sparrow's vocalizations are predominantly variations of a simple chirping call. Males may sing or give an "ecstatic call" during the breeding season, and the species uses a variety of calls for different social interactions.
House sparrows are generally monogamous and may mate for life. They can breed in the season following their hatching and often produce multiple clutches per year, with each clutch containing up to five eggs. Nest sites are varied, with a preference for cavities.
The house sparrow can be confused with other seed-eating birds, such as the Eurasian tree sparrow, which has a chestnut crown and a black cheek patch.
An opportunistic feeder, the house sparrow's diet consists mainly of seeds from grains and weeds, but it also consumes insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when feeding young.
Despite its widespread distribution and abundance, the house sparrow has experienced declines in some areas. However, it is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
%201.jpg)
Key details about Spilostethus furcula
Scientific Name: Spilostethus furcula (Herrich-Schäffer, 1850)
Family: Lygaeidae (seed bugs)
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Native Region: Primarily Afrotropical
Geographic Distribution: Found in Africa (e.g., Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Libya), Europe (e.g., Spain, Malta, Greece), and the Middle East (e.g., Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Yemen).
This species has a broad distribution, and its presence in various locations has been confirmed through scientific studies and records.
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.
The adaptability to multiple habitat conditions may have facilitated its spread in non-native regions as they have preadaptations to diverse climatic condition. To date, Z. renardii has expanded to Hawaii, where they preyed mainly on invasive sugarcane leafhopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida) and other tropical areas within the Pacific, such as Johnston Atoll, Samoa, and the Philippines. Z. renardii has also been reported in Mediterranean-type environments within Chile and Argentina.
Expansion of Z. renardii throughout Europe began in Mediterranean regions, namely Greece and Spain. However, expansion has continued and Z. renardii is now known in multiple countries in the Mediterranean basin, such as France, Italy, Turkey and Albania. The majority of these observations have been from urban areas. Eight years post-introduction in Spain, Z. renardii had a limited expansion in Mediterranean-type habitats, and was mainly limited to coastal regions of the Iberian east and south from the city of Valencia to Malaga. Additionally, Z. renardii has been observed as far southeast as the Kfar Masaryk region of northern Israel.
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.
The wingspan is 12–15 mm. Adults are on wing in late summer and autumn.
The larvae feed on dried vegetable matter. They have been recorded feeding on dry leaves and plant debris on the stem and branches of Rosmarinus officinalis. The accumulation of debris was connected by light webbing.
Antigastra catalaunalis is a species of moth of the family Crambidae. The species was first described by Philogène Auguste Joseph Duponchel in 1833. It is endemic to tropical and subtropical areas (South Asia, Malay Archipelago, Africa), but is also found in other areas due to its migratory nature.
The wingspan is 19–22 mm. The forewings are pale yellow, veins and margins suffused with ferruginous, sometimes almost obscuring ground-colour; lines ferruginous, second strongly curved outwards on upper 2/3; small orbicular and discal spot fuscous; cilia whitish, base dark fuscous. Hindwings are yellow whitish, ferruginous-tinged, termen more ferruginous; a cloudy grey postmedian costal spot. See also Parsons et al.
The larvae feed on snapdragons (Antirrhinum species), common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), trumpetbush (Tecoma species), Scrophulariaceae and Pedaliaceae species.
The European shag, or common shag (Gulosus aristotelis), is a medium-large seabird with a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults sport a small crest. This species is characterized by its metallic green-tinged sheen and a longish tail, setting it apart from its relatives with a lighter build and a more slender bill.
To identify the European shag, look for a bird measuring 68 to 78 cm in length with a wingspan of 95 to 110 cm. The adult shag has a green sheen on its feathers and a yellow patch on its throat. The bill is lighter and narrower compared to the great cormorant. Juveniles have darker underparts, and the tail consists of 12 feathers, as opposed to the great cormorant's 14.
The European shag is a coastal bird, preferring rocky shores for breeding and nesting. It is rarely found inland, as it is adapted to life at sea.
This species breeds along the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia, and north Africa. It mainly winters within its breeding range, except for the northernmost populations. The largest colony is found in the Cíes Islands, Spain.
The European shag is a remarkable diver, known to reach depths of up to 61 meters. It is predominantly a benthic feeder, sourcing its prey from the sea bottom. Shags are known to travel significant distances from their roosts to feed. They exhibit a strong diving technique, leaping from the water to gain momentum.
Breeding takes place on coastal cliffs, with nests constructed from seaweed or twigs, bound together with guano. The breeding season is extensive, starting as early as February and in some cases extending to May or later. Typically, three eggs are laid, and chicks are entirely dependent on parental warmth, as they hatch without down.
The European shag is a remarkable diver, known to reach depths of up to 61 meters. It is predominantly a benthic feeder, sourcing its prey from the sea bottom. Shags are known to travel significant distances from their roosts to feed. They exhibit a strong diving technique, leaping from the water to gain momentum.
Breeding takes place on coastal cliffs, with nests constructed from seaweed or twigs, bound together with guano. The breeding season is extensive, starting as early as February and in some cases extending to May or later. Typically, three eggs are laid, and chicks are entirely dependent on parental warmth, as they hatch without down.
The European shag can be confused with the great cormorant but is differentiated by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner bill, and the presence of a crest and metallic sheen in breeding adults.
The European shag's diet is diverse, with a preference for sand eels. However, diet composition can vary with environmental conditions, such as ocean warming and windy weather, which can influence prey availability and foraging success.
The IUCN Red List classifies the European shag as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.
%201.jpg)
The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is a large, robust seabird with a commanding presence. Its size can be quite variable, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a Common Gull, and the largest males approaching the heft of a Great Black-backed Gull. Adults typically exhibit a grey back, a shade lighter than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, and their heads are notably whiter in the autumn months. A distinctive feature is their yellow legs, which give this species its common name.
When observing the Yellow-legged Gull, look for the yellow legs that contrast with the grey back and the white head, which becomes even whiter during the autumn. The wing tips are black with limited white spots, and adults have a red spot on the bill. The eye is surrounded by a red ring. Juveniles can be identified by their paler head, rump, and underparts, dark bill and eyes, and a black band on the tail.
This gull favors a variety of coastal environments, often nesting on sea cliffs, islands, and occasionally on buildings within urban settings. It is also known to breed on trees in some regions.
The Yellow-legged Gull has a breeding range centered around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic islands and coasts as far north as Brittany and west to the Azores. Its presence is also noted on the western side of the Black Sea.
%202.jpg)
The vocalizations of the Yellow-legged Gull are characterized by a loud, laughing call that is deeper and more nasal than that of the Herring Gull.
Breeding typically occurs in colonies, with nests constructed on the ground or cliff ledges. The nests are mounds of vegetation, and the species is known for its vigorous defense of its eggs, usually numbering three. Incubation lasts for 27–31 days, and fledging occurs after 35–40 days.
An opportunistic forager, the Yellow-legged Gull is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of items from rubbish tips to field prey, coastal offerings, and even other seabirds' catches. Remarkably, during periods of food scarcity, such as the lockdown in Italy in 2020, these gulls have been observed preying on larger animals like rats and rock doves.
The Yellow-legged Gull is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.
%203.jpg)
Codophila varia is a species of shield bug belonging to the subfamily Pentatominae in the family Pentatomidae.
This species is present around most of Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Spain, Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Hungary and Italy).
%202.jpg)
The adults reach a body length of 8.7–14 millimetres (0.34–0.55 in). It is a rather variable species in size and colour. Coloration of body may be pale yellow, greyish or also blood-red.[3] These bugs have three bright longitudinal stripes on the head. Scutellum is brightly colored with a striking black drawing. The connexivum is bright with black spots. The first three segments of the antennae are usually red, the two outer ones are black. This species is very similar to Carpocoris pudicus.
These bugs can mainly be encountered from June through August. They are polyphagous, but they mainly feed on Asteraceae (especially on Echinops spinosus) and Apiaceae species.
%201.jpg)
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.emales 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.
%202.jpg)
T. onustus are members of the genus Thomisus, which includes around 150 described species, and is well supported as being monophyletic. It is relatively morphologically homogeneous genus, with synapomorphies that include circular scopula hairs (when viewed as a cross section), bulbuses that are subequal in length and width, disk shaped tegulums, sperm ducts that follow a circular peripheral course through the tegulum, and a lack of conductors and median apophyses. However, some subgroupings within Thomisus are not well supported. The family Thomisidae encompasses over 2000 species of crab spiders including the common close relative of T. onustus, Misumena vatia, Thomisus spectabilis. onustus typically reside on shrubs and within lowland vegetation, preferring warmer areas. They inhabit a wide variety of flowers and herbs, usually staying at the flowering peaks. T. onustus is unique among crab spider species in that it prefers to situate itself in flower centers, which have unique spectral properties, over petals. T. onustus are distributed across Europe, North Africa, Turkey, Caucasus, Russia (from Europe to South Siberia), Israel, Central Asia, Iran, China, Korea, and Japan, preferring warm areas.
While overall size is smaller, in terms of prey to predator length ratio, juvenile spiders capture larger prey than late instar and adult females. Pollen feeding is particularly important for spiderlings, as it allows them to survive beyond what yolk reserves would otherwise allow. Due to the lack of amino acids, especially tyrosine, in pollen grains, spiderlings that feed exclusively on pollen are unable to molt versus spiderlings that feed on insect prey.
The European shag, or common shag (Gulosus aristotelis), is a medium-large seabird with a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults sport a small crest. This species is characterized by its metallic green-tinged sheen and a longish tail, setting it apart from its relatives with a lighter build and a more slender bill.
To identify the European shag, look for a bird measuring 68 to 78 cm in length with a wingspan of 95 to 110 cm. The adult shag has a green sheen on its feathers and a yellow patch on its throat. The bill is lighter and narrower compared to the great cormorant. Juveniles have darker underparts, and the tail consists of 12 feathers, as opposed to the great cormorant's 14.
The European shag is a coastal bird, preferring rocky shores for breeding and nesting. It is rarely found inland, as it is adapted to life at sea.
This species breeds along the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia, and north Africa. It mainly winters within its breeding range, except for the northernmost populations. The largest colony is found in the Cíes Islands, Spain.
%2020.jpg)
The Southern White-crowned Shrike, a bird of modest size, measures approximately 24 centimeters from beak to tail. Both male and female exhibit a similar plumage pattern. The adult's most striking feature is its brilliant white crown and forehead, contrasted by a stark black mask that extends from above the eye to the neck's sides. The bird's upper parts are an ashy-brown, while the wings and tail display a darker brown hue. Its underparts are an off-white, with the upper breast showing a hint of buff and the lower belly and vent areas returning to an ashy-brown. The beak, eyes, and legs are all a deep, dark brown. Juvenile birds share a resemblance with adults but have a crown that is mottled and barred with grey rather than pure white, and their underparts bear a wash of ashy brown.
When identifying the Southern White-crowned Shrike, look for the distinctive white crown and black mask, as well as the ashy-brown upper parts and off-white underparts. The bird's beak is notably black, which can be a helpful marker in the field.
%2021.jpg)
This species is known to inhabit subtropical or tropical dry forests and dry savannahs, where it can be observed living and foraging.
The Southern White-crowned Shrike graces the skies and landscapes of several African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
This bird is highly sociable, often seen in small, tightly-knit groups that can range from three to six individuals, and sometimes even up to twenty outside the breeding season. They exhibit cooperative behavior, especially evident during breeding when they build nests together, share incubation duties, and collectively feed the nestlings. While not typically aggressive, they will valiantly defend against predators, particularly birds of prey. In their foraging efforts, they may associate with Tockus hornbills, capitalizing on the insects disturbed by these larger birds.
%2022.jpg)
The Southern White-crowned Shrike communicates with its own unique vocalizations, which are an integral part of its social behavior and can be heard throughout its habitat.
These birds engage in cooperative breeding, a remarkable behavior where group members collaborate in constructing the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the young.
While there are other shrikes with similar features, the Southern White-crowned Shrike can be distinguished by its unique coloration and behavior patterns.
The diet of the Southern White-crowned Shrike includes insects, which they often forage for in the company of Tockus hornbills, taking advantage of the larger birds' ability to flush out prey.
The Southern White-crowned Shrike is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable population without any immediate threats to its survival.
Procambarus clarkii, known variously as the red swamp crayfish, Louisiana crawfish or mudbug, is a species of cambarid crayfish native to freshwater bodies of northern Mexico, and southern and southeastern United States, but also introduced elsewhere (both in North America and other continents), where it is often an invasive pest.
P. clarkii is typically dark red, with long claws and head, small or no spines on the sides of its carapace just below the head, and rows of bright red bumps on the front and side of the first leg.
In Europe, P. clarkii is included since 2016 in the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern (the Union list). This implies that this species cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialized, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union.
One of the many species of moths (also called moths ) that can enter the house attracted by the interior lights and remain on the wall still for many hours. Belonging to the Geometridae Family . Very large group of nocturnal moths (about 35,000 species). With a wide variety of sizes, they include wingspans ranging from 12 to 120 mm. The morphology and posture they adopt are characteristic of the family:
The forewings of these moths are wide and triangular in shape with hindwings almost as wide.
During the day, they keep their wings extended and flat against the surface on which they rest.
The coloration along with a mottled pattern and posture allows them to go unnoticed in a natural environment.
The caterpillars of this family have a very particular way of moving. Because they have a space between their front legs and those located at the end of the abdomen, they move by bringing the rear end to the front legs and then extending the body forward.
Moths of this family are characterized by slender bodies and large , broad forewings, which are often crossed by thin, wavy lines.
Idaea is a genus that encompasses approximately 700 known species, between the Mediterranean, Africa and western Asia.
12 to 18 mm wing span. White background color. Transverse lines and points of the cell generally thin or practically non-existent. Posterior edge dotted and parallel to it, series of dots on the inside of the wing. Dark spots appear between the two that are often inconspicuous.