18-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CARNEA GROUP GREEN LACEWING (Complex Chrysoperla carnea-group)

Chrysoperla carnea, commonly known as the common green lacewing, is a highly beneficial insect widely used in organic agriculture and horticulture for biological pest control. Its voracious larvae are voracious predators that feed on aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.

The 4 Stages of the Life Cycle

Egg: Females lay pale green, oval eggs atop long silken stalks to protect them from predators and cannibalistic hatchlings.

Larva (The "Aphid Lion"): Known for their alligator-like shape, brown or gray coloring, and large pincer-like mandibles. They inject paralyzing enzymes into prey and consume their bodily fluids.

Pupa: The larva spins a spherical, silken white cocoon in which it rests and transforms into an adult.

Adult: Pale green, measuring roughly 12-20 mm, with large golden eyes, delicate lacy wings, and long thread-like antennae.

17-6-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - NORTHERN BANDED GROUNDLING (Brachythemis impartita)

Brachythemis impartita, the Northern banded groundling, is a species of dragonfly, a skimmer from the family Libellulidae from central and northern Africa, its range extending into southern Europe and the Middle East. It was previously considered to be conspecific with B. leucosticta.

Brachythemis impartita has a pale cream pterostigma in both sexes and their eyes appear to be striped. The female has a buffy abdomen and thorax, males are darker and mature males can be dark blue to black on the abdomen and thorax. Males have bands on the outer wings from the node to just short of the pterostigma, this is paler in teneral individuals but darkens as the dragonfly matures. 

Where they overlap with B. leucosticta the males can be distinguished by the colour of the veins and the genital lobe, as well as by the ventral structure of segment 8. The females cannot yet be told apart. The length of this dragonfly is from 25 to 34 millimetres (0.98 to 1.34 in) and the span of the hindwings is 20 to 26 millimetres (0.79 to 1.02 in).

Brachythemis impartita is found from central Africa as far south as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania north through Africa and to the Mediterranean Sea. Its range also extends into the Middle East where it has been recorded from the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Cyprus and southern Anatolia. It has colonised southern Europe and was first recorded there in Portugal in 1957 but it is now also found in Spain, Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily and by 2015 in mainland Italy.

17-6-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.

This species is migratory by nature, seeking the warmer climates of Africa to spend the winter. It is seldom seen north of its breeding grounds. The Squacco Heron has been observed as a vagrant in the Fernando de Noronha islands and, on rarer occasions, in mainland South America. It nests in modest colonies, often in the company of other wading birds, and constructs its nests from sticks on platforms in trees or shrubs.

The Squacco Heron selects freshwater locales across Europe and the Middle East to breed, later migrating southward to the Sub-Saharan African region. During the breeding season, they lay a clutch of three to four eggs.

Adept at foraging, the Squacco Heron feeds on a diet consisting of fish, frogs, and insects, making the most of its wetland environment.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Squacco Heron as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

Non-breeding Squacco Herons share certain physical characteristics with other heron species such as the Indian Pond Heron and the Malagasy Pond Heron, including tawny plumage, lighter streaking, a smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.

The Squacco Heron uses freshwater localities throughout Europe and the Middle East as breeding grounds to later migrate south to the Sub-Saharan African region. Non-breeding Squacco Herons share similar traits with other heron species like the Indian Pond Heron and Malagasy Pond Heron which show tawny color plumage, lighter streaking, smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.

The squacco heron is a migrant, wintering in Africa. It is rare north of its breeding range. The species has been recorded in Fernando de Noronha islands, and more rarely in mainland South America, as a vagrant. This is a stocky species with a short neck, short thick bill and buff-brown back. In summer, adults have long neck feathers. Its appearance is transformed in flight, when it looks very white due to the colour of the wings.

The squacco heron's breeding habitat is marshy wetlands in warm countries. The birds nest in small colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. Three to four eggs are laid. They feed on fish, frogs and insects.

17-6-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen, known scientifically as Gallinula chloropus, is a bird of the rail family, Rallidae. It is a bird of striking appearance, with a mix of black and brown plumage, a white under-tail, and white streaks along its flanks. Its legs are a vibrant yellow, and it sports a distinctive red frontal shield. The bill is a matching red with a yellow tip. Juveniles are a duller brown and do not have the red shield.

Adult moorhens can be identified by their red frontal shield, which has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides. The tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is smoothly curved. Their yellow legs and the combination of their black and brown plumage with white markings make them quite distinctive. The young are browner and lack the red shield, making them less conspicuous.

The common moorhen is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, canals, and lakes that are rich in vegetation. It is also known to inhabit city parks with suitable water bodies.

This species has a broad distribution across many parts of the Old World. It is not found in polar regions or many tropical rainforests but is otherwise widespread, often being the most common rail species in its range.

17-6-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea)

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), a statuesque avian, stands with a height ranging from 70 to 94 cm and boasts a wingspan of 120 to 152 cm. Despite its grand stature, it is a slender creature, tipping the scales at a mere 0.5 to 1.35 kg. This bird is slightly smaller and more svelte than its cousin, the Grey Heron, and is adorned with darker, reddish-brown plumage.

Adult Purple Herons are distinguished by their black foreheads and crowns, with a dark stripe cascading down the back of the neck, culminating in a modest, dangling crest. Their heads and necks are a buffish chestnut, streaked with dark lines, while the mantle dons an oily brown hue. The upper parts and tail are a brownish grey, and the underparts are a mix of chestnut and black. During the breeding season, the beak of the adult brightens, and the eyes gleam with a yellow iris.

The Purple Heron is a denizen of marshes, lagoons, and lakes, often shrouded by dense vegetation. It has a penchant for freshwater habitats, particularly those with expansive reed beds of Phragmites. Coastal mangrove swamps are also within its realm, though less frequently visited.

This heron has a broad range that spans Africa, central and southern Europe, and the southern and eastern Palearctic. While the Western Palearctic populations are migratory, their African and tropical-Asian counterparts are mostly sedentary, save for occasional dispersive movements.

The Purple Heron is a creature of stealth and grace, often retreating to the sanctuary of reed beds. It exhibits a slow, deliberate flight, with its neck retracted and legs trailing behind. On land, it moves with long toes that allow it to traverse floating vegetation or even bushwalk without grasping the branches. Dawn and dusk are its preferred times for activity, with the bird often seen stalking or standing in ambush for its prey.

The heron's vocalization is a subdued "frarnk," a quieter and higher-pitched affair compared to the Grey Heron. It is generally less vocal, but similar guttural sounds may emanate from its colonies. Purple Herons are colonial breeders, constructing bulky nests from dead reeds or sticks in close proximity to water. They lay about five bluish-green eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties. The young emerge after approximately four weeks and take their first flight six weeks later.

17-6-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN MAGPIE (Pica pica)

The Eurasian magpie, or common magpie (Pica pica), is a striking bird that graces the northern reaches of the Eurasian continent. It is a member of the crow family, known as corvids, and is part of the "monochrome" magpie group within the Holarctic radiation. The bird is easily recognized by its black and white plumage and long, iridescent tail.

Adult Eurasian magpies measure 44–46 cm in length, with over half of this being the tail. They have a wingspan of 52–62 cm. The head, neck, and breast are glossy black with a metallic sheen of green and violet, while the belly and scapulars are pure white. The wings are black with green or purple gloss, and the primaries have white inner webs. The tail is black with green and reddish-purple gloss. Both sexes have similar plumage, though females are slightly smaller. 

17-6-2020 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - SMALL WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

Pieris rapae is a small-to-medium-sized butterfly species of the whites-and-yellows family Pieridae. It is known in Europe as the small white, in North America and the United Kingdom as the cabbage white or cabbage butterfly, on several continents as the small cabbage white, and in New Zealand as the white butterfly. The butterfly is recognizable by its white color with small black dots on its wings, and it can be distinguished from P. brassicae by the latter's larger size and black band at the tip of the forewings.

The caterpillar of this species, often referred to as the "imported cabbageworm", is a pest to crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, bok choy and broccoli. Pieris rapae is widespread in Europe and Asia; it is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Europe and to have spread across Eurasia thanks to the diversification of brassicaceous crops and the development of human trade routes. Over the past two centuries, it spread to North Africa (about 1800), North America (1860s), Hawaii (1897), New Zealand (1930), and Australia (1937), as a result of accidental introductions.

17-6-2020 MUNTANYETA DEL SANS, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

Little Egrets are social yet territorial when feeding. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors, from active chasing to patient ambush. Their movements are often in response to the presence of other animals, which may stir up prey.

The Little Egret's vocalizations include croaking and bubbling sounds at breeding colonies and a harsh alarm call when disturbed. These calls are similar to those of the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Cattle Egret.

2-6-2026 MARJAL DE MASSANASSA, ALBUFERA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

 Large wader (approx 102 cm or 3.5 ft) with an also large wingspan (approx 175 cm or 5.5 ft). Stylized silhouette and long neck. Greyish plumage in general. White head in adults with black forelock and long, black feathers like a plume. Light neck with dark lines. Ashen back and dark spot on the shoulders. Lighter belly. Long, sharp, yellow bill. Yellow legs. Silhouette in flight with neck folded in the shape of an "s" and stretched legs.

Its habitats are principally Wetlands, River and Riverside

It lives in all types of wetlands with salty or fresh water in winter. In the breeding season it needs wetlands with nearby tree vegetation. Also in Reservoirs, lagoons, ditches and irrigation ponds, stream banks, coast line.

16-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

The Little Ringed Plover, Charadrius dubius, presents itself as a small and sprightly bird. Its plumage is a subtle blend of grey-brown on the back and wings, while its underparts remain a crisp white. A distinctive black neckband adorns its white breast, complementing the brown cap atop its head. A striking black mask encircles the eyes, set against a white forehead, and is accentuated by a clear yellow eye-ring—a feature unique to this species. Its bill is short and dark, and the legs exhibit a flesh-coloured hue, with all toes connected by webbing.

To distinguish the Little Ringed Plover from its close relatives, one should note the colour of its legs, the pattern on its head, and the presence of the yellow eye-ring. These characteristics set it apart from the larger Ringed Plover, which lacks these specific traits. 

The preferred breeding grounds of the Little Ringed Plover are open gravel areas adjacent to freshwater sources. These include gravel pits, river edges, and islands, where vegetation is sparse or non-existent.

This bird boasts a wide range across the Palearctic, extending to northwestern Africa. It is a migratory species, retreating to the warmer climates of Africa during the winter months.

The Little Ringed Plover is known for its foraging habits on muddy terrains, where it primarily relies on sight to locate its prey. It is a ground-nesting bird, with both males and females sharing the responsibility of incubating the eggs.

16-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - GREAT WILLOWHERB (Epilobium hirsutum)

Epilobium hirsutum is a flowering plant belonging to the willowherb genus Epilobium in the family Onagraceae. It is commonly known as the great willowherb, great hairy willowherb or hairy willowherb. Local names include codlins-and-cream, apple-pie and cherry-pie.

It is a tall, perennial plant, reaching up to 2 metres in height. The robust stems are profusely hairy with soft spreading hairs. The hairy leaves are 2–12 cm long and 0.5–3.5 cm wide. They are long and thin and are widest below the middle. They have sharply toothed edges and no stalk. The large flowers have four notched petals. These are purple-pink and are usually 10–16 mm long. There are 8 stamens. The stigma is white and has four lobes. The sepals are green.

It is relatively easy to distinguish from similar species at least in much of its European range, where its flowers are among species of its genus present there.

The native range of the species includes North Africa, most of Europe up to southern Sweden, and parts of Asia. It is absent from much of Scandinavia and north-west Scotland. It has been introduced to North America and Australia.

It typically grows in wet or damp habitats without dense tree-cover up to 2,500 metres above sea-level. Common habitats include marshland and the banks of rivers and streams. It also occurs in anthropogenic contexts such as wet ditches and in general in places rich in nitrates. It flowers from June to September, with a peak in July and August.

16-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea subsaturata)

Idaea subsaturata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in the coastal regions of the Iberian Peninsula (from southern Portugal to the eastern Pyrenees), northern Spain and in small populations near Madrid and in northern Portugal. It is also found in isolated populations in France (Depts. Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Lot, Aveyron, Lozère, Gard, Herault, Aude, Pyrenées Orientales and Var). It is also found in North Africa, from North-eastern Morocco and northern Algeria up to Tunisia and western Libya.

The wingspan is 14–15 mm. The moth flies in up to three generations. In low areas it flies from May to October, in mountainous areas from July to August.

The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, including Taraxacum officinale, Lactuca sativa, Polygonum aviculare.

16-6-2020 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.

15-6-2020 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.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

15-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (JUVENILE) (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.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

The IUCN currently lists the Spotted Flycatcher as Least Concern, although there are noted declines in some regions of its range.

15-6-2020 GENOVES, VALENCIA - SMALL PINCERTAIL DRAGONFLY (Onychogomphus forcipatus)

Onychogomphus forcipatus, the small pincertail, green-eyed hooktail, or green-eyed hook-tailed dragonfly, is a species of dragonfly belonging to the family Gomphidae.

This quite common and widespread dragonfly is present in most of Europe, in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), and in West/Central Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan).

These dragonflies usually inhabit clean rivers with a little faster running water and gravel or sandy banks. Occasionally they are also present at large lakes.

The adults of Onychogomphus forcipatus grow up to 6 centimetres (2.4 in) long, with a wingspan of 5.5–7.5 centimetres (2.2–3.0 in). The eyes of these medium-sized dragonflies are widely separated and grey-to-green. The two black lines on the side of the thorax are relatively narrow and touch the midline. It has a yellow line on the vertex and two cells above the anal triangle. The abdomen in males is fitted with three hooks of large size (anal appendages). Cercoids may be dark and have a subterminal tooth. The base of the hindwing is angled in males and rounded in females.

This species is rather similar to Onychogomphus uncatus. The two species can be distinguished on the basis of the shape and extension of the black markings, especially on the thorax and on the last abdominal segments.

Adults can be encountered close to running water and lakes from June through September. In Southern Europe, the emergence period typically begins in April. In Cyprus, the flight season of the subspecies O. f. albotibialis is from late March to October. This subspecies is classified as a Near-threatened species. After the mating the females lay about 500 eggs into the water. Larvae dig and live buried in the bottom. Their life cycle from egg to imago lasts about 3–5 years.

14-6-2020 RIO ALBAIDA MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - ARTICHOKE THISTLE (Cynara cardunculus)

Artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), a relative of the globe artichoke, is a robust Mediterranean perennial in the sunflower family known for its spiny, gray-green foliage and bright purple flowers. It grows 3-6 feet tall, forms large basal rosettes, and is considered an invasive weed in many regions, including California. 

Key Facts About Artichoke Thistle:

Appearance & Growth: It is a stout perennial with deeply lobed, spiny, grey-green leaves (white and woolly underneath) that can grow up to 1m in length. It produces large (2- to 4-inch) vibrant purple, thistle-like flowers from May to July.

Invasive Nature: Recognized as a significant weed in California, Australia, and parts of South America, it thrives in disturbed sites, roadsides, and grasslands.

Reproduction & Spread: Plants produce over 1,600 seeds annually. They spread via seed (carried by wind/animals) and by resprouting from deep, tough taproots.

Edibility & Uses: The edible portions are the fleshy leaf stalks (midribs) and the flower base (heart), often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. They are also known as "cardoon".

Control Methods: Control is difficult; mechanical removal requires cutting the taproot at least 12-18 inches below the soil surface to prevent resprouting.

Habitat: Prefers sunny locations and is highly drought-tolerant, growing well in clay or sandy soils. 

These hardy, fast-growing plants can quickly turn into thickets, outcompeting native vegetation. 

14-6-2020 RIO ALBAIDA MONTAVERNER, 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.

14-6-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - CETTI'S WARBLER (Cettia cetti)

The Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) is a small, elusive bird with a rich chestnut or dark reddish-brown upperparts and pale grey underparts. It has a rounded head with a narrow pale grey stripe over its conspicuous black eyes, and short, rounded wings. The tail is notably longer and broader than many other warblers, and this species is unique among passerines for having ten tail feathers instead of the usual twelve.

Males and females of the Cetti's Warbler are similar in plumage, but males are significantly heavier and have longer wings. The male's wing length exceeds 60 mm, while the female's is shorter than 55 mm. Juveniles resemble adults but can be distinguished by their fresher plumage and two dark spots on the tongue.

Cetti's Warblers are typically found in damp environments such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and riversides, where they can be heard if not always seen.

This species breeds across southern and central Europe, northwest Africa, and eastward to Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan. Since 1990, their numbers have increased across Europe, with stable or growing populations in Italy and Turkey. The UK saw its first record in 1961, and it is now a rare vagrant in Ireland.

14-6-2020 RIO ALBAIDA MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - BRIGHT WAVE MOTH (Idaea ochrata)

Idaea ochrata, the bright wave, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in Europe.

The species has a wingspan of 21–24 mm. The adults fly at night from late June to early August in one generation . The species overwinters as a larva.

The larvae feed on the flowers of hawk's beard (Crepis sp.), dandelion (Taraxacum) and coltsfoot (Tussaligo) in captivity. In the wild the larvae feed on Smooth Tare and the flowers of Hare's-foot Clover.

The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.

14-6-2020 RIO ALBAIDA MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum salicaria)

Lythrum salicaria or purple loosestrife is a flowering plant belonging to the family Lythraceae. It should not be confused with other plants sharing the name loosestrife that are members of the family Primulaceae. Other names include spiked loosestrife and purple Lythrum. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia, and possibly Australia.

It has been used as an astringent medicinal herb to treat diarrhea and dysentery; it is considered safe to use for all ages, including babies. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, and is particularly associated with damp, poorly drained locations such as marshes, bogs and watersides. However, it will tolerate drier conditions.

14-6-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - WAVYLEAF MULLEIN (Verbascum sinuatum)

Verbascum sinuatum, commonly known as the scallop-leaved mullein, the wavyleaf mullein, or Candela regia, is a species of perennial herbaceous plants in the genus Verbascum (mullein), growing in heavy soils in Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It grows to 1.2–1.5 m (3.9–4.9 ft). The plant has an erect inflorescence stem, and is entirely covered with stellate hairs (trichomes) which are not pleasant to the touch.

In the winter, a rosette of broad-leaves grows at the base of the Scallop-leaved mullein and spreads itself on the ground (length 30–50 cm). In the spring, a leafless stalk grows from the base of the plant, splitting into many diagonal stems that can grow as much as 50 to 100 cm. in length, on which the flowers are located. The plant bears simple, emarginate leaves, and has a yellow lamp-shaped flower (hence its name Candela) of 5 petals, blossoming mostly in late May to August, although sometimes as late as October.

The plant's leaves are alternate, rosette, entire, dentate or serrate.

The plant has a broad Irano-Turanian distribution, as well as a broad Mediterranean distribution (stretching from the Mediterranean coastal regions to West and South Iran). The plant is native to Israel, where it grows in the Golan, the Hermon, the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, Gilboa, Carmel, Samarian Mountains, Judean Mountains, the Jordan Valley, the Sharon valley, Shephelah, Northern Negev, and Eilat Mountains, and the Arabah, typically found in waste habitats, along waysides, and in open chaparrals (shrublands) and phrygana.

14-6-2020 RIO ALBAIDA MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, is a slender wader known for its strikingly long, pink legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage. This elegant bird is a member of the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae.

Adult Black-winged Stilts measure 33–36 cm in length. They possess a long, thin black bill and display a distinctive black and white coloration. The head and neck are predominantly white, with variable black markings depending on the sex and subspecies. Males typically have a glossy or greenish sheen on their black backs, while females exhibit a more brownish tinge. During flight, their long legs trail behind, and their wingbeats are steady.

These birds favor marshes, shallow lakes, and ponds as their breeding grounds. They are also known to inhabit coastal areas during migration and in the winter months.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The IUCN lists the Black-winged Stilt as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population. However, they are protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in their conservation.

14-6-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - MEADOW BROWN BUTTERFLY (Maniola jurtina)

The meadow brown (Maniola jurtina) is a butterfly found in the Palearctic realm. Its range includes Europe south of 62°N, Russia eastwards to the Urals, Asia Minor, Iraq, Iran, North Africa and the Canary Islands. The larvae feed on grasses.

There is marked sexual dimorphism in this species. The upperside of the male is uniformly light brown with a black ocellus centered white at the apex of the forewing, while the female has a tawny patch more or less extended around this ocella. The underside forewing is ochre-colored bordered with dark beige with the same ocelli at the apex in the male, while the hindwing is greyish to brown with a more or less orange band in the female. The males are also much more active and range far about, while females fly less and often may not move away from the area where they grew up.

Adults feed on nectar from a wide spectrum of plants including Centaurea, Cirsium, Leontodon, Erica, Rubus, Heracleum, Eupatorium, (sensu lato) Origanum, Senecio, Scabiosa, Succisa, Ligustrum and Filipendula.

The meadow brown is univoltine (one generation per year) and adults emerge over a long period (spring, summer and autumn). Some individuals have a short larval development time and produce late adults. This is genetically controlled.

Because of the vast distribution habitats are hard to define but broadly are forest edge, forest-steppe and meadow steppe habitats up to 2,000 m above sea level, cultivated lands (meadow, forest plantations, parks and orchards).

14-6-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - CENTAURIES (Blackstonia grandiflora)

Blackstonia is a genus of flowering plants of the family Gentianaceae, native to Europe and to nearby regions of Asia and Africa. Its best known species is its type species, Blackstonia perfoliata, the yellow-wort.

The genus is named after the English botanical writer John Blackstone (1712-1753).

Species

Species currently accepted by The Plant List[3] are as follows:

Blackstonia acuminata (Koch & Ziz) Domin

Blackstonia grandiflora (Viv.) Maire

Blackstonia imperfoliata (L.f.) Samp.

Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Huds.