1-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN MANTIS (FEMALE) (Iris oratoria)

The Mediterranean Mantis (Iris oratoria) is a widespread species of praying mantis native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is a pale green insect that can reach up to \(6.5\) cm in length and is distinguished by a red-orange spot on the fourth abdominal segment and large, violet-brown eyespots on its hind wings. It is known for its predatory behavior, laying eggs in a protective foam-like ootheca, and has become an invasive species in parts of the United States. Description Scientific Name: Iris oratoriaSize: Adults can reach lengths of up to \(6.5\) cm.Color: Typically pale green, it can mature to a green color.Distinctive Features:A red-orange spot on the ventral side of the fourth abdominal segment.Two large, startling violet-brown eyespots on its hind wings, which are revealed when the wings are unfolded.

Reproduction: Lays eggs in a foam-like ootheca that hardens for protection. Parthenogenesis (reproduction without males) can occur if males are scarce.

Behavior: A highly efficient ambush predator that consumes small insects. Sexual cannibalism can occur. 

Habitat and Range Native Range: The Mediterranean region of Europe.Introduced Range: It has also been introduced to the Middle East, Western Asia, and the United States, where it is spreading. As an Invasive Species The Mediterranean Mantis is considered an invasive species in parts of the United States, having been introduced to southern California in the 1930s.It has adapted well to the climate there and seems to be spreading further. 

1-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (MALE AND 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.

Male S. fonscolombii can be mistaken for Crocothemis erythraea as both are very red dragonflies with yellow bases to the wings, red veins and pale pterostigma. However C. erythraea has no black on the legs, a broader body and no black on the head. Also C. erythraea females do not oviposit in tandem. The gestalt image of these two species is different and with some experience are easy to tell apart.

1-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

1-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

1-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea)

1-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY (Vanessa cardui)

Painted Lady butterflies are known for their wide distribution, impressive long-distance migrations, and distinct orange, black, and white wing patterns. They are one of the most widespread butterfly species globally, found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Their lifespan is short, lasting only a few weeks, during which females lay about 500 eggs.

Migration and distribution

Global presence: They are found worldwide, with the exception of Australia and Antarctica.

Migratory journey: They are known for their long-distance migrations, which can involve traveling thousands of miles.

Non-stop travel: No single individual butterfly completes the entire round trip; multiple generations are involved in the journey across continents. 

1-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

These noisy and sociable birds are found around the world, thanks to their cheerful ability to make the most of humanity's rubbish and wastefulness. But monitoring suggests a severe decline in the UK House Sparrow population, recently estimated as dropping by 71% between 1977 and 2008 with large falls in both rural and urban populations. Their numbers are still dropping in England, Breeding Bird Survey data indicates recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

1-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (FEMALE) (Monticola solitarius)

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

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings.[6] Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

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

The European, north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India and southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe. There is some overlap in breeding and wintering ranges with the common rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis); Palearctic and southwestern Asia for breeding and northern Africa for wintering. It is known to have been spotted in North America twice: once in British Columbia in 1997 and once in Oregon and the Farallon Islands in 2024. It is unclear whether the Oregon and Farallon Islands spottings were the same bird.

 

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

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN LONG TOED LAPWING (Vanellus crassirostris ssp. leucopterus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) is a distinctive, noisy, crested shorebird common across South America, known for its aggressive defense, bold black, white, and grey patterns, red eyes, pink legs, and sharp wing spurs used to fend off threats like predators and humans, often found in open grassy areas, even urban ones like soccer fields where it eats insects. It's the national bird of Uruguay (called "Tero") and Brazil ("Quero-quero") and is adaptable, thriving in human-modified landscapes like farms and parks. 

Appearance & Identification

Crest: A long, wispy black crest sets it apart.

Coloration: Grey-brown back with bronze sheen, black face/throat/breast, white belly, and white wing bars visible in flight.

Head: Striking grey head with black forehead and throat patch, separated by a white line.

Eyes/Legs: Bright red eyes, pinkish eye-rings, and pink to reddish legs.

Size: About 30-38 cm (12-15 inches) long. 

26-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - XYSTODESMID MILLIPEDE (Genus Macellolophus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/928286-Macellolophus

29-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.

Physical characteristics Size: Adults grow to about \(15-20\) cm long, with the tail making up two-thirds of the total length.Body shape: They are slender with a long tail, a narrow head, and long, thin toes.Color: Dorsal colors are typically grey-brown with varied patterns. Females tend to have more prominent longitudinal stripes, while males are often smaller. Some individuals also have ventral color variations, including yellow, orange/red, and white morphs. 

Habitat and behavior Habitat: The species is adaptable and can be found in various environments, including rocky areas, shrubby vegetation, and even human settlements.Distribution: Its range extends from the Rhône Valley in France to the Sierra Nevada in Spain.

Activity: They are diurnal and active, often seen basking, foraging, and hiding in vegetation.Diet: They feed on small invertebrates and sometimes fruit.Reproduction: As an oviparous (egg-laying) species, females lay an average of 2.80 eggs per clutch in continental populations. 

29-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPIDER WASP Genus Cryptocheilus

28-8-2019 EL SALER, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Grey Heron can be confused with the larger North American Great Blue Heron or the South American Cocoi Heron. However, it can be distinguished by its size and the coloration of its flanks and thighs.

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

The Grey Heron is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable and widespread population.

28-8-2019 EL SALER, VALENCIA - RED VEINED DARTER DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

28-8-2019 EL SALER, VALENCIA - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

28-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

28-8-2019 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.

In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.

The Little Grebe favors heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding. It is adept at using this dense vegetation as a cover.

This bird has a broad range, breeding across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa. In winter, many individuals move to open or coastal waters, and it becomes migratory in regions where waters freeze.

An excellent swimmer and diver, the Little Grebe hunts for fish and aquatic invertebrates underwater. It nests at the water's edge, covering its eggs with weeds when leaving the nest to evade predators. The young are capable swimmers soon after hatching and are often seen riding on the backs of adults.

28-8-2019 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)

The Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybrida, is a member of the tern family Laridae, exhibiting a swallow-like appearance, as suggested by its genus name derived from the Ancient Greek khelidonios. This species is the largest of the marsh terns, showcasing a blend of features from both the white Sterna terns and the black tern.

Adult Whiskered Terns in summer plumage are characterized by their robust bill, measuring 29–34 mm in males and 25–27 mm in females, with a pronounced gonys. They possess a black cap and a short, forked-looking tail. The cheeks are white, and the legs and bill are a vibrant red. Juveniles display a white-flecked crown and a more uniformly blackish hindcrown, while the winter adult has a similar pattern with additional white flecking. The black ear-coverts create a C-shaped band when viewed from above. Throughout the year, the rump maintains a pale grey hue. The call of the Whiskered Tern is a distinctive "krekk."

Whiskered Terns breed in colonies on inland marshes, often in the company of black-headed gulls, which offer a degree of protection.

The Whiskered Tern has several geographical races, varying mainly in size and minor plumage details. The Eurasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. hybrida) is found in warmer parts of Europe and the Palearctic, while the African Whiskered Tern (C. h. delalandii) resides in east and south Africa, and the Australasian Whiskered Tern (C. h. javanicus) ranges from Java to Australia. The tropical forms are resident, but European and Asian birds migrate south to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent for wintering.

European and Asian Whiskered Terns are migratory, traveling south during the winter months. A tagged individual was observed in April 2021 at the Manakudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India.

The Whiskered Tern is known for its characteristic "krekk" call.

This species breeds in colonies on inland marshes, sometimes amongst black-headed gulls.

The diet of the Whiskered Tern includes small fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans.

The Whiskered Tern is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

28-8-2019 EL SALER, VALENCIA - COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola)

The Collared Pratincole, known to some as the Common Pratincole or Red-winged Pratincole, is a distinctive wader belonging to the family Glareolidae. This bird is characterized by its short legs, long pointed wings, and a long forked tail. The bill is short, an adaptation for its aerial feeding habits. Adults typically measure 24–28 cm in length with a wingspan of 60–70 cm. The plumage is a blend of brown on the back and head, with a stark white belly. The underwings are a rich chestnut, presenting a darker appearance from below.

To identify the Collared Pratincole, one must look for its chestnut underwings and deeply forked tail. It can be challenging to distinguish from similar species such as the Black-winged Pratincole and the Oriental Pratincole, especially since the latter also possesses chestnut underwings but has a shorter tail.

The Collared Pratincole thrives in open country and is frequently observed near bodies of water, particularly in the evening as it hunts for insects.

This species graces the warmer regions of Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa with its presence. It is a migratory bird, retreating to tropical Africa to overwinter and is considered a rarity north of its breeding territories.

Pratincoles are unique among waders due to their propensity to capture insect prey on the wing, akin to swallows, though they are also capable of feeding on the ground.

The Collared Pratincole is a colonial nester, with a preference for laying its eggs in shallow scrapes on open ground, often near water. The clutch consists of 2–4 eggs, which are cream in color with black or dark brown markings. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation, which lasts for 17-19 days, and the young are precocial and nidifugous, leaving the nest within 2–3 days. The fledglings take to the skies after 25–30 days.

The Black-winged Pratincole and Oriental Pratincole are the species most similar to the Collared Pratincole. The key to differentiating them lies in the details of the tail length and underwing coloration.

The Collared Pratincole's diet consists primarily of insects, which it adeptly catches in flight, demonstrating its aerial agility.

The Collared Pratincole is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

27-8-2019 XERACO STATION, 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.

The barn swallow communicates with a variety of calls, including a "witt or witt-witt" and a loud "splee-plink" when excited or deterring intruders. Alarm calls include a sharp "siflitt" for terrestrial predators and a "flitt-flitt" for avian predators. The male's song, used for territory defense and mate attraction, consists of a twittering warble followed by a series of musical notes.

Barn swallows are monogamous and often mate for life, with the male arriving first at the breeding grounds to select a nest site. They build cup-shaped mud nests lined with soft materials, frequently in colonies where each pair defends a territory. The female typically lays two to seven spotted white eggs, with the clutch size varying by latitude.

The diet consists mainly of flying insects, which the barn swallow captures in open areas or follows animals and humans to catch disturbed prey. It may also pick insects from water surfaces, walls, and plants. The species drinks and bathes by skimming over water bodies.

27-8-2019 XERACO STATION, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

27-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PINE PROCESSIONARY MOTH (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)

26-8-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON GERANIUM BRONZE BUTTERFLY (Cacyreus marshalli)

The geranium bronze or brun des pélargoniums in French (Cacyreus marshalli), is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

The geranium bronze butterfly is native to South Africa. The butterfly was first introduced to Europe in the late 20th century, where it has quickly spread to many southern and eastern European regions. Since its introduction to Europe, the geranium bronze butterfly has become a pest to cultivated Pelargonium and Geranium plant species. Currently, efforts are being made to contain the spread of the geranium bronze butterflies as well as to determine the most effective pesticide for the species.

25-8-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - COMMON TIGER BUTTERFLY (Danaus genutia)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danaus_genutia#:~:text=Danaus%20genutia%2C%20the%20common%20tiger,common%20plain%20tiger%2C%20Danaus%20chrysippus.