5-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (Crocothemis erythraea)

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

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

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

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

5-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, 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.

5-7-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

The Eurasian hoopoe, with its scientific name Upupa epops, is a bird of unmistakable appearance. It boasts a warm cinnamon plumage, contrasted by striking black and white wings, and a prominent black-tipped, fan-like crest which it can raise and lower. Its tail features a broad white band across a black background. The hoopoe's long, narrow bill curves downwards, adept for probing the soil, and is black with a fawn base.

When identifying the Eurasian hoopoe, look for its unique silhouette, characterized by its long, tapering bill and erectile crest. In flight, its broad and rounded wings display a bold black and white pattern, and its undulating flight is reminiscent of a large butterfly. The hoopoe's size ranges from 25 to 32 cm in length, with a wingspan of 44 to 48 cm, and it weighs between 46 and 89 grams.

The hoopoe is adaptable, favoring habitats with bare or lightly vegetated ground for foraging and vertical surfaces with cavities for nesting. These can include heathlands, wooded steppes, savannas, grasslands, and forest glades.

This species is native to Europe, Asia, and the northern half of Africa. It is migratory in the northern parts of its range, with European and north Asian birds wintering in the tropics. African populations tend to be sedentary throughout the year.

Hoopoes are known for their sunbathing and dust-bathing behaviors, often spreading their wings and tail against the ground. They are solitary foragers, predominantly feeding on the ground with occasional aerial pursuits.

The hoopoe's call is a soft, melodic "oop-oop-oop," which may vary between two to four syllables. This call is the likely origin of both its English and scientific names.

Hoopoes are monogamous, with pair bonds lasting a single season. They nest in cavities, with the female solely responsible for incubation. Clutch sizes vary geographically, with larger clutches in higher latitudes. The eggs are initially milky blue, becoming discolored in the nest.

The hoopoe's diet consists mainly of insects, but it may also consume small reptiles, frogs, seeds, and berries. It uses its bill to probe the soil for larvae, pupae, and insects, which are then beaten against a surface to remove indigestible parts.

5-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

Another pruinose Skimmer species, said to be one of Africa’s most common dragonflies, that has made it up into Spain.

Orthetrum chrysostigma, the epaulet skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Israel, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Burundi as well as Canary Islands, and Portugal. It was recorded in the Maltese Islands in 2010.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, rivers, intermittent rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, and freshwater springs. The adults prey on various flying insects. The bodies of adult males are blue, and those of young and females are yellow and brown.

Very widespread and occurs virtually throughout Africa, including North Africa. It also occurs in parts of Southern Europe and the Middle East. In South Africa it occurs virtually throughout, but is scarce in the dry central regions.

5-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, 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.

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.

5-7-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

5-7-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - 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.

5-7-2020 GANDIA, 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.

5-7-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

The black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), or black-capped night-heron, commonly shortened to just night-heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron found throughout a large part of the world, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. In Australasia it is replaced by the closely related nankeen night-heron (N. caledonicus), with which it has hybridized in the area of contact.

Adults have a black crown and back with the remainder of the body white or grey, red eyes, and short yellow legs. They have pale grey wings and white under parts. Two or three long white plumes, erected in greeting and courtship displays, extend from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although the males are slightly larger. Black-crowned night-herons do not fit the typical body form of the heron family. They are relatively stocky with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their more familiar cousins, the egrets and "day" herons. Their resting posture is normally somewhat hunched but when hunting they extend their necks and look more like other wading birds.

5-7-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

4-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.

When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.

The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.

This species has a breeding range that extends across southern and central Europe and into North Africa. Populations along the southern and Atlantic coasts tend to be resident, while those in the north are migratory, seeking warmer climates in southern Europe during the winter months.

4-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

4-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WHITE FACED BUSH CRICKET (Decticus albifrons)

The White-faced Bush-cricket (Decticus albifrons), also known as the Southern Wartbiter, is a large, Mediterranean insect (up to 7 cm long) often found in warm, dry, scrubby habitats. Characterized by a distinct white face patch, this species is largely carnivorous or omnivorous, feeding on other insects and plants, and is known for its loud, long,, high-pitched song. 

Key Facts About the White-Faced Bush-Cricket

Appearance: They are large, robust insects often displaying vibrant green or brownish, with wings that typically extend past the abdomen.

Appearance: Their most notable feature is a white, cream, or light-colored patch on the face.

Habitat: Primarily found in the Mediterranean region in scrub, grassland, sand pits, and gardens, favoring hot, sunny, and dry conditions.

Diet: They are opportunistic feeders (omnivores), consuming small invertebrates like grasshoppers, as well as plants.

Behavior: They are not strong flyers, relying on walking and jumping to move, but they are capable of flight.

Reproduction: The male produces a long, loud, high-pitched, continuous sound similar to a sewing machine, typically during the day in warm, sunny weather.

Lifespan: They have an annual lifecycle, with nymphs appearing in spring and adults present from July through early autumn.

Interaction with Humans: They are generally harmless, but like other large Tettigoniids, they can deliver a strong,, though rarely breaking,, bite or pinch if handled. 

4-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_flycatcher

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - PALE STONECROP (Petrosedum sediforme)

Petrosedum sediforme, the pale stonecrop, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is naturally distributed throughout the Mediterranean Basin, from Portugal in the west to Syria in the east. It is similar to other species of Petrosedum, but grows taller, and may be used in cooking or as an ornamental plant.

The natural range of Petrosedum sediforme extends throughout the Mediterranean Basin. It is found in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Mediterranean islands, as well as Turkey, Palestine, Israel, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. It typically grows in lowland areas, often near the sea on dunes or coastal cliffs, but it can also be found at higher elevations, reaching up to 1000 meters in the French Alps and 1750 meters in the Sierra Nevada. It prefers open, sunny habitats, but tolerates a wide range of climates and environmental conditions. It is commonly (but not exclusively) found in limestone.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - ROUND HEADED LEEK (Allium sphaerocephalon)

Allium sphaerocephalon is a plant species in the Amaryllis family known as round-headed leek, round-headed garlic, ball-head onion, and other variations on these names. Drumstick allium is another common name applied to this species. Some publications use the alternate spelling Allium sphaerocephalum. It is a bulbous herbaceous perennial plant.

Allium sphaerocephalon is found in the wild across all parts of Europe except in the northern and western countries (Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the Baltic States). Its native range extends to northern Africa and to western Asia as far east as Iran. It is also reportedly naturalised in New York State in the United States. In England it grows wild only in the Avon Gorge so is known locally as the Bristol onion.

The species is prized by gardeners because of its striking floral display. The spherical "head" (technically an umbel) is borne on a long scape, up to 50 cm in height, usually in July. It can contain hundreds of deep reddish purple flowers.

The specific epithet sphaerocephalon derives from ancient Greek, meaning "spherical head".

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - FALSE ILEX HAIRSTREAK BUTTERFLY (Satyrium esculi)

Satyrium esculi, the false ilex hairstreak, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1804.

The false ilex hairstreak lives throughout North Africa (Morocco to Tunisia) and the Iberian Peninsula (with the exception of Galicia, where its food plants are absent). It is also found on the Balearic Islands and in southern France from the Pyrenees to the Cote d'Azur, extending into Liguria in Italy.

The False Ilex Hairstreak (Satyrium esculi) is a small, brown Mediterranean butterfly found in Spain, Portugal, Southern France, and North Africa, with a wingspan of \(2.6\) to \(3.4\) cm. Active between May and August, it feeds on low-growing scrub oaks (Quercus sp.) and features a broken white line with orange spots on its hindwings. Key Facts about the False Ilex Hairstreak: Appearance: The underwings are brown with a broken white line and orange spots, while the upper wings are dark brown, with females sometimes showing additional orange patches.

Behavior: Known to fly rapidly around scrub oaks and settle frequently to nectar, often on Helichrysum flowers.Habitat: Prefers hot, dry, scrubby areas (maquis).Life Cycle: Young larvae are known to overwinter inside their eggs.Identification: Very similar to the Ilex Hairstreak (Satyrium ilicis) and Sloe Hairstreak (Satyrium acaciae), but typically lacks blue spots near the anal angle of the hindwing.Distinction from Ilex: The white marginal line on the hindwing is generally weaker in S. esculi compared to S. ilicis and may not extend past sectors s3 or s4. 

The larvae feed on sclerophyllous oaks of woodland and maquis: holm oak and kermes oak.

3-7-2020 ALDEAROQUETA, CASTELLON - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (\(Phoenicurus\) \(ochruros\)) is a small bird, about the size of a robin, known for its dark plumage and bright red tail. It is adaptable and can be found in both natural rocky habitats and urban environments like cities and quarries. Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and worms, supplemented by seeds and berries, and some populations migrate in winter. 

Appearance Size: Approximately \(14.5\) cm in length, with a wingspan of \(23-26\) cm.Males: Dark grey body with a black face and throat, and a white patch on the wings.Females and Juveniles: Grey-brown all over.Tail: Both sexes have a bright red tail with a single black band down the middle. 

Habitat and Behavior Habitat: Found in warm, sunny rocky areas, quarries, cliffs, and urban settings like cities and villages.Behavior: They are often seen hopping on the ground and frequently sing from high perches on buildings or rocks.

Diet: Primarily insectivores, they eat insects, larvae, spiders, and worms. In the late summer and autumn, they also eat seeds and berries.

Hunting: They can catch insects in the air, but also hunt by hopping on the ground, rocky outcrops, and rooftops. 

The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.

3-7-2020 ALBORAYA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

3-7-2020 ALBORAYA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

3-7-2020 ALDEAROQUETA, CASTELLON - EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus oriolus)

The Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus), also known as the common golden oriole, is a species of passerine bird and the only Old World oriole breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. It is a summer migrant in Europe and the Palearctic and spends the winter season in central and southern Africa.

The Eurasian golden oriole was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. He named the species Coracias oriolus, assigning it to the genus Coracias, which now contains only rollers. The species is now placed in the genus Oriolus that Linnaeus introduced in 1766, creating a tautonym.

The Eurasian golden oriole and the Indian golden oriole were formerly considered conspecific, but in 2005 they were treated as separate species by the ornithologists Pamela Rasmussen and John Anderton, in the first edition of their Birds of South Asia. Support for this split was provided by a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010, and most ornithologists now treat the Indian golden oriole as a separate species. Alternate names for the Eurasian golden oriole include the European golden oriole and western Eurasian golden oriole. The species is monotypic; no subspecies are recognized.

The Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is the only member of the Old World oriole family of passerine birds breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. The name "oriole" was first used in the 18th century and is an adaptation of the scientific Latin genus name, which is derived from the Classical Latin "aureolus" meaning golden. Various forms of "oriole" have existed in Romance languages since the 12th and 13th centuries. Albertus Magnus used the Latin form oriolus in about 1250 and erroneously stated that it was onomatopoeic because of the golden oriole's song. In medieval England, its name, derived from the song, was the woodwele.

Males of this species are golden yellow in color with black wings that have yellow-tipped coverts. Females are almost greenish with a yellowish-white belly. Despite the bright colors of males it's quite difficult to spot these birds in the yellow and green leaves of the canopy due to their secretive habits.

3-7-2020 MOROS MARJAL, VALENCIA - YELLOW HORNED POPPY (Glaucium flavum)

It grows in coastal habitats on shingle banks and beaches, but can also be found on cliff tops and in sand dunes.

It produces an orange foul smelling sap, if cut open. All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic, and can cause a wide range of symptoms (if eaten), and respiratory failure, resulting in death.

Glaucine is the main alkaloid component in Glaucium flavum. Glaucine has bronchodilator and antiinflammatory effects, acting as a PDE4 inhibitor and calcium channel blocker, and is used medically as an antitussive in some countries. Glaucine may produce side effects such as sedation, fatigue, and a hallucinogenic effect characterised by colourful visual images, and as a recreational drug. For a detailed bibliography on glaucine and Glaucium flavum see: National Agricultural Library. (Glaucium flavum entry)

In the past, it was known in Hampshire, UK as 'squatmore', and the roots were used to treat bruises. Also pains in the breast, stomach and intestines.

The Yellow Horned Poppy (Glaucium flavum) is a striking coastal plant known for its bright yellow, four-petaled flowers and long,, curved, horn-like seed pods that can reach 30 cm in length. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, this plant thrives on shingle beaches, dunes, and cliffs, often appearing in coastal areas. It is characterized by its blue-grey, fleshy leaves and poisonous yellow sap.

Key Facts About Yellow Horned Poppy

Appearance: Features large (55–75 mm), sunny-yellow flowers that bloom from June to September."Horned" Pods: The name comes from the long, narrow, curved pods that appear after the petals fall, resembling animal horns.

Poisonous Nature: All parts of the plant, especially the yellow sap, are toxic and contain alkaloids like glaucine, which can cause respiratory issues if consumed.

Habitat: It is a maritime plant found on shingle banks, sandy beaches, and sea cliffs.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - IBERIAN MARBLE WHITE BUTTERFLY (Melanargia lachesis)

Melanargia lachesis, the Iberian marbled white, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae.

It can be found on the Iberian Peninsula and the south of France.

The length of the forewings is 25–28 mm. Seitz- M. lachesis Hbn. (= nemausica Esp.) (38b). Lighter than galathea, even than the lightest forms of the same. The black discocellular anguliform spot of the forewing constricted where it is bent. Hindwing entirely white, apart from the interrupted submarginal band; the base very sparingly dusted, the markings of the underside however shine through in the male. In Spain, Portugal and South France. – The specimens with creamy yellow ground-colour, which are somewhat rarer than the chalky white canigulensis Obth.; from the Pyrenees.

The butterflies fly in one generation from June to August.They occur from the plain to about 1,600 meters above sea level. They prefer dry, flowering, natural meadows that can also be overgrown with bushes. The larvae feed on various grasses.

The Iberian Marbled White (Melanargia lachesis) is a distinctive black-and-white butterfly native to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Despite its common name, it is actually part of the "Brown" family (Satyrinae) rather than the true whites.

Key FactsAppearance: It features a striking chequered black and white pattern. It is distinguished from the similar Marbled White (M. galathea) by having less black at the base of its forewings and a generally whiter appearance.

Size: This is a relatively large butterfly, with some individuals reaching a wingspan of up to 6 cm.

Distribution: It is almost exclusively found in Spain, Portugal, and southern France as far as the Rhône valley. In northern Spain and southern France, its range overlaps with its cousin, the common Marbled White.

Habitat: It thrives in hot, dry, flowery grasslands and meadows, often on calcareous soils.Diet: Adults frequently feed on the nectar of purple flowers like knapweed, thistles, and scabious.

Life Cycle:It is univoltine, meaning it produces only one generation per year, with adults flying between June and August.Caterpillars feed on various grass species (such as Festuca and Brachypodium) and hibernate through the winter while still small.Unusually, females do not attach their eggs to plants; they drop them randomly onto the ground while flying over tall grasses.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra)

The corn bunting (Emberiza calandra) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae. This is a large bunting with heavily streaked buff-brown plumage. The sexes are similar but the male is slightly larger than the female. Its range extends from Western Europe and North Africa across to northwestern China.

The corn bunting was formally described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae and retains its original binomial name of Emberiza calandra. The type locality is Sweden. The genus name Emberiza is from Old German Embritz, a bunting. The specific calandra is from Ancient Greek kalandros, the calandra lark. The corn bunting has sometimes been placed in its own monotypic genus Miliaria.

This is an unusual bunting because the plumages of the sexes are similar in appearance, though the male is approximately 20% larger than the female. This large bulky bunting is 16–19 cm long, with a conspicuously dark eye and yellowish mandibles. Males lack any showy colours, especially on the head, which is otherwise typical of genus Emberiza. Both sexes look something like larks, being streaked grey-brown above with whitish underparts. The underparts are streaked over the flanks and breast, and the streaking forms gorget around the throat. The lesser wing coverts are distinctively dark and white-tipped. The tail is plain brown.

The song of the male is a repetitive metallic sound, usually likened to jangling keys, which is given from a low bush, fence post or telephone wires.

It breeds across southern and central Europe, north Africa and Asia across to Kazakhstan. It is mainly resident, but some birds from colder regions of central Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter.

The corn bunting is a bird of open country with trees, such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north-west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially vital when feeding the young. It has recently become extinct in Wales and Ireland, where it was previously common.

Its natural food consists mainly of seeds but also includes insects such as crickets, especially when feeding young.

Males defend territories in the breeding season and can be polygynous, with up to three females per breeding male. The population sex ratio is generally 1:1, which means some males remain unmated during a season. Males play only a small role in parental care; they are not involved in nest building or incubation, and only feed the chicks when they are over half grown.

The nest is made of grass, lined with hair or fine grass, and is usually built on the ground. Average clutch size is four, but commonly varies from three to five, occasionally six.

30-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STONECROP (Petrosedum dianium)

                           

Petrosedum sediforme, the pale stonecrop, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is naturally distributed throughout the Mediterranean Basin, from Portugal in the west to Syria in the east. It is similar to other species of Petrosedum, but grows taller, and may be used in cooking or as an ornamental plant.

The natural range of Petrosedum sediforme extends throughout the Mediterranean Basin. It is found in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Mediterranean islands, as well as Turkey, Palestine, Israel, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. It typically grows in lowland areas, often near the sea on dunes or coastal cliffs, but it can also be found at higher elevations, reaching up to 1000 meters in the French Alps and 1750 meters in the Sierra Nevada. It prefers open, sunny habitats, but tolerates a wide range of climates and environmental conditions. It is commonly (but not exclusively) found in limestone.

Petrosedum sediforme is a branching species with often woody, non-flowering basal shoots. Leaves are overlapping, oblong to elliptic, with pointed tips, somewhat thickened, sometimes flattened and spurred, reaching up to 20 mm in length. They are smooth, dark green, and often glaucous. Because its leaves are remarkably succulent, the species does not go through dormancy during the summer.

When in bloom, Petrosedum sediforme produces upright flowering stems that range from 25 to 60 cm tall. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem, with each flower attached by a very short stalk or none at all. The small green triangular sepals (the outer parts that protect the flower bud) are about 2–3 mm long. The petals are oblong, greenish-white to creamy in color, and about 5–8 mm long. The plant usually has 6–8 petals per flower, rarely 5 or 9. The stamens (the parts that hold pollen) have white filaments with a rough texture at the base and yellow anthers. The flowers are produced in mid-summer. They are followed by erect, dark brown fruit. Seeds are oblong, brown, and ribbed.

Petrosedum sediforme is difficult to distinguish from P. rupestre, P. ochroleucum, and P. montanum based solely on vegetative traits. Spanish plants with brownish or olive-green tones are remarkably similar to some Israeli specimens—despite originating from the opposite end of the species’ range. In the Sierra Nevada, even plants growing side by side can exhibit striking differences.