12-4-1998 ACCABA, JORDAN - DROMEDARY CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius)

The dromedary (Camelus dromedarius UK: /ˈdrʌmɪdəri, ˈdrɒm-/ or US: /-ˌdɛri/;[2][3]), also known as the dromedary camel, Arabian camel, or one-humped camel, is a large even-toed ungulate, of the genus Camelus, with one hump on its back.

It is the tallest of the three species of camel; adult males stand 2.2–3.6 m (7 ft 3 in – 11 ft 10 in) at the shoulder, while females are 1.7–1.9 m (5 ft 7 in – 6 ft 3 in) tall. Males typically weigh between 400 and 690 kg (880 and 1,520 lb), and females weigh between 300 and 540 kg (660 and 1,190 lb).

The species' distinctive features include its long, curved neck, narrow chest, a single hump (compared with two on the Bactrian camel and wild Bactrian camel), and long hairs on the throat, shoulders and hump. The coat is generally a shade of brown. The hump, 20 cm (7+7⁄8 in) tall or more, is made of fat bound together by fibrous tissue.

Dromedaries are mainly active during daylight hours. They form herds of about 20 individuals, which are led by a dominant male. They feed on foliage and desert vegetation; several adaptations, such as the ability to tolerate losing more than 30% of its total water content, allow it to thrive in its desert habitat. Mating occurs annually and peaks in the rainy season; females bear a single calf after a gestation of 15 months.

The dromedary has not occurred naturally in the wild for nearly 2,000 years. It was probably first domesticated in the Arabian Peninsula about 4,000 years ago, or in Somalia where there are paintings in Laas Geel that figure it from 5,000 to 9,000 years ago. In the wild, the dromedary inhabited arid regions, including the Sahara Desert. The domesticated dromedary is generally found in the semi-arid to arid regions of the Old World, mainly in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and a significant feral population occurs in Australia. Products of the dromedary, including its meat and milk, support several North African tribes; it is also commonly used for riding and as a pack animal.

15-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - ORANGE FEATHERLEG DAMSELFLY (Platycnemis acutipennis)

The "Orange Featherleg" (Platycnemis acutipennis) is a unique species of damselfly found primarily in southwestern Europe. It gets its name from the distinctly widened, feather-like tibia on its legs. The male is the only European damselfly that sports a striking orange-red abdomen and brilliant blue eyes.

Key Physical & Behavioral Facts

Distinctive Coloration: Males feature a bright orange-red abdomen and blue eyes, while females have a duller orange or yellowish body.

Feathered Legs: Both males and females have enlarged, paddle-like white or pale legs covered in long, feather-like hairs.

Size: They are slender and dainty insects, measuring roughly 30 to 35 mm long with an abdomen about 1 mm thick.

Habitat & DistributionGeographical Range: These damselflies are primarily concentrated in France, Portugal, and Spain.Preferred Environment: They are typically found near lowland rivers, but can adapt to a variety of aquatic ecosystems including slow-moving streams and standing waters.

Prey: Like other damselflies, they are agile aerial predators that feed on small, flying insects.

15-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

Spain, and southern France, often found in waterbodies like ponds, reservoirs, and rivers. Known for their vocal, noisy rattling croaks, these green or brown, 35–100 mm frogs are active both day and night, breeding in both natural and artificial aquatic habitats. 

Key Facts about the Iberian Green Frog:

Appearance: They are usually shades of green or brown, sometimes blueish, with yellowish lines down their backs and small warts on their skin. They are quite agile and have long hind limbs designed for swimming and jumping.

Vocalization: Only males sing to attract females, often creating loud choruses that sound like rattling, croaks, and groans.

Diet: As opportunistic predators, they feed on insects like Diptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera, but they can also be cannibalistic.

Habitat: While they prefer aquatic environments, they can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including temperate forests, Mediterranean shrubland, and even urban areas.

Reproduction: They reproduce in many types of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, ponds, and even temporary water tanks, often during the spring and summer.

Conservation Status: The species is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, but its populations are decreasing and it is vulnerable to habitat changes and the introduction of exotic predators like the red swamp crawfish. 

Iberian Green Frogs can live at altitudes up to 2,400 meters.

They can be identified by a pale, central dorsal stripe dividing their back.

They can be seen during the day but are most vocal in the evening.

They are highly aquatic and will rapidly jump into the water to escape danger.

The Perez's frog (Pelophylax perezi), also known as Iberian waterfrog, Iberian green frog or Coruna frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is native to southern France, Portugal, Spain, and has been introduced to the Canary and Balearic Islands, Madeira, the United Kingdom, and the Azores. In the Iberian Peninsula it is widespread and common.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, sandy shores, arable land, and urban areas. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.

15-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - LARGE WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata maera)

Lasiommata maera, the large wall brown, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.

The species is common in continental Europe. It is also present in the Urals, south western Siberia, Asia Minor, Syria, Iran, Central Asia and the Himalayas. It is absent from the United Kingdom. Its preferred habitats are edges of the forest, unmanaged clearings on forested areas, rocky dry areas and stony slopes, at an elevation of 0–2,000 metres (0–6,562 ft) above sea level.

Lasiommata maera has a wingspan of 44–56 millimetres (1.7–2.2 in). These large butterflies are quite variable in color and pattern. Usually the upperside is orange in the forewings and mostly brown in the hindwings. The forewings always show a single ocellus, while the hindwings bear two or three ocelli. The underside of the forewings is orange and the underside of the hindwings is marbled with gray brown. 

15-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

15-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - MALLOW SKIPPER BUTTERFLY (Carcharodus alceae)

The Mallow Skipper (Carcharodus alceae) is a widespread, fast-flying, small brown butterfly (23–34 mm wingspan) common in Europe and Asia. Known for its pinkish-brown, checkerboard-patterned wings, this species lays eggs on Malva (mallow) plants, where caterpillars create leafy shelters. It thrives in warm habitats.

Key Facts About the Mallow Skipper:

Identification: The upper side of the wings is pinkish-brown, while the underside of the hindwing has a dark grey-brown color with contrasting pale spots. The wing edges are distinctly scalloped.

Behavior: It has a fast, "skipping" flight pattern. It is often found in flowery, hot, and rocky locations, as well as parks and gardens.

Life Cycle: Females lay eggs on mallow leaves. Caterpillars build "nests" by sewing leaves together. They often hibernate in leaf litter as fully grown larvae before pupating in spring.Generations: In warmer climates, it can have multiple generations from March to October.

Distribution: Widespread in central and southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.Parasites: The young caterpillars are parasitized by the wasp Elasmus.

14-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DARKLING BEETLE (Heliotaurus ruficollis)

Heliotaurus ruficollis (Fabricius, 1781) is a common Mediterranean comb-clawed beetle (family Tenebrionidae) recognized by its shiny black body, dark red thorax (pronotum), and 9–11 mm size. Often called the "toro del sol" (sun bull), these diurnal beetles are found in sunny, flower-rich habitats from April to June, where they feed on pollen and nectar, acting as pollinators. 

Key Facts about Heliotaurus ruficollis:

Appearance: They have a black head, reddish thorax (pronotum), and black elytra (wing covers) that may show subtle blue tints, along with long legs.

Habitat and Distribution: Highly common in the Western Mediterranean region, including Spain and North Africa, residing in meadows, gardens, and shrublands.

Diet and Behavior: Adults are strictly floricolous (flower-living), feeding on pollen and nectar. They are highly active during the hottest, sunniest hours.

Larval Stage: Larvae are saprophagous, living in the soil or decaying wood, where they contribute to nutrient recycling.

Ecological Role: They are considered beneficial pollinators, though they can sometimes be seen in large numbers on flowers.

Seasonality: Visible primarily during spring, from April to June.

Classification: Belong to the order Coleoptera, family Tenebrionidae (darkling beetles), and subfamily Alleculinae. 

14-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SCLEROSOMATID HARVESTMAN (Cosmobunus granarius)

Cosmobunus granariusesa species of harvestman (order Opiliones) known for its exceptionally long, slender legs and fused body, common in humid areas of the Iberian Peninsula. They are nocturnal, harmless scavengers that gather in large, root-like aggregations in dark, humid spots during the day. 

Key Facts About Cosmobunus Granarius:

Classification: Belong to the family Sclerosomatidae and are sometimes referred to as leiobunids.

Appearance: Characterized by very long legs (up to 72 mm) and a single, rounded, brownish body segment.

Habitat & Behavior: Prefers moist environments, often found in dense undergrowth or hiding during the day in caves, tunnels, and tree holes.

Diet: Acts as a scavenger, feeding on decaying organic material.

Life Cycle: Annual, with adults appearing in early summer. They lay eggs (16–78) in the ground, which hatch into nymphs.

Safety: Despite their intimidating look, they are completely harmless to humans.

Distribution: Primarily located in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain). 

Cosmobunus granarius exhibits social behavior, often forming dense, massive, and compact aggregations that resemble a bunch of roots. 

13-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

12-5-2020 POTRIES, VALENCIA - COPPER DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (FEMALE) (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis)

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis is a species of damselfly in the family Calopterygidae known by the common names copper demoiselle and Mediterranean demoiselle.

This species is native to the western Mediterranean Basin in Europe (Iberia, southern France, Italy, Monaco) and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia). It is common in much of its range.

It lives along rivers and streams, but also in sunny larger waters. Though it may be affected by habitat changes such as water pollution.

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis can reach a body length of about 45–48 millimetres (1.8–1.9 in). The abdomen length is of about 34–43 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in) in males, of 31–43 millimetres (1.2–1.7 in) in females. The length of the wings is of 23–32 millimetres (0.91–1.26 in) in males, of 25–37 millimetres (0.98–1.46 in) in the females.

The males have a dark, metallic shining body, the color of which can be red-violet, golden or copper-colored. On the underside of the last three abdominal segments there red area, the so-called "red lantern" (hence the Latin species name haemorrhoidalis, meaning "blood flow"). The wings of males show a large dark area, while the females have a brown band to the wing tip and a metallic-green to bronze-colored body, with a brown belt on the back.

The flight time of this species ranges from May to September. The males have a characteristic mating dance, showing the abdomen end and spreading their wings wide. The male of this species is territorial, defending sites where females may choose to lay eggs.

This species can hybridize with Calopteryx splendens.

12-5-2020 POTRIES, VALENCIA - COPPER DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (MALE) (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis)

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis is a species of damselfly in the family Calopterygidae known by the common names copper demoiselle and Mediterranean demoiselle.

The Copper Demoiselle is a species of damselfly which is found in southern Europe. It is often found along streams and rivers, which are clear and rich in oxygen. The abdomen of the male shows a distinctive pink rear.

The wingspan is 60–70 mm. Adults fly from April to September.

11-5-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, 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.

11-5-2020 LA LLACUNA, VALENCIA - PYRAMIDAL ORCHID (Anacamptis pyramidalis)

The Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) is a striking perennial native to Europe and North Africa. Famous for its dense cluster of 50-100 bright pink or purple flowers, it thrives in chalky, well-drained soils. It relies entirely on specific soil fungi to germinate.

Key Identification & Morphology

Flower Shape: Young flower spikes form a distinct cone or pyramid, which elongates into a cylindrical or egg-shape as they bloom.

Individual Blooms: Each tiny flower features six petals, a deeply three-lobed lip, and a long, slender tubular spur that holds nectar.

Leaves: Long, narrow, pointed, and unspotted basal leaves, typically growing up to 25 cm in length.Height: Mature plants typically reach between 10 cm and 60 cm tall.

Habitat & EcologySoil: Prefers calcareous (chalk and limestone) grasslands, but has increasingly adapted to human-made environments like roadside verges, old quarries, and railway banks.

Symbiosis: Orchid seeds lack the nutrients needed to germinate on their own. They require a symbiotic relationship with a soil-dwelling fungus (mycorrhiza), which provides them with food.

Fragrance: During the day, the flowers emit a pleasant, vanilla-like scent to attract butterflies. In the evening, the damp flowers release a distinct, musky "foxy" or goat-like odor that repels unwanted moths.

Pollinators: Heavily adapted for pollination by butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) who use their long tongues to reach the nectar in the tubular spur.

Conservation & Cultivation

Protection: In many regions, the Pyramidal Orchid is protected by law against picking, damage, or removal from the wild.

Gardening: While they can be grown in gardens with calcareous soils and full sun, they are highly sensitive to artificial fertilizers and fungicides.

11-5-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The mallard (/ˈmælɑːrd, ˈmælərd/) or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. This duck belongs to the subfamily Anatinae of the waterfowl family Anatidae. Males have green heads, while the females (hens or ducks) have mainly brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes have an area of white-bordered black or iridescent purple or blue feathers called a speculum on their wings; males especially tend to have blue speculum feathers. 

The mallard is 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, of which the body makes up around two-thirds the length. The wingspan is 81–98 cm (32–39 in) and the bill is 4.4 to 6.1 cm (1.7 to 2.4 in) long. It is often slightly heavier than most other dabbling ducks, weighing 0.7–1.6 kg (1.5–3.5 lb). Mallards live in wetlands, eat water plants and small animals, and are social animals preferring to congregate in groups or flocks of varying sizes.

The female lays 8 to 13 creamy white to greenish-buff spotless eggs, on alternate days. Incubation takes 27 to 28 days and fledging takes 50 to 60 days. The ducklings are precocial and fully capable of swimming as soon as they hatch.

11-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

This species is resident throughout its range, which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the Amur Valley, and from Scandinavia to the Middle East. It is generally non-migratory, except in harsh winters when it may move to more temperate areas.

Great tits are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors and can solve problems with insight learning. They are also cavity nesters and are monogamous, with both parents involved in raising the chicks.

The great tit has a repertoire of up to 40 calls and songs, with the male being particularly vocal. A common call resembles the phrase "teacher, teacher," which is used to proclaim territory.

Breeding occurs once a year, with the female laying up to 12 eggs in a cavity nest. The female incubates the eggs alone, but both parents feed the chicks. In most years, the pair will raise two broods.

In summer, the diet is predominantly insectivorous, while in winter, it expands to include seeds and berries. Great tits are adept at handling large food items and are known to visit bird feeders in urban areas.

10-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JUMPING SPIDER (Genus Euophrys)

Euophrys is a genus of small, active jumping spiders (family Salticidae) first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1834. They are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere (Holarctic) and parts of Africa, with some species extending into North America. The name is derived from Greek, translating to "fair eyebrows".

Here are key facts about the genus Euophrys:

1. Unique Habitat and Altitude RecordHighest Resident: The species Euophrys omnisuperstes (Himalayan jumping spider) lives at elevations up to 6,700 meters (\(22,000\text{ ft}\)) on Mount Everest, making it a candidate for the highest known permanent resident on Earth.Surviving Extreme Cold: These high-altitude spiders survive freezing temperatures by staying in silken cells spun beneath rocks.

Diet: They feed on tiny insects, such as springtails and flies, that are blown up the mountain.2. Physical CharacteristicsSmall Size: Most Euophrys species are small, usually measuring between 2 and 5 mm in body length.

Coloration: Many are dark brown or blackish, often with lighter patches on the abdomen.Sexual Dimorphism: Males often have darker bodies and distinct, sometimes brightly colored, hairs on their face (clypeus) or palps.

Distinctive Male Features: Males frequently have a needle-like or complex tibial apophysis (a protrusion on the pedipalp) and a spiraled, thin embolus (mating organ).3. Behavior and EcologyActive Hunters: Like other jumping spiders, they do not build webs to catch prey but actively hunt during the day using their excellent eyesight.

Habitat: They are ground-living or low-vegetation dwellers, often found in moss, leaf litter, and under stones, particularly in forests or mountain areas.Courtship: Males perform complex courtship displays, utilizing their specially modified front legs and palps to attract females.Safety Lines: They always attach a dragline of silk before jumping, allowing them to climb back up if they miss their prey.

9-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BOAR THISTLE (Galactites tomentosa)

Galactites tomentosus, the purple milk thistle, is a biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Galactites of the Asteraceae family.

Galactites tomentosus is a hemicryptophyte plant up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall. The stem is erect and pubescent, branched at the top. The leaves are green, long and pinnatisect, lanceolate, mottled with white markings, while the underside is whitish and covered with matted woolly hairs. The margins of the leaves bear strong thorns.

The flower heads are quite large – about 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in diameter. The involucre of the flower head is covered by hairy scales ending with a single grooved thorn. The central flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects, while external flowers are sterile; their color varies from white or pink to lilac-purple.

The flowering period extends from April through July and the seeds ripen from August through September[citation needed]. The fruits are achenes with whitish hairy appendages (pappus).

The genus name derives from the Greek γάλα (= "milk"), referring to the dense white hairs covering the stems and leaves of this species, the species name tomentosus means hairy in Latin.

9-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FIELD GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus italicus)

Gladiolus italicus, commonly known as field gladiolus or Italian gladiolus, is a hardy, cormous perennial native to Eurasia and North Africa, often acting as a wildflower in Mediterranean cultivated fields. It is characterized by bright pink to magenta flowers, tall, unbranched stems up to 1m (3 ft) high, and sword-shaped leaves.

Here are the key facts about Gladiolus italicus:

Appearance and GrowthFlowers: Features loose spikes of up to 20 pinkish-purple flowers, each 4–5 cm long with paler pink markings on lower petals.

Foliage: Produces narrow, sword-shaped leaves that can reach up to 1 meter in height.

Bloom Time: Flowers in late spring to early summer (March to June).

Roots: Grows from a corm, with the ability to multiply via cormlets, making it a prolific spreader.

Habitat and EcologyNative Region: Widely found throughout the Mediterranean, including southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Southwest Asia.

Environment: Prefers sunny, dry areas and is often found on rocky slopes, in olive groves, and as a weed in cultivated cereal crops.

Invasiveness: Known to be quite invasive in its native range, often blanketing road verges and fields.

Historical and Cultural UsesName Origin: Gladiolus is Latin for "little sword," referencing its sword-shaped leaves.

Medicinal Folklore: Historically, the corms were used in ancient medicine as a poultice to remove splinters or thorns, and as a treatment for, as stated in historical texts, "bowel hernias" in children.

Victorian Symbolism: In the Victorian language of flowers, it represents love and infatuation.

Cultivation and CareConditions: Thrives in full sun with fertile, well-drained, and consistently moist soil during the growing season.Hardiness: Generally hardy, but it needs protection (thick mulch) or lifting of the corms in colder climates.

Maintenance: Can be grown in beds, borders, and is excellent for cutting.

Pests/Disease: Usually low-maintenance but can be affected by gladiolus thrips, aphids, and corm rot.

9-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

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. 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.

 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.

Blue Rock Thrushes are a resident species that is widespread but localised. They prefer rocky environs and cliffs as a breeding habitat so one can find them on the coast as well as inland, but they will also breed in old ruins, even close to Man, though in these circumstances they are wary and shy.

8-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (FEMALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius) is a chat species, reminiscent of a thrush, with a starling-like stature, measuring 21–23 cm in length. The male of the nominate subspecies is predominantly blue-grey, save for darker wings, presenting a striking appearance. Females and immature birds are less vivid, with dark brown upperparts and paler, scaly brown underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis is distinguished by rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast to the undertail, a feature absent in both sexes of the rock thrush.

To identify the blue rock thrush, look for the male's unmistakable blue-grey plumage and the female's less conspicuous brown tones. The male M. s. philippensis can be recognized by its rufous-chestnut lower half. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers seen in rock thrushes.

This bird favors open, mountainous regions where it can nest in rock cavities and walls.

The blue rock thrush breeds across southern Europe, northwest Africa, and from Central Asia to northern China and Malaysia. It is a resident bird in Europe, north Africa, and southeast Asia, with some populations exhibiting altitudinal migration. Other Asian populations are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and southeast Asia. It is a rare visitor to northern and western Europe.

The blue rock thrush is an omnivore, consuming a varied diet of insects, small reptiles, berries, and seeds. It breeds in its preferred mountainous habitats, laying 3-5 eggs per clutch.

The male's song is a clear and melodious call, louder than that of the rock thrush, which can be heard echoing through its mountainous domain.

As an omnivore, the blue rock thrush has a diverse diet that includes insects, small reptiles, berries, and seeds.

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

8-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

This species is resident throughout its range, which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the Amur Valley, and from Scandinavia to the Middle East. It is generally non-migratory, except in harsh winters when it may move to more temperate areas.

6-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BURNET ROSE (Rosa spinosissima)

Rosa pimpinellifolia, the burnet rose, is a species of rose native to western, central and southern Europe (north to Iceland and Norway) and northwest Africa.

It is generally restricted to sand dunes or limestone pavements and typically has a coastal distribution when not on limestone.

It is a rather low erect deciduous plant usually from 20–140 cm high but sometimes up to 2 metres. It spreads by basal shoots and can cover large areas. The stems have very numerous stiff bristles and many straight prickles. The young stems and prickles and the mature leaves tend to be very red with young growth a bright scarlet and older growth a deep maroon.

The flowers are cream-white although rarely also pale pink. They are 2–4 cm diameter with five petals, which produce distinctive globular dark purple to black hips.

Similar plants native further east in Asia, sometimes treated as Rosa pimpinellifolia var. subalpina, are now regarded as a separate species Rosa oxyacantha (Flora of China); it differs in having pink flowers and red hips.

Numerous cultivars are grown, of which 'Stanwell Perpetual' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It has very pale pink double flowers, fading to white.

6-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - POND OLIVE MAYFLY (Cloeon dipterum)

Cloeon dipterum is a species of mayfly with a Holarctic distribution. It is the most common mayfly in ponds in the British Isles and the only ovoviviparous mayfly in Europe. Males differ from females in having turbinate eyes.

In common with other members of the genera Cloeon and Procloeon, C. dipterum has a single pair of wings. This is also reflected in the specific epithet dipterum, which is from the Latin di-, meaning two, and the Greek pteron, meaning wing, and in his original description, Carl Linnaeus stated Inferiores alæ vix existunt ("smaller wings hardly present").

The compound eyes of C. dipterum show a striking sexual dimorphism, whereby females have lateral apposition eyes, while the males' eyes have an additional dorsal "turban-shaped" parts that function as superposition eyes. These extra eyes are thought to enable the males to locate isolated females in the mating swarm.

Cloeon dipterum is unusual among mayflies in being ovoviviparous, and is the only ovoviviparous mayfly species known in Europe. Females lay eggs 10–14 days after mating, and the eggs hatch as soon as they hit the water. The larvae can survive for months in anoxic conditions, an adaptation which is necessary to survive the winter in ponds which freeze over and therefore contain little dissolved oxygen. In captivity, adult females have been kept alive for up to three weeks.

Cloeon dipterum is widespread across Europe and Asia. In the British Isles, C. dipterum is the commonest mayfly in ponds, with around 40% of all ponds containing C. dipterum, rising to 70% in the south. In 1953, a single female Cloeon dipterum was discovered in Illinois, having not been previously recorded in North America, and was found near Lucas, Ohio in 1960. The species is now known to have a wide distribution in North America. Individuals of C. dipterum from Madeira are now placed in a different species, Cloeon peregrinator.

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FUNNEL WEAVER SPIDER (Lycosoides coarctata)

Textrix is a genus of funnel weavers first described by Carl Jakob Sundevall in 1833. They have a mainly European distribution, with one species in Ethiopia. The type species of the genus is Textrix denticulata.

The spiders in the genus Textrix have a strongly recurved posterior row of eyes with the medial eyes larger than the lateral eyes. They have a narrow head which is distinct from the thorax. These spiders may resemble wolf spiders as they are often recorded running about in sunshine, but their long and segmented posterior spinners are very marked and identify them as funnel web weavers.

As of August 2023 it contains six species:

Textrix caudata L. Koch, 1872 – Macaronesia, Northern Africa, Southern Europe, Syria

Textrix chyzeri de Blauwe, 1980 – Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Bulgaria

Textrix denticulata (Olivier, 1789) (type) – Europe, Turkey

Textrix nigromarginata Strand, 1906 – Ethiopia

Textrix pinicola Simon, 1875 – Portugal to Italy

Textrix rubrofoliata Pesarini, 1990 – Spain, France, Italy

7-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPINY FALSE WOLF SPIDER (Zoropsis spinimana)

Males of Z. spinimana reach a length around 10–12 mm (0.39–0.47 in), while females are 15–18 mm (0.59–0.71 in) long. This spider resembles a wolf spider, as its eyes are of the same configuration, but unlike wolf spiders, the eyes of Zoropsis spiders are more spread out along the front third of the cephalothorax. The front body (prosoma) is brownish with broad darker markings. The abdomen (opisthosoma) has median black markings. The legs are mainly a speckled brown color.

The brown and light marking on the upper side of the front body evokes the face of the vampire of the 1922 German silent film Nosferatu, which led to the common German name of the spider, Nosferatu-Spinne.

Zoropsis spinimana is distributed widely in the Mediterranean, but reaches into Russia, and was introduced to the United States, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the United Kingdom, primarily the London area.