15-10-2025 EL PALMAR, ALBUFERA - 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.

This pecies is present in the province all year round, both as a wintering one and in the breeding period. There are also specimens in migratory passage. Gregarious during the reproductive season and lonelier during the rest of the year. Nest in trees or groves of riparian vegetation. One laying of 2 to 5 eggs. The Grey Heron feeds on fish, micromammals, small reptiles, including snakes, amphibians and insects. It shows a very calm behaviour when foraging. This bird explores the water while being very still, waiting for a prey to appear. Once sighted, it shoots the bill as if it were a harpoon.

For its elegant appearance and slow and calm flight herons awaken curiosity and intrigue in many people. One of the most curious things about these birds is their ability to remain quiet for hours perched on one leg. They can remain this way and with the neck shrunk, only showing the head and the bill between the wings, a lot of time if they are not bothered.

14-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - OLD WORLD WEBWORM MOTH (Hellula undalis)

Hellula undalis, the cabbage webworm or Old World webworm, is a moth of the family Crambidae. It is a widespread species which is found from Europe across Asia to the Pacific. It was first described from Italy but it is a tropical or subtropical species only occasional in Europe.

The wingspan is about 18 mm. The forewings are greyish-brown with wavy grey markings, a curved pale subterminal patch and a kidney shaped mark at one third. The hindwings are pale, with the tip lighter. 

It is a pest of Brassica oleracea (cabbage) and Brassica rapa (turnip).

14-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROBUST TABBY MOTH (Pandesma robusta)

The Robust Tabby Moth (Pandesma robusta) is a species of moth of the family Erebidae. It is found in Portugal, Spain, Malta, Sicily, Greece, Crete, the Canary Islands, throughout Africa and from Asia Minor to India and Pakistan.

Adults are on wing year round. There are multiple generations per year.

The larvae feed on Acacia, Albizzia lebbek and Populus euphratica.

13-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RUSTY DOT PEARL MOTH (Udea ferrugalis)

Udea ferrugalis, the rusty dot pearl, is a moth of the family Crambidae. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1796.

This species can be found in central and southern Europe, Asia Minor, Africa, India and Japan.

The wingspan is 18–22 mm. The forewings of these small moths have yellow, brown or ferruginous ground colour and prominent indistinct dark brown or blackish markings towards the edge. Hindwings are brownish grey. Legs are whitish. Caterpillars can reach a length of 10–15 millimetres (0.39–0.59 in). They are greenish with yellowish head.

These moths are bivoltine or trivoltine. The moth flies through the year, but mainly in the autumn, depending on location. The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, such as Stachys, Arctium, Lycopus, Mentha, Eupatorium cannabinum and Fragaria vesca. They overwinter in the soil as a chrysalis. This species is sometimes considered a pest, as the larvae attack various crop plants.

23-12-2019 GANDIA RIO SERPIS, VALENCIA - COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)

The Common Waxbill, known scientifically as Estrilda astrild and colloquially as the St Helena Waxbill, is a diminutive passerine bird of the estrildid finch family. This species is adorned with a bright red bill reminiscent of sealing wax, which is the origin of its name. The adult Common Waxbill measures approximately 4 to 5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 4.5 inches, and weighs between 3/5 to 3/4 ounce. Its plumage is primarily grey-brown, intricately barred with dark brown, and it possesses a distinctive red stripe through the eye. The cheeks and throat are whitish, and the underparts may exhibit a pinkish hue with a reddish stripe along the belly's center, varying by subspecies. The rump is brown, while the tail and vent are dark. Females are similar to males but are paler with less red on the belly. Juveniles are duller with little or no red on the belly, fainter dark barring, and a black bill.

To distinguish the Common Waxbill from similar species, observe the rump and vent colors. The black-rumped waxbill has a black rump and pale vent, while the crimson-rumped waxbill features a dark bill, red rump, and some red on the wings and tail. The black-lored waxbill, restricted to the Democratic Republic of Congo, has a black stripe through the eye instead of red.

Common Waxbills favor open landscapes with long grass and rank vegetation. They are often found near water in marshes and among reeds. These birds are known to be quite tame, venturing into gardens, parks, and farmland.

The Common Waxbill is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 17 subspecies distributed across East, Central, and Southern Africa, avoiding desert or dense forest regions. In West Africa, they are more localized, with populations centered around Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Ivory Coast.

The species has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including islands around Africa, parts of Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific. In Europe, it has become widespread in Portugal and is expanding through Spain.

Common Waxbills are gregarious, often foraging in flocks that can number in the hundreds or thousands. They typically feed by clinging to grass stems and picking seeds from flower heads but will also forage for fallen seeds on the ground. Regular drinking is necessary, as their seed diet contains little water.

The Common Waxbill produces a variety of twittering and buzzing calls, along with a distinctive high-pitched flight call. Its simple song is harsh and nasal, descending on the last note.

The nest of the Common Waxbill is a large ball of grass stems with a long entrance tube, usually situated low amongst dense vegetation. A second "cock's nest" may be built atop the main nest. They lay four to seven white eggs, incubated for 11 to 13 days, with fledging occurring 17 to 21 days post-hatching. Both parents are involved in incubation and chick feeding. Breeding seasons vary globally, and nests may be parasitized by the pin-tailed whydah.

The Common Waxbill's diet is predominantly grass and millet seeds, with insects consumed occasionally, especially during the breeding season. Guinea grasses, crabgrass, and Echinochloa species are significant dietary components.

12-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROSE SAWFLY CATERPILLAR (Arge ochropus)

This sawfly is present in Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Turkmenistan, Northern Iran and Western Siberia up to Lake Baikal. It has been introduced to the northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. 

Adults feed of nectar and pollen on Tanacetum vulgare, Angelica sylvestris and Heracleum sphondylium. This species has two generations a year. The females lay about 16–18 eggs on the rose stems. Larvae feed on the leaves of some species of the genus Rosa, for example Rosa canina, Rosa majalis and Rosa pimpinellifolia.

Large rose sawflies have pale spotted black, green and yellow larvae that eat the leaves of roses, sometimes causing severe defoliation.

The adults grow up to 7–10 millimetres (0.28–0.39 in) long and can be encountered from April to May. The head and thorax are black, while the abdomen and wings are reddish orange. The larvae are yellow and bristly with black markings.

This species is very similar to Athalia rosae (Tenthredinidae), but in Arge ochropus the antennae are composed of three sections, the third of which is greatly elongated, while in Athalia rosae the antennae are composed of 10–11 items. Arge pagana is mainly black above.

12-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BARBARY HARVESTER ANT (Messor barbarus)

Messor barbarus is a species of harvester ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae. It is found In Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

Messor barbarus causes 50–100% of the seed losses and is the most common ant in arable fields in northeastern Spain (Westerman et al. 2012). These ants in particular made news headlines all over Spain when farmers believed they were stealing their seeds and began a cull, only to realise they actually play a massive part of the ecosystem and benefit the production for crop farmers completely. Messors will carry the seeds on their own roads back to the colony, sometimes up to 100ft away.

Messor barbarus is found to act in accordance with the optimal foraging theory, which predicts that selectivity in ants increases with increasing richness of resources in an area, as well as with increasing distance from starting location. Trails were likewise differentially favored according to the relative abundance of resources provided to the ant populations. Highly frequented trails had a higher mean rate per worker, meaning the harvesters returned higher rates of resources more efficiently along these trails. These trails drew more foraging ants to retrieve seeds on the whole, and the foraging ants returned seeds at a higher rate per capita. This foraging pattern indicates that relative food abundance along varying trails impacted the patterns of trail foraging behavior in Messor barbarus. For trails spanning long distances, ants exhibit behavior of strong chemical marking on preferred seeds to allow for the creation and maintenance of the route.

12-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - VESTAL MOTH (Rhodometra sacraria)

Rhodometra sacraria, the vestal, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1767 12th edition of Systema Naturae.

It can be found throughout Europe, in the Near East, in North Africa, in the Afrotropical realm and in large parts of Asia. It is also found in South America (Chile and Argentina).

Rhodometra sacraria inhabits meadows, forest clearing, paths, gardens and urban environments.

Rhodometra sacraria has a wingspan reaching 22–28 mm, while the length of the forewings is 12–14 mm. The late generations are smaller and the wingspan has an average of 16–26 mm. These moths are easily distinguishable from the mahogany or pink stripe, located on yellowish or cream background, crossing diagonally the dorsal sides of the upperwings from the posterior margin up to the apex. Discal spots are usually present and have the same colour as the postmedial line.

The dorsal sides of the hindwings are whitish and unmarked. The fringes on the wings are mostly in the basic colour. The abdomen is pure white. Head and thorax are straw yellow. In males the antennae are bipectinated to three-fourths length. The hind tibiae bear two pairs of spurs.

The intensity and the extent of the pink pigmentation is rather variable, depending on the seasonal temperature in the development of the pupae.

12-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea cervantaria)

1.4 to 2.2 cm wingspan. Straw-coloured, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or greyish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed spots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are barely noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a  light wavy stripe. It has a spot on each wing but those on the front wings may go unnoticed.

There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for a correct and safe identification, genital analysis must be used. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.

The caterpillars feed on dry leaves of herbaceous plants and in captivity on petals of different Asteraceae and sea alder (Lobularia maritima), the latter common in our province, especially in sunny areas of the limestone mountains, and occasionally used in gardening for the showiness of its inflorescences.

It frequently visits urban lights, resting for hours or even days around them if they are in a shaded place.

Wingspan 1.4 to 2.2 cm. Straw-like in appearance, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or grayish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed dots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are not noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a  light wavy stripe. It has a point on each wing but the ones on the front can go unnoticed.

There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for correct and secure identification it is necessary to resort to genital analysis. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.

In the province of Malaga, individuals determined by genital analysis were found in January, February and May, while those suspected of being so can be found in all months of the year.

10-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONGHORN BEETLE (Superfamily Cerambycoidea)

The longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), also known as long-horned or longicorns (whose larvae are often referred to as roundheaded borers), are a large family of beetles, with over 35,000 species described.

Most species are characterized by antennae as long as or longer than the beetle's body. A few species have short antennae (e.g., Neandra brunnea), making them difficult to distinguish from related families such as Chrysomelidae. "Cerambycidae" comes from a Greek mythological figure: after an argument with nymphs, the shepherd Cerambus is transformed into a large beetle with horns.

Longhorn beetles are found on all continents except Antarctica.

Other than the typical long antennal length, the most consistently distinctive feature of adults of this family is that the antennal sockets are located on low tubercles on the face; other beetles with long antennae lack these tubercles, and cerambycids with short antennae still possess them. They otherwise vary greatly in size, shape, sculpture, and coloration. A number of species mimic ants, bees, and wasps, though a majority of species are cryptically colored. The titan beetle (Titanus giganteus) from northeastern South America is often considered the largest insect (though not the heaviest, and not the longest including legs), with a maximum known body length of just over 16.7 cm (6.6 in).

Larvae are 0.5–22 cm (0.20–8.66 in) long, elongate in shape and lightly sclerotised. The prothorax is often enlarged and the sides of the body have lateral swellings (ampullae). The head is usually retracted into the prothorax and bears well-sclerotised mouthparts. Larval legs range from moderately developed to absent. The spiracles are always annular.

29-7-2019 ISABEL CATOLICA PARQUE GIJON, ASTURIAS - MUTE SWAN (Cygnus olor)

The mute swan, Cygnus olor, is a majestic bird, easily recognized by its all-white plumage and the distinctive orange beak bordered with black. The male, known as a cob, is noted for a prominent knob atop the beak, which is more pronounced than that of the female, or pen.

Adult mute swans measure between 125 to 160 cm in length, with a wingspan of 200 to 240 cm. The males are generally larger than females and possess a larger knob on their bill. The species is one of the heaviest flying birds, with males reaching weights up to 14.3 kg and females up to 10.6 kg. Juveniles, or cygnets, are not as bright white as adults and have a dull greyish-black bill for their first year.

Mute swans are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and coastal areas, where they build large mounds of vegetation for nesting.

Native to Eurosiberia, the mute swan has been introduced to North America, Australasia, and southern Africa. It is partially migratory in northern latitudes, with some populations moving as far south as North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Mute swans are territorial and monogamous, often reusing the same nest each year. They are less vocal than other swan species but are known for their aggressive defense of their nests and offspring. They can be seen performing a threat display known as busking, with wings half raised and neck curved back.

While not as vocal, mute swans produce a range of sounds including grunting, hoarse whistling, and snorting. They also have a rhythmic song during courtship displays and a unique throbbing sound from their wings in flight.

Mute swans lay 4 to 10 eggs, with the female brooding for around 36 days. Cygnets typically fledge at around 120 to 150 days old.

The mute swan can be distinguished from other swan species by its orange beak with a black border and the pronounced knob on the male's beak.

9-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON ASPARAGUS BEETLE (Crioceris asparagi)

The common asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi) is a major pest of asparagus crops both in Europe and in North America. Asparagus is its only food plant. The beetle is 6.0 mm to 9.5 mm long and slightly elongated. It is metallic blue-black in color with cream or yellow spots on its red-bordered elytra. The larvae are fat gray grubs with dark heads.

The adult beetles and the larvae strip the needle-like leaves off the asparagus fronds, depriving the plants of the ability to photosynthesize and store energy for future years. Additionally, they chew the spears and lay a lot of eggs on them, rendering the crop unusable. The larvae feed on the plants for a few weeks, then drop to the ground to pupate. One year may see two or three generations of the beetle. The adults overwinter in a dormant state underground or in nearby leaf litter.

The parasitic wasp, Tetrastichus coeruleus, occurring mainly in the United States and Europe, can cause up to 71% mortality in the field and has been successfully used for biological control.

Various insecticides (such as carbamates, pyrethroids, spinetoram, and spinosad) can be considered for pest control.

The similar spotted asparagus beetle (Crioceris duodecimpunctata) is also a pest as an adult, feeding on tender shoots and leaves, but since the larvae feed only on the asparagus berries it is not considered to be as important.

9-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROSE SAWFLY CATERPILLAR (Arge ochropus)

The adults grow up to 7–10 millimetres (0.28–0.39 in) long and can be encountered from April to May. The head and thorax are black, while the abdomen and wings are reddish orange. The larvae are yellow and bristly with black markings.

This species is very similar to Athalia rosae (Tenthredinidae), but in Arge ochropus the antennae are composed of three sections, the third of which is greatly elongated, while in Athalia rosae the antennae are composed of 10–11 items. Arge pagana is mainly black above.

This sawfly is present in Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Turkmenistan, Northern Iran and Western Siberia up to Lake Baikal. It has been introduced to the northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. 

Adults feed of nectar and pollen on Tanacetum vulgare, Angelica sylvestris and Heracleum sphondylium. This species has two generations a year. The females lay about 16–18 eggs on the rose stems. Larvae feed on the leaves of some species of the genus Rosa, for example Rosa canina, Rosa majalis and Rosa pimpinellifolia.

Large rose sawflies have pale spotted black, green and yellow larvae that eat the leaves of roses, sometimes causing severe defoliation.

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - RED KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata)

The Red-knobbed Coot, also known as the Crested Coot, is a striking waterbird with a predominantly black plumage contrasted by a distinctive white frontal shield. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 35–42 cm in length with a wingspan of 75–85 cm. The males, slightly larger than the females, weigh between 770 and 910 grams, while females range from 455 to 790 grams. Both sexes appear similar in plumage. The species is characterized by its long, strong toes with partial webbing, an adaptation to its aquatic lifestyle.

To distinguish the Red-knobbed Coot from its close relative, the Eurasian Coot, one must look for the two small red knobs atop the facial shield, which are only present during the breeding season and are not visible from afar. The black feathering between the shield and the bill is rounded, as opposed to the pointed feature in the Eurasian Coot. Additionally, the bill of the Red-knobbed Coot has a subtle bluish-grey hue. In flight, unlike the Eurasian Coot, it lacks the white trailing edge on its secondaries.

This coot favors freshwater lakes and ponds as its primary habitat, where it can be seen swimming or walking along the water's edge.

The Red-knobbed Coot is a resident breeder across much of Africa and can also be found in the southernmost parts of Spain.

The Red-knobbed Coot is known for its bold and less secretive nature compared to other members of the rail family. It exhibits strong territorial behavior during the breeding season and is known to be quite aggressive, even towards larger birds. It swims with a characteristic bobbing of the head and is capable of short dives. When taking off for flight, it runs across the water surface, creating a noticeable commotion.

Both sexes contribute to building a bulky platform nest of reeds and plant stems, often situated in shallow water. The female lays a clutch of 5–7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 18–25 days. The precocial chicks are mobile shortly after hatching and receive parental care for about 55–60 days.

An omnivorous bird, the Red-knobbed Coot feeds on a variety of small live prey, including the eggs of other water birds. It predominantly consumes waterweeds, such as Potamogeton species, for which it will dive.

During mating, the Red-knobbed Coot is quite vocal, emitting a variety of sounds including a fast "kerrre" similar to the Little Crake, a harsh "ka-haa," and a grunting "oot oot" hoot. These vocalizations are distinct from those of the Eurasian Coot.

The Red-knobbed Coot is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt has a wide range, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some populations migrate to coastal regions in winter, while others in milder climates may remain resident or engage in short-range movements.

Black-winged Stilts are often seen foraging in shallow waters, gracefully picking insects and crustaceans from the surface. They are known to nest in small groups, sometimes alongside avocets, and exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors, including intricate displays and duets.

The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.

8-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PETIT WAVE MOTH (SCOLID WASP (Scopula minorata)

Scopula minorata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula and on the islands of the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, it is found in southern Europe. It can be distinguished from Scopula lactaria only by examination of its genitalia.

The wingspan is 15–20 millimetres (0.59–0.79 in).

Subspecies

Scopula minorata minorata

Scopula minorata corcularia (Rebel, 1894)

Scopula minorata ochroleucaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847)

Scopula minorata tripolitana (Sterneck, 1933)

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - SCOLID WASP (Scolia erythrocephala)

Scolia erythrocephala, or the Goliat wasp, is a large, solitary wasp species from the family Scoliidae, known for its entirely red head and solitary nature, though they do not build nests, instead laying their eggs on underground beetle larvae which serve as food for their young. Unlike other wasps, they are peaceful and feed only on nectar and pollen from flowers, not meat. 

Appearance: Easily distinguished by its entirely red head.

Habitat: Lives in open fields, found in various locations, including Spain.

Behavior: A solitary wasp, it does not construct nests.

Diet: It is a flower-feeding insect, consuming only nectar and pollen, but it deposits its eggs on the larvae of scarab beetles to feed its offspring. 

Parasitism: Scolia erythrocephala is a parasitoid. The female wasp deposits her eggs on subterranean larvae of root-eating beetles.

Larval Development: When the Scolia erythrocephala larva hatches, it consumes the beetle larva for food. 

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - NORTHERN SHOVELER (MALE) (Spatula clypeata)

The Northern Shoveler, known in Britain simply as the shoveler, is a distinctive species with a broad, spatulate bill that sets it apart from other ducks. The male, or drake, in breeding plumage boasts an iridescent dark green head, a white chest, and chestnut flanks and belly. When in flight, one can observe the pale blue feathers on the forewing, edged with white and set against a green speculum. The female is more subdued in color, mottled brown akin to other dabblers, but her large, gray bill with orange hints is a clear identifier.

To identify the Northern Shoveler, look for the following characteristics:

Large, spatulate bill

Males: Iridescent dark green head, white chest, chestnut belly and flanks

Females: Mottled brown, similar to a female mallard but with a distinctive bill

In flight: Pale blue forewing feathers with a white border and green speculum

Size: Length of 48 cm (19 in), wingspan of 76 cm (30 in), and weight of 600 g (1.3 lb)

The Northern Shoveler frequents open wetlands such as wet grasslands or marshes with emergent vegetation. They prefer mud-bottomed marshes rich in invertebrate life.

This species has a broad breeding range across northern Europe, the Palearctic, and most of North America. It winters in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It is a rare vagrant to Australia.

Northern Shovelers are known for their unique foraging behavior, swimming rapidly in circles to create a funnel effect that brings food to the surface. They feed by dabbling for plant food and straining aquatic invertebrates from the water with their specialized bills. During the breeding season, males are territorial and perform elaborate courtship displays. They are fairly quiet, with males emitting a clunking call and females quacking like a mallard.

The male Northern Shoveler produces a clunking call, while the female's vocalization resembles a quack similar to that of a mallard.

Shovelers prefer to nest in grassy areas away from open water. The nest is a shallow depression lined with plant material and down, where the female typically lays about nine eggs. Males defend their territory and mates vigorously during the breeding season.

The diet consists primarily of plant food and aquatic invertebrates. The shoveler's bill is equipped with lamellae, which allow it to efficiently sift food from the water.

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - GREATER FLAMINGO (JUVENILE) (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. It was described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811. The Greater flamingo was previously thought to be the same species as the American flamingo, but because of coloring differences of its head, neck, body, and bill, the two flamingos are now most commonly considered separate species.

The Greater flamingo inhabits Africa, the Middle East, southern Europe, and the Indian subcontinent. They occur in relatively shallow water bodies, such as saline lagoons, salt pans, large alkaline or saline lakes, and estuaries. Breeding takes place on sandbanks, mudflats, sandy or rocky islands, or open beaches.

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - ORBWEAVER SPIDER (Larinioides suspicax)

The Orbweaver Spider (Larinioides suspicax), also known as the Furrow Orb-Weaver or Flying Spider, is a Holartic orb-weaver spider found in temperate regions, particularly near water, where it builds orb webs on bridges and other man-made structures to catch flying insects. This nocturnal hunter is generally harmless to humans and is characterized by a large, oval abdomen, and a distinctive arrow-shaped pattern on its carapace. 

Appearance: They have large, oval, bulbous abdomens and can be black, grey, or red. A common feature is a lighter-shaded arrow pointing towards the cephalothorax on the carapace, and similar arrow patterns can be seen on the legs.

Size: Females are typically 6–14 mm long, and males are 5–9 mm, with leg spans from 18 to 35 mm.

Eyes: They possess a horizontal row of six eyes, with an additional pair above the center of the row.

Senses: While they lack ears, they can detect sound using specialized hairs on their legs. 

Location: Primarily found near water, such as rivers and lakes, and are frequently seen on bridges.

Webs: They construct intricate orb webs, which can be asymmetrical, especially in adults. The web structure may be more pronounced in heavier, older spiders.

Hunting: As skilled nocturnal predators, they hunt flying insects like flies and butterflies. Their webs are often positioned to capture prey over water bodies. 

Venom: Their venom is not dangerous to humans; a bite is unlikely to cause serious harm.

Diet: Their primary diet consists of smaller flying insects. 

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

The Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, is a wading bird of the family Threskiornithidae, known for its striking, sickle-shaped bill. This mid-sized ibis measures 48–66 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80–105 cm. Breeding adults boast reddish-brown bodies and iridescent bottle-green wings, while non-breeders and juveniles display a more subdued coloration. The species is characterized by a brownish bill, dark facial skin with blue-gray to cobalt blue borders, and red-brown legs. In flight, the ibis extends its neck and exhibits a graceful V formation.

When identifying the Glossy Ibis, look for its unique glossy feathers and the distinct shape of its bill. The bird's flight pattern is also a telltale sign, as it flies with its neck outstretched, unlike herons. Listen for its various croaks and grunts, particularly the hoarse grrrr sound during the breeding season.

The Glossy Ibis favors freshwater or brackish wetlands with tall, dense emergent vegetation such as reeds, papyrus, or rushes, and low trees or bushes. It can also be found in lagoons, floodplains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice paddies, and irrigated farmland. Coastal habitats like estuaries and salt marshes are less common for this species.

This ibis is the most widespread of its kind, breeding in warm regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is migratory, with European birds wintering in Africa and North American birds migrating southward. The species has been expanding its range, with increasing numbers in Europe and successful breeding in Britain as of 2022.

The Glossy Ibis is known for its nomadic tendencies and dispersal movements post-breeding. Northern populations are migratory, traversing vast distances such as the Sahara Desert. The species nests in mixed colonies and forms large flocks during migration and winter. It often roosts communally with other species, sometimes in trees far from feeding areas.

8-10-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - TACHINID FLY (Cylindromyia intermedia)

Cylindromyia intermedia is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae.[6]

Distribution

Canada, United States, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, Andorra, Bulgaria, Corsica, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, North Korea, South Korea, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Mongolia, Egypt, Russia, Transcaucasia.

7-10-2025 PALMA DE GANDIA, VALENCIA - VIOLET DROPWING DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Trithemis annulata)

Trithemis annulata, commonly known as the violet dropwing, violet-marked darter, purple-blushed darter, or plum-coloured dropwing, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in most of Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. These dragonflies are called dropwings because of their habit of immediately lowering their wings after landing on a perch. Males of this species are violet-red with red veins in the wings, while females are yellow and brown. Both sexes have red eyes.

Trithemis annulata is a robust medium-sized species with a wingspan of 60 mm (2.4 in). The mature male has a dark red head and a yellow labium with a brown central spot. The eyes are red with white spots on the rear edge, and the frons is dark metallic purplish-red. The prothorax is violet with slightly darker longitudinal stripes. 

The membranous wings have distinctive red veins, the pterostigma is orange-brown, and there is a large orange-brown splash at the base of the hind wings. The abdomen is fairly broad and is pinkish-violet, with purple markings on the top of each segment and blackish markings on the terminal three segments. Females are a similar size to males, but the thorax is brownish, and the abdomen is yellow with dark brown markings. The wings of females lack the red veins of males but have similar orange-brown patches. It is very similar in appearance to the red-veined dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa), but that species has a more slender abdomen and a wedge-shaped black area on either side of the tip of the abdomen.

5-10-2025 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - WHITE STORK

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a majestic bird, notable for its predominantly white plumage with contrasting black flight feathers. Adults boast impressive red legs and long, pointed red beaks. They average a length of 100–115 cm from beak to tail and have a wingspan ranging from 155 to 215 cm.

To identify the White Stork, look for its white body, black wingtips, and distinctive red legs and beak. In flight, they extend their necks and legs, presenting a stretched-out appearance. Juveniles have duller beaks and legs, which become brighter as they mature.

White Storks favor open farmlands, grassy meadows, and shallow wetlands. They avoid dense vegetation, preferring areas where they can easily spot and access their prey.

The White Stork breeds across Europe, northwestern Africa, southwestern Asia, and southern Africa. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering as far south as South Africa and on the Indian subcontinent.

These social birds can be seen in flocks, especially during migration. They are monogamous breeders, with both parents involved in nest building and care of the young. They walk with a slow, steady gait and rest with their heads hunched between their shoulders.

The White Stork is largely silent, but it is known for its bill-clattering display, which resonates from its throat pouch and serves as a form of communication.

White Storks build large stick nests, often reused for several years. Females lay clutches of usually four eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties. The young fledge after about two months but remain dependent on their parents for a short while thereafter.

The White Stork can be confused with the yellow-billed stork, great white pelican, and Egyptian vulture when seen at a distance in flight. However, differences in beak shape, leg length, and flight posture can help distinguish these species.

As carnivores, White Storks consume a variety of prey, including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and occasionally small birds. They forage on the ground and in shallow waters.

Least Concern by the IUCN. Its populations have benefited from conservation efforts, leading to reintroduction in areas where it had previously disappeared due to changes in land use and industrialization.

5-10-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RED SHIELD BUG (Carpocoris mediterraneus)

Carpocoris mediterraneus, the red shield bug, is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae.

This species is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region (Corsica, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Sardinia, Sicily).

Carpocoris mediterraneus can reach a length of 11–13 millimetres (0.43–0.51 in). The body is shield-like in shape and the elytrae are very thick. The body surface is bright yellow or orange, with four short longitudinal black stripes on the pronotum and five dark spots on the scutellum. The antennae have 5 segments. Legs are yellowish or orange.

This species is similar and can be confused with Carpocoris pudicus, Carpocoris purpureipennis or Carpocoris fuscispinus.

In Carpocoris mediterraneus atlanticus the humeral angles of pronotum are sharp and protruding, the base of scutellum and connexivum are frequently with contrasting black spots and the apex of the scutellum is exceptionally truncated.

These bugs are polyphagous vegetarian. Adults can be found on several flowering plants, especially on parsley (Petroselinum crispum).