21-12-2023 NGALA LODGE, GAMBIA - BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Cinnyris pulchellus)

The beautiful sunbird (Cinnyris pulchella), formerly placed in the genus Nectarinia, is a sunbird. It is native to tropical Africa, its range extending from Senegal and Guinea in the west to Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya in the east.

Beautiful sunbirds are tiny, only 10 cm (4 in) long, although the breeding male's long tail adds another 5 cm (2 in). They have medium-length thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues, both of which are adaptations to their nectar feeding. The male has a black head, bright metallic green upper parts, scarlet breast bordered with yellow and black belly. The central feathers of the teal are greatly elongated. The female is brown above with yellowish underparts. 

22-12-2023 FARASUTU FOREST, GAMBIA - GRAYISH EAGLE OWL (Bubo cinerascens)

The greyish eagle-owl or vermiculated eagle-owl (Bubo cinerascens) is a rather large owl of the northern part of sub-Saharan Africa. It was previously regarded as the northern subspecies of the spotted eagle-owl (Bubo africanus).

This species is about 43 cm (17 in) long and weighs about 500 g (18 oz).[3] Like the spotted eagle-owl, the greyish eagle-owl has mottled dark brown, buff, and white upperparts and finely barred (vermiculated) underparts giving a greyish-brown appearance. It differs from the spotted eagle-owl in having dark brown (not yellow) eyes and a brownish facial disk marked with a heavy brown circle around each eye. It also has morphological differences, such as being lighter though about the same length and having shorter tarsi.

As the greyish eagle-owl was considered the northern form of the spotted eagle-owl until recently their vocalisations have not been well studied. The call of the male recorded in West Africa consisted of two clear syllables and has been rendered as "koo-whoo" where the "koo" part is rather explosive and the "whoo" is somewhat downward inflected, lower pitched and extended. This call is made every few seconds and is thus not similar to that of the spotted eagle-owl.

It is found in the northern part of sub-Saharan Africa from Mauritania and Liberia east to Sudan and Somalia. Its habitats include dry rocky deserts and open savannah, as well as lowland forests in Somalia.

Roosts during the day are hidden and vary from rocky natural sites such as cliff crevices and boulders to bushes and trees to man-made structures. It feeds on larger insects and other large arthropods as well as vertebrates. It usually hunts from a perch, using a sit-and-wait technique, but may also hawk insects and sometimes bats in flight. The breeding biology is probably similar to the spotted eagle-owl. It lays 2 or 3 eggs in a scrape on the ground or among rocks or in a sheltered cliff site, although it will sometimes reuse the old platform-like nests of larger birds in trees.

It is closely related to the spotted eagle-owl, of which is it sometimes considered the northern subspecies, Bubo africanus cinerascens. In the area of overlap with the spotted eagle-owl in Kenya and the Horn of Africa, the two species are not known to interbreed.

22-12-2023 FARASUTU FOREST, GAMBIA - WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER (Curruca iberiae)

This species prefers tall and dense heterogeneous maquis with sparse tree cover in dry Mediterranean areas, particularly maquis of holm oak (Quercus ilex) and those dominated by strawberry tree (Arbutus) and tree-heath (Erica). It is also frequently found in young cork oak (Quercus suber) forest and in dense but treeless bushy areas. It uses bushy formations dominated by brambles (Rubus fruticosus) along sunny ravines and valley bottoms and prefers the intermediate stages of post-wildfire succession. Breeding occurs from late March to late June and the species is monogamous. 

The male constructs several 'cock nests' but both sexes build the breeding nest which is a deep, robust cup of grasses, thin roots and leaves and lined with finer grasses, rootlets and hair. It is placed in low scrub, bush or a small tree, c. 30–130 cm above the ground. Clutches are three to five eggs. The diet is mostly small insects and their larvae but outside of the breeding season berries and fruits are also taken. The species is a long-distance migrant, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa (Aymí et al. 2015

26-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLOODY NOSED BEETLE (Timarcha tenebricosa)

The bloody-nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa), also called blood spewer or blood-spewing beetle, is a leaf beetle native to Europe.

T. tenebricosa measures 15–20 mm in length, is blue-black in colour and is both larger and more constricted on the base of its pronotum than the visually similar T. goettingensis (the lesser bloody-nosed beetle). The body is strongly curved, and elytra smooth and finely punctuated. Its antennae are thick and well segmented, its legs have long tarsi and terminate with a double hook.

Timarcha tenebricosa is monophagous; the larvae feed exclusively on bedstraws, especially species with tender leaves (such as Galium verum and Galium mollugo). The adult beetles usually move slowly on the ground, in the grass and herbaceous plants, mainly at night.

As a defensive behaviour, they exude droplets of their bright red-orange hemolymph by breaking thin membranes in their mouth, which is foul-tasting to predators. This phenomenon of reflex bleeding exists in some other insects, such as ladybugs.

Eggs are laid in spring on bedstraw. Larvae may measure up to 20 mm and are blue-black in colour. The pupae overwinter.

The beetle can be found in southern and central Europe, and is common in Britain and Ireland.

24-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea attenuaria)

Idaea attenuaria is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. Also known as the attenuated wave or acidalie atténuée in French, this species was described by Rambur in 1833. It is native to Europe and has a relatively small wingspan, with males around 13-15 mm and females 14-17 mm. 

Key characteristics 

Family: Geometridae

Order: Lepidoptera (Moths and butterflies)

Genus: Idaea

Description: A small-sized moth.

Distribution: Native to Europe.

Flight Period: Typically active from March to June (univoltine).

Scientific Classification 

Authority: (Rambur, 1833)

Synonym: Dosithoea attenuaria

Common names: Acidalie atténuée (French)

25-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG LEGGED CHINA MARK MOTH (Dolicharthria punctalis)

Dolicharthria punctalis, the long-legged china-mark, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae. It is the type species of the proposed genus Stenia, which is usually included in Dolicharthria but may be distinct.

It is found mainly in central and southern Europe, but has been recorded further north. The wingspan is 20–25 mm. The moth flies from May to September depending on the location.

The caterpillars feed on Centaurea (knapweeds), Plantago (plantain herb), Trifolium (clovers), Artemisia vulgaris (common wormwood) and even the marine eelgrass Zostera marina. Yet other unusual recorded foods are dry leaves, plant waste, and old roots.

25-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SATIN WAVE MOTH (Idaea subsericeata)

Idaea subsericeata, the satin wave, is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809. It is found from central and southern Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor to Transcaspia.

The species has a wingspan of 22–25 mm. The adults fly in one generation from June to July 

The ground colour is white with strong silky gloss, the lines grey, seldom strongly expressed, on the other hand usually all present, thus numbering five on the forewing and four on the hindwing; the outermost line (distal shading of subterminal) the oftenest absent; all except the median are parallel with the distal margin, but slightly wavy; the median on the forewing is usually somewhat oblique, but occasionally almost parallel with the others; that of the hindwing runs straighter across the wing, instead of following the curve of the strongly convex distal margin. Cellspots and terminal line wanting or rarely the former present, minute; fringe usually with a series of minute black dots at the base, which are sometimes in part, more rarely entirely obsolete. Forewing beneath often with a smoky suffusion, either basally or all over; median and postmedian lines present, often well developed; a small discal dot present. Hindwing beneath white, with discal dot and postmedian line. Male antennal ciliation little longer than diameter of shaft; hindtarsus short. 

Not on the whole an extremely variable species, except in size; there is, however, a great deal of trivial variation, i.e. as regards the absolute or relative strength of the several lines, the close proximity of the inner subterminal to the postmedian or their wider separation, the degree of suffusion of the under surface, etc. Second-brood specimens, besides being smaller seem to be on an average whiter beneath and are sometimes rounder winged. The oval egg has a depression in the middle of the upper end. The surface has small, flat recesses. It is initially light yellow and later turns bright orange with red spots.The caterpillar is relatively slender, the diameter decreasing a little at the front end. It is whitish grey, grey, grey-brown or brown and shows a slightly reddish dorsum. The surface looks wrinkled and is studded with fine warts. The dorsal line is relatively narrow, dark and is lined with dark dots. The lateral lines are yellowish white. The large head has a notch in the middle of the apex.The pupa is blackish brown to golden brown with greenish wing-sheaths . It is nine millimeters long and measures 2.9 millimeters in diameter. The cremaster is about as long as wide and is studded with four pairs of hook-shaped curved bristles.

25-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CURVED HORN MOTH (Symmoca signatella)

Symmoca signatella, commonly known as the Dockland Moth, is a small species of micro-moth belonging to the family Autostichidae. It is noted for its status as an introduced species in several parts of the world outside its native European range.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: It has a wingspan of 12–15 mm, with a forewing length typically between 6–8 mm.

• Appearance: The forewings are ash-gray, adorned with distinct brown or black spots and markings in the discal and post-discal regions. These dark patterns are occasionally accompanied by subtle yellowish or white shading. Its hindwings are uniformly grayish-brown.

Distribution & Habitat

• Native Range: Widely distributed across Western Continental Europe, extending to regions like Italy, Lithuania, Croatia, Greece, and southern Russia.

• North America: Introduced to the United States around 1942 (first discovered in California). It has since spread across the West Coast up to Oregon and has been documented in Eastern states including Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.

• British Isles: It is classified as an adventive species in the UK. It is infrequently recorded near docks, warehouses, and urban areas (such as London, Leicestershire, and Bedfordshire), typically arriving via accidental imports of European produce.

Diet and Life Cycle

• Larval Food: The larvae are detritophagous, meaning they feed primarily on dried vegetable matter, plant debris, and decaying materials. They are frequently observed feeding on the dry leaves and accumulated stem debris of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), binding the debris together with light silken webbing. They have also been associated with scavenged matter on ornamental plants and trees like Citrus and Cupressaceae.

• Flight Period: Adults are univoltine (producing one generation per year) and fly primarily from June to September, depending on the latitude and climate. They are nocturnal but are only rarely attracted to artificial light sources.

25-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Scopula submutata)

Scopula submutata, commonly known as the Mediterranean lace border, is a species of moth belonging to the Geometridae family. Characterized by its ivory-white to grayish wings adorned with delicate wavy bands and intricate dark speckling, it blends seamlessly into its natural environments. 

Scopula submutata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in southern Europe, North Africa and the Near East. The habitat consists of open, dry grassland and rocky slopes.

The wingspan is 20–25 millimetres (0.79–0.98 in). There are two generations per year, with adults on wing from May to October.

The larvae feed on Thymus species and Origanum vulgare.

Habitat & Distribution

The species is widely distributed across Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Near East. It prefers warm, open environments such as:

• Rocky slopes and cliffs

• Dry, open grasslands

• Mediterranean maquis scrublands

Diet & Lifecycle

The caterpillars (larvae) of the Mediterranean lace border feed primarily on aromatic plants within the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Their preferred host plants include:

• Thymus species (Thyme)

• Origanum vulgare (Oregano / Wild Marjoram)

The species overwinters in its larval stage before pupating and emerging as an adult in the late spring.

24-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CUTWORM & DART MOTH (Polymixis dubia)

Polymixis dubia (Duponchel, 1836) is a nocturnal moth belonging to the family Noctuidae and the subfamily Noctuinae. Commonly known in France as La Xyline floue, this species is primarily native to Southwest Europe and North Africa.

Physical Characteristics

• Wingspan: It features an adult wingspan of approximately 37 mm.

• Coloration: The forewings display a marbled pattern of light and dark grey tones, often accented with contrasting whitish or straw-colored patches. Darker grey coloration tends to concentrate heavily across the transverse middle third of the forewings, while the wing margins generally fade into lighter shades.

Lifecycle and Ecology

• Larvae: The caterpillars are polyphagous, meaning they feed on multiple plant species. However, they show a strong ecological preference for rockroses (Cistus).

• Habitat: It is typically found in Mediterranean shrublands, garrigues, and open woodlands where its preferred host plants thrive.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Arthropoda

• Class: Insecta

• Order: Lepidoptera

• Superfamily: Noctuoidea

• Family: Noctuidae

• Genus: Polymixis

24-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler (Curruca melanocephala ) is a common and widespread typical warbler from the Mediterranean region. Like most Curruca species, it has distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside that varies from absent to (in some subspecies) pronounced. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds.

 It breeds in the southernmost areas of Europe and just into Asia in Turkey and the eastern end of the Mediterranean. This small passerine bird, unlike most "warblers", is not particularly migratory, but some birds winter in north Africa, and it occurs as a vagrant well away from the breeding range, as far as Great Britain.

This is a bird of open country and cultivation, with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or brambles, and 3-6 eggs are laid. Like most "warblers", it is insectivorous, but will also take berries and other soft fruit.

Male Sardinian warblers have a strongly contrasting plumage: a black head and upper face, white throat, light grey back and wings, and a paler greyish-white belly. Its tail is dark, edged with white, and it has brownish legs. The eye is reddish-brown, surrounded by a pinkish-orange eye ring.

23-9-2026 BALULE NATURE RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN SAVANNA ELEPHANT (JUVENILE) (Loxodonta Africana) WEBCAM

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of three extant elephant species and, along with the African forest elephant, one of two extant species of African elephant. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 metres (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 tonnes (5.7–7.6 short tons); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (11.5 short tons). 

The African bush elephant is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a convex back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. The skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water.

19-9-2026 ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA - AMERICAN ALLIGATOR (Alligator mississippiensis) WEBCAM

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to as a common alligator or simply gator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator.

Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.5 m (11.2 to 14.8 ft) in length, and can weigh up to 500 kg (1,100 lb), with unverified sizes of up to 5.84 m (19.2 ft) and weights of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) making it the second longest and the heaviest of the family Alligatoridae, after the black caiman. Females are smaller, measuring 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length. The American alligator inhabits subtropical and tropical freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps, from southern Texas to North Carolina. It is distinguished from the sympatric American crocodile by its broader snout, with overlapping jaws and darker coloration, and is less tolerant of saltwater but more tolerant of cooler climates than the American crocodile, which is found only in tropical and warm subtropical climates.

19-9-2026 ST AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM - RAMBUR'S WAVE MOTH (Idaea elongaria)

Rambur's Wave (Idaea elongaria) is a small species of moth belonging to the family Geometridae. It was first described scientifically by the French entomologist Pierre Rambur in 1833.

Classification & Distribution

Family: Geometridae (Geometer moths).

Subfamily: Sterrhinae (Waves and mochas).

Region: Found primarily in southern Europe, including Mediterranean locations like Spain, Corfu, and Crete.

Physical Characteristics

Size: It features a small wingspan measuring roughly 14–20 mm.Coloration: Pale whitish or cream background color.

Markings: Marked with thin, slightly wavy transversal bands of light brown or ocher.

Details: Tiny black dots are scattered across the wing surfaces, with a distinct row aligned along the wing margins.

23-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Charissa mucidaria)

Charissa mucidaria, commonly known as the coppery taupe, is a species of moth belonging to the family Geometridae.First described by German entomologist Jacob Hübner in 1799, this moth is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. It is well-regarded for its intricate camouflage patterns that allow it to blend seamlessly against rocky substrates and stone walls.

Key Identification Features

Wingspan: Typically ranges from 20 to 30 mm.

Coloration: Highly variable ochre, gray, or brown tones with a distinctive coppery or rusty metallic tint.

Markings: Features a central transverse band on its wings outlined by irregular dark lines, marked with tiny black spots, and a small dark eyespot (ocellus) with a light center near the wing margin.

Fringes: The wing edges often showcase distinct orange or warm-toned fringes (fimbriae).

Ecology and Life Cycle

Habitat: It primarily inhabits dry, warm, rocky slopes, stone walls, and sparse grasslands from lowlands up to mid-altitude mountain ranges.

Flight Period: Adults are bivoltine, flying in two main generations: from March to May and again from July to September. In warmer coastal regions like Andalusia, adults can be found active into early winter.

Larval Diet: The caterpillars feed polyphagously on low-growing herbs and rock plants, including species of Sedum (stonecrop), Anagallis, Polygonum, Sanguisorba, and Rumex.

Overwintering: The species hibernates during its larval stage, emerging fully mature in early spring.

23-9-2026 GANDIA, VALENCIA - PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY (Vanessa cardui)

 Vanessa cardui is the most widespread of all butterfly species. It is commonly called the painted lady, or formerly in North America the cosmopolitan.

V. cardui occurs in any temperate zone, including mountains in the tropics. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates in spring, and sometimes again in autumn. It migrates from North Africa and the Mediterranean to Britain and Europe in May and June, occasionally reaching Iceland, and from the Red Sea basin, via Israel and Cyprus, to Turkey in March and April. The occasional autumn migration made by V. cardui is likely for the inspection of resource changes; it consists of a round trip from Europe to Africa.

23-9-2026 GANDIA, VALENCIA - LAMENTING GRASSHOPPER (Eyprepocnemis plorans)

Eyprepocnemis plorans, the lamenting grasshopper, is a species of insect in the family Acrididae. It is the type species of the genus Eyprepocnemis, and is found in Africa, parts of the Middle East, and southern Europe. It typically inhabits wetlands and other moist habitats.

This is a medium-sized grasshopper, with females growing to a length of about 4.5 cm (1.8 in), while males are slightly smaller. The general colour is greyish-brown. The head and prothorax have a central dark band edged with paler stripes. The eye has a longitudinal dark streak, a characteristic shared by Anacridium aegyptium, Heteracris annulosa and Heteracris adspersa. The femurs of the hind legs have greenish, blue and yellow striations, and the hind tibia have reddish or bluish iridescence, and black and white spines.

Eyprepocnemis plorans is native to much of Africa, parts of the Middle East such as Iran, and southern Europe, where it is present in southern Greece, southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and southern Spain. It seems to be expanding its range northwards in Italy, possibly as a result of putative climate change. It usually occurs in wetlands, reed beds, freshwater and salt marshes, riverside vegetation, coastal vegetation and man-made habitats. It appreciates vertical-growing stems such as reeds, and habitats with tall forbs mixed with lower-growing plants.

22-9-2026 INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTRE, MINNESOTA - GREY WOLF (Canis lupus) WEBCAM

The wolf (Canis lupus;[b] pl.: wolves), also known as the grey wolf or gray wolf, is a canine native to Eurasia and North America. More than thirty subspecies of Canis lupus have been recognized, including the dog and dingo, though grey wolves, as popularly understood, include only naturally occurring wild subspecies. 

The wolf is the largest wild extant member of the family Canidae, and is further distinguished from other Canis species by its less pointed ears and muzzle, as well as a shorter torso and a longer tail. The wolf is nonetheless related closely enough to smaller Canis species, such as the coyote and the golden jackal, to produce fertile hybrids with them. The wolf's fur is usually mottled white, brown, grey, and black, although subspecies in the arctic region may be nearly all white.

21-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PALE MOTTLED WILLOW MOTH (Caradrina clavipalpis)

Caradrina clavipalpis, the pale mottled willow, is a moth of the family Noctuidae. The species was first described by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in his 1763 Entomologia Carniolica. It is found in the Palearctic realm (Europe, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Kuwait, Russia, Central Asia, Mongolia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, north-west India, and Sri Lanka). It is an introduced species in North America, where it was first reported from Queens in New York City in 1993. In 2009 it was found in Rochester, New York, so it appears to be established and spreading.

The wingspan is 26–35 mm. The length of the forewings is 12–15 mm. Forewing pale to dark grey with darker dusting and sometimes tinged with ochreous; the terminal area generally fuscous; the lines starting from black costal spots; the inner and outer double, blackish, the inner minutely waved, the outer dentate; subterminal line pale, waved, preceded by a grey shade with dentate rufous marks in it; stigmata small, fuscous, the orbicular rounded, the reniform a narrow lunule, with two white dots on its inner edge and three on outer; hindwing white, the veins and termen dark grey; — in laciniosa Donz. the subterminal line consists of a row of three yellowish spots each extended to termen; — the form leucoptera Thnbg., from Scandinavia, Finland, and the Ural Mountains, has fuscous suffusion over the head, thorax, and forewing, the hindwing remaining white.

21-9-2026 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.

20-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SCLEROSOMATID HARVESTMEN (Cosmobunus granarius)

Cosmobunus granarius is a large harvestman belonging to the family Sclerosomatidae, easily recognized by its dark body (up to 9 mm) marked with a pale dorsal stripe and extremely long, thin legs exceeding 70 mm. Found in southern Europe and North Africa, it is completely harmless to humans.

Physical Traits

Body size: Males reach about 7 mm; females grow up to 9 mm.

Leg span: Extremely slender legs stretching up to 70 mm or more.

 Coloration: Dark brown or black body featuring a wide, light-colored lengthwise stripe down the back.

Behavior and Habitat

Lucifugous: Prefers dark, damp spaces and avoids direct sunlight.

Shelter: Gathers in caves, rocky crevices, tree hollows, bridges, and culverts during the day.

Aggregation: Can form dense clusters of dozens or thousands of individuals hanging together on ceilings or walls in shelter.

Diet: Scavenges decaying matter and preys on small, soft-bodied invertebrates.

2-11-2021 LLUTXENT, VALENCIA - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

The meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) is a small passerine bird, which breeds in much of the Palearctic, from southeastern Greenland and Iceland east to just east of the Ural Mountains in Russia, and south to central France and Romania; an isolated population also occurs in the Caucasus Mountains. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and south-western Asia, but is resident year-round in western Europe, though even here many birds move to the coast or lowlands in winter.

This is a widespread and often abundant small pipit, 14.5–15 cm (5+1⁄2–6 in) long and 15–22 g (0.53–0.78 oz) weight. It is an undistinguished-looking species on the ground, mainly brown above and buff below, with darker streaking on most of its plumage; the tail is brown, with narrow white side edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish-yellow legs; the hind claw is notably long, longer than the rest of the hind toes. The call is a weak tsi-tsi. The simple repetitive song is given in a short song flight. Birds breeding in Ireland and western Scotland are slightly darker coloured than those in other areas, and are often distinguished as the subspecies A. p. whistleri, though it intergrades clinally with nominate A. p. pratensis found in the rest of the species' range.

It is primarily a species of open habitats, either uncultivated or low-intensity agriculture, such as pasture, bogs, and moorland, but also occurs in low numbers in arable croplands. In winter, it also uses saltmarshes and sometimes open woodlands. It is a fairly terrestrial pipit, always feeding on the ground, but uses elevated perches such as shrubs, fence lines, or electricity wires as vantage points to watch for predators.

The estimated total population is 12 million pairs. It is an abundant species in the north of its range, and generally the commonest breeding bird in most of upland Britain, but less common further south. Breeding densities range from 80 pairs/km2 (210 pairs/sq mi) in northern Scandinavia, to 5–20 pairs/km2 (13–52 pairs/sq mi) in grassland in the south of the breeding range, and just 1/km2 (2.6/sq mi) in arable farmland. A few isolated breeding pairs are recorded from south of the main range, in the mountains of Spain, Italy, and the northern Balkans. A general decline in the population has occurred over the past 17 years, most notable in French farmland, with a 68% drop.

The nest is on the ground hidden in dense vegetation, with two to seven (most often three to five) eggs; the eggs hatch after 11–15 days, with the chicks fledging 10–14 days after hatching. Two broods are commonly raised each year. This species is one of the most important nest hosts of the cuckoo, and it is also an important prey species for merlins and hen harriers.

Its food is primarily insects and other invertebrates, mostly small items less than 5 mm (3⁄16 in) long. It also eats the seeds of grasses, sedges, rushes, and heather, and crowberry berries, mainly in winter.

17-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREATER STREAKED SHIELDBUG (Odontoscelis fuliginosa)

The Greater Streaked Shieldbug is a rare ground-dwelling true bug in the family Scutelleridae, measuring about 7 mm long. It features a large scutellum covering most of the abdomen, a sandy-to-dark brown hairy body, and pale cream stripes. It lives primarily in sandy coastal environments.

Physical Traits & Identification

Size: Around 7 mm in length.Color: Sandy brown to dark chocolate brown.

Markings: Distinct pale cream stripes running down the center and sides of the scutellum.

Texture: Covered in dark, coarse hairs rather than neat bands of silvery hair.

Habitat & Distribution

Environment: Coastal sand dunes and sandy ground.Range: Found across parts of Europe, though very scarce and localized in northern regions like Britain.

Camouflage: Blends exceptionally well into sandy soils and sparse ground vegetation.

Life Cycle & Diet

Diet: Feeds on plant juices from low-growing herbs and ground plants (such as Erodium and various legumes).

Lifecycle: Nymphs typically feed and overwinter in the sand, maturing into adults by spring, with mating occurring around June and July.

17-9-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN BOLLWORM (Earias insulana)

Earias insulana, the Egyptian stemborer, Egyptian bollworm, spiny bollworm or cotton spotted bollworm, is a moth of the family Nolidae. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found in most of Africa, southern Europe, the Near East and Middle East, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia and Hawaii. It is a rare in immigrant in Great Britain.

The wingspan is 20–22 mm.

Full-grown larvae are 13–18 mm long and their wingspan is generally about 24–28 mm. It can be confused with the cream-bordered green pea (Earias clorana) or the spiny bollworm (Earias biplaga).

Pupation takes place in a felt-like cocoon, which is attached to dry leaves of the food plant or to plant debris on the ground. Typically, the pupal stage takes 9–15 days, but may extend to up to two months if development is delayed by low temperatures.

17-9-2026 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.