27-9-2020 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - LARGE PSAMMODROMUS LIZARD (Psammodromus algirus)

Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.

Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).

The IUCN assessment from 2009 treats Psammodromus algirus nollii and Psammodromus algirus ketamensis as full species and restricts Psammodromus algirus to North Africa.

P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.

Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.

P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.

P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.

27-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROBUST TABBY MOTH (Pandesma robusta)

The Robust Tabby (Pandesma robusta) is an Erebidae family moth naturally found in Africa, Asia, and southern Europe, including Spain. It is known for accidental migrations caused by fruit shipments.

Key facts about the Robust Tabby:

Wingspan: \(35 \text{ mm}\) to \(40 \text{ mm}\).

Appearance: Features a grey-brown mottled pattern with undulating lines and black flecks on its forewings, alongside pale hindwings.

Habitat: Typically inhabits dry temperate or subtropical broadleaf and mixed forests.

Diet: Larvae are polyphagous and feed on the leaves of various woody plants, including Acacia and Populus.

Flight Period: Adults can be found flying all year round in multiple generations.Migration: While naturally occurring around the Mediterranean, it occasionally travels to northern regions via fruit shipments or strong southerly winds.

26-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN LOCUST (Anacridium aegyptium)

Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper or Egyptian locust, is a species of insect belonging to the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae.

A fairly common species, the Egyptian grasshopper is present in most of Europe, the Afrotropical realm, eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, and North Africa, and has recently been observed in Cape Town, South Africa.

These grasshoppers inhabit trees and shrubs, scrub land, maquis, and orchards in warm and bright environments, at an elevation from sea level to 1,500 m.

Anacridium aegyptium is one of the largest European grasshoppers. Adult males grow up to 30–56 mm (1.2–2.2 in) long, while females reach 46–70 mm (1.8–2.8 in) in length. Their bodies are usually gray, brown, or olive-coloured, and their antennae are relatively short and robust. The tibiae of the hind legs are blue, while the femora are orange. The hind femora have characteristic dark marks. They are also easily identified by their characteristic eyes, which have vertical black and white stripes. Their pronota show a dorsal orange stripe and several small white spots. The wings are clear with dark marks.

This species is a folivore, essentially feeding on leaves of various plants. It is a solitary species, harmless to crops. Adults are mainly seen in August and September, but they are active throughout the year. After mating, these grasshoppers overwinter as adults. Spawning occurs in spring just under the soil surface and the nymphs appear in April. These grasshoppers undergo several molts.  Nymphs differ from adults in appearance; their color varies from yellow to bright green and ocher and the wings are absent or small, as they are gradually developed after each molt.

Anacridium aegyptium, commonly known as the Egyptian Grasshopper or Egyptian Tree Locust, is one of the largest grasshoppers in Europe. It is highly recognizable by its striped eyes, blue hind legs, and excellent arboreal camouflage.

Key Facts at a Glance

Size: Females are massive, reaching up to 6.5–7 cm in length. Males are significantly smaller, typically ranging from 3.5 to 5 cm.

Distinctive Eyes: The most definitive identification feature is their eyes, which feature clear, vertical black and white stripes.

Coloration: Bodies range from grey, brown, to olive, which helps them blend perfectly into tree bark and foliage. They feature an orange dorsal stripe on the neck (pronotum) and a row of small white spots.

Legs & Flight: The hind tibiae are blue with orange femora. Only the adults can fly, while nymphs are wingless and rely solely on jumping.

Habitat: Common across the Mediterranean (including southern regions like Spain), they prefer warm, dry scrublands, orchards, and olive groves.

Behavior: Unlike swarming locusts, this species is solitary and entirely harmless to crops. They are mostly leaf-eaters (folivorous).

Life Cycle: They overwinter as adults, mate in the spring, and the nymphs appear in the late spring.

26-9-2020 GANDIA, VALENCIA - CABBAGE 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.

26-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Genus Idaea)

Idaea, sometimes called Hyriogona (among other synonyms), is a large genus of geometer moths. It was erected by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1825. They are found nearly worldwide, with many native to the Mediterranean, the African savannas, and the deserts of western Asia.

The genus Idaea refers to a massive, nearly worldwide group of geometer moths (family Geometridae, subfamily Sterrhinae) known for their small size and varied, often cryptic patterns. As of 2013-2022, there are roughly 680 to over 1,000 recognized species in this genus, making it the third most species-rich group in its family. 

Size: They are small moths, with wingspans typically measuring well under 30 mm (often 10-25 mm).

Their wings often feature shades of brown, white, or gray with delicate, wave-like lines (hence the common name "waves" for many species in this subfamily).

Adults frequently rest with their wings spread flat, often blending in with their surroundings. 

26-9-2020 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.

The Eurasian hoopoe is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. However, there has been a noted decline in populations since 2008, attributed to habitat loss and over-hunting in certain areas. Conservation efforts are in place in regions where the species is threatened.

26-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GRASS MOTH (METASIA CUENCALIS)

The Metasia cuencalis is a small micromoth belonging to the family Crambidae (grass moths) and the subfamily Spilomelinae. It is a southwestern European and North African species widely known for its cryptically colored wings and localized habitats.

Key Characteristics & Identification

Appearance: A small moth with cryptic, mostly dark brownish/grayish tones.

Wing Markings: It typically features a thin, transverse black line near the end of the first third of the forewing, which then curves into a distinct semicircular shape.

Family Traits: Like other Crambidae, it possesses highly developed tympanal organs on its abdomen, which allow it to hear the ultrasonic frequencies emitted by predatory bats.

Habitat & Distribution

Native Range: Its distribution spans southwestern Europe and parts of North Africa, with populations officially recorded in Spain, Portugal, France, and Morocco.

Localities: In Spain, for example, it is frequently observed in inland and mountainous regions, including the provinces of Cuenca—from which its scientific name is derived.

Environment: It thrives in dry, warm, and natural grassy or shrubland ecosystems, spanning both valleys and mountainous forest-grass ecotones.

Behavior & Life Cycle

Flight Period: Depending on the latitude and local weather, adults are on the wing during the spring and summer months (often seen between May and September).

Nocturnal Habits: They are nocturnal and are readily attracted to artificial light sources at night. During the day, they are easily disturbed from their daytime roosts in the grass.

Diet: The larvae (caterpillars) of the Metasia genus typically feed on low-lying grasses, leaf litter, and plant debris near the soil surface.

25-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL PURPLE BARRED MOTH (Phytometra viridaria)

Phytometra viridaria, the small purple-barred, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Carl Alexander Clerck in 1759.

 It is found in central and southern Europe, Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Armenia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and further east across the Palearctic to southern Siberia.

The wingspan is 19–20 mm. The length of the forewings is 9–11 mm. Forewing olive brownish; the costa at base, and an outer and terminal fascia deep rosy purple; the outer band varying in width; a pale line of ground colour between them; hindwing olive with a median and terminal darker band more or less tinged with purple; in ab. fusca Tutt the purple tints are replaced by dark brown; —ab. aenea Hbn. the ground colour is olive grey or fuscous instead of green; ab. suffusa Tutt is a rare form, blackish fuscous with a still darker terminal border.

The moth flies from April to August depending on the location.

Larva green with darker pale-edged dorsal line; the other lines pale, the subspiracular becoming white on anal segments.

The larvae feed on Polygala vulgaris, Polygala serpyllifolia and Pedicularis sylvatica.

25-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Genus Eupithecia)

Eupithecia is the largest genus of moths of the family Geometridae, and the namesake and type genus of tribe Eupitheciini. Species in the genus are, like those of other genera in the tribe, commonly known as pugs. The genus is highly speciose, with over 1400 species, and members of the genus are present in most of the world with exception of Australasia. Roughly a quarter of described Eupithecia species occur in the Neotropical realm, where they have an especially high species diversity in the montane rain forests of the Andes. The genus includes a few agricultural pest species, such as the currant pug moth, Eupithecia assimilata, which is a pest on hops, and the cloaked pug moth, Eupithecia abietaria, which is a cone pest in spruce seed orchards.

Adult specimens of Eupithecia are typically small, often between 12 and 35 mm, with muted colours, and display a large amount of uniformity between species. As a result, identification of a specimen as part of genus Eupithecia is generally easy, but identifying the exact species is difficult and often reliant on examination of the dissected genitals. Most species share a characteristic resting pose in which the forewings are held flat at a right angle to the body—that is, the costal margins of both forewings form a more-or-less horizontal line—while the hindwings are largely covered by the forewings. They are generally nocturnal.

24-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GRASS EGGAR MOTH (Lasiocampa trifolii)

Lasiocampa trifolii, the grass eggar, is a moth of the family Lasiocampidae first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775 and found in Europe.

The Grass Eggar (Lasiocampa trifolii) is a medium-to-large, hairy, reddish-brown moth found across Europe and in coastal areas of the UK. Active in late summer (August-September), adults are nocturnal, attracted to light, and do not feed. They are classified as Nationally Scarce in the UK. 

Key Facts about the Grass Eggar Moth:

Appearance: Adults have a 40–60mm wingspan, with females generally larger than males. They are reddish-brown with a distinct white spot in the center of the forewing and a curved outer line. A pale, straw-colored form (f. flava) also exists.

Habitat: Primarily found in coastal sand dunes, shingle beaches, and maritime cliffs, though some populations exist on inland heathland.

Life Cycle & Behavior:

Larvae: The caterpillars are hairy, typically yellow, and feed at night on various plants, including grasses, Calluna, and shrubs like bramble.

Pupation: They pupate in a tough, brown cocoon on the ground.

Overwintering: They overwinter as eggs, which are laid loosely among vegetation.

Flight Time: Adults fly at night from June to September, depending on the location.

Conservation Status: The species is considered "Nationally Scarce" in the UK. In some parts of Europe, it is threatened by habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and changing grazing practices.

Differences from Similar Species: It is often compared to the Oak Eggar (Lasiocampa quercus) but is generally smaller and paler. 

23-9-2020 MOROS MARJAL, SAGUNTO - 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.

23-9-2020 MOROS MARJAL, SAGUNTO - SNAKE MILLIPEDE (Ommatoiulus rutilans)

Ommatoiulus rutilans (C. L. Koch, 1847) Common name “Millipede”

Length 1.5 to 38mm.

Average lifespan 7 years

Widespread in Spain and into the mid, east and south of Europe.

Millipedes have an Omnivore diet, (both plant and animal matter are eaten) mainly feeding on detritus (decaying plant matter).

Diplopods (known scientifically as the class Diplopoda) are a class of myriads commonly known as “millipedes” (Latin name for a thousand feet) although the maximum number of legs on a millipede recorded does not exceed 750, ( The 750 record goes to the species named “Illacme plenipes”) most millipedes have less than 200.

Although millipedes are sometimes mistaken for their relatives, the centipede. Centipedes belong to a different class. Millipedes differ from them, mainly, in that almost all segments of the trunk have two pairs of legs, while centipedes have only one pair per segment.

Millipedes, are vulnerable to many kinds of predators. It does have a defence mechanism, by curling up rapidly into a spiral and also releasing a pungent smelling liquid. This deters many animals, so as to let the millipede go.

Millipedes are important recyclers because they return chemicals to the soil, for plants to use again. But for the gardener millipedes are mainly regarded as a pest.

The female usually lays her eggs concealed on the ground, in amongst or under decaying decomposing leaves and wood. The larvae will moult eight to twelve times before becoming adult. They will live under stones, rocks, fallen leaves and in crevasses of decaying wood. They can live in damp and arid areas, but cannot survive the dry atmosphere found inside many buildings.

23-9-2020 MOROS MARJAL, SAGUNTO - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.

Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.

Stonechats are known for their lively presence, often perching conspicuously as they keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. They exhibit a partial migratory pattern, with some populations moving southward to escape the colder winters.

The male stonechat's song is a delightful, high-pitched twitter, reminiscent of a dunnock's melody. Both sexes communicate with a distinctive call that evokes the sound of two stones being tapped together.

The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.

This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and can also be found in parts of North Africa.

23-9-2020 MOROS MARJAL, SAGUNTO - 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.

23-9-2020 MOROS MARJAL, SAGUNTO - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum.

There is genetic and behavioural evidence that S. fonscolombii is not closely related to the other members of the genus Sympetrum and it will at some time in the future be removed from this genus.

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps, in 1840, in honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name). Its name is sometimes spelt fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Sympetrum fonscolombii is a widespread and common species in much of central and southern Europe including most Mediterranean islands, North Africa, the Middle East, Mongolia, south-western Asia, including the Indian Subcontinent, the Indian Ocean Islands and Sri Lanka. In Europe it is resident in the south of its range but in some years it migrates northward. From the 1990s onwards has increasingly been found in northwest Europe, including Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Britain and Ireland. It is the only Libellulidae to be found in the Azores and it is also found on the Canary Islands and Madeira.

It breeds in a wide range of habitats including marshes, lakes, ponds, permanent and seasonal rivers. It is able to recolonize dry areas after a rainfall.

22-9-2020 MARXUQUERA, 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.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

21-9-2020 CASTELLONET DE CONQUESTA , VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

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, 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, Israel, and Portugal. It was recorded in the Maltese Islands in 2010. One was also spotted in Tel Aviv, Israel in August 2022.

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.

21-9-2020 CASTELLONET DE CONQUESTA , VALENCIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

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

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

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

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

21-9-2020 CASTELLONET DE CONQUESTA , VALENCIA - BLUE WINGED GRASSHOPPER (Oedipoda caerulescens)

The blue-winged grasshopper, Oedipoda caerulescens, is a grasshopper in the genus Oedipoda.

This species occurs in Europe, North Africa and Asia. It was recently rediscovered in the Maltese islands.

Oedipoda caerulescens is a medium-sized grasshopper, between 15 and 21 mm for males and between 22 and 28 mm for females. The body coloration varies greatly depending on the substrate on which the animals have developed: reddish brown, gray, yellowish, or even completely dark or bright. The forewings are crossed most often by two or three pale bands, but the most striking characteristic, very visible when the insect flies away, is the bright coloration of the hind wings, a beautiful turquoise highlighted with a black marginal stripe. Furthermore, the posterior femora have a notch on their upper surface. At rest, confusion is possible with other Oedipoda species such as O. germanica.

21-9-2020 CASTELLONET DE CONQUESTA , VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

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. A medium-sized, stout frog; snout-vent length is usually from 40 to 70 mm, but sometimes is longer than 10 cm (Docampo and Milagrosa-Vega 1988; González de la Vega 1988). The head is as long as wide, with prominent eyes located in dorsal position very close to each other. The tympanum is well marked, about 1/2 to 3/4 the eye diameter (Salvador and García-París 2001). Toes have well developed webbing. Skin is either smooth or slightly rough, with well-formed dorsolateral folds.

20-9-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - BROAD SCARLET DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

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

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

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

20-9-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias niger)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20-9-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

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.

20-9-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - PLAIN PILL WOODLOUSE (Armadillo officinalis)

The Plain Pill Woodlouse (Armadillo officinalis) is a large, highly armored terrestrial isopod native to the Mediterranean basin (including Spain). Famous for rolling into a perfectly seamless defensive ball, it is highly valued by hobbyists for its impressive size, hardiness, and unique startle-response vocalizations.

Size & Appearance: Adults grow up to 19 mm (about 0.75 inches) in length. They feature a matte blue-grey or dark grey shell with distinctive, broadly lightened white edges on the individual carapace segments.

The "Hissing Isopod": It is one of the very few terrestrial isopods capable of stridulation (rubbing their body parts together to produce sound). When startled, they curl up tightly and can emit an audible squeaking or hissing noise.

Extraordinary Lifespan: While most woodlice live for 1 to 2 years, Armadillo officinalis is known for its incredible longevity, living up to 9 years in optimal conditions.

Medicinal Folklore: The specific epithet "officinalis" was historically given to species utilized in herbology. Up until the \(18^{\text{th}}\) century, their calcium carbonate-rich exoskeletons were sometimes consumed to alleviate heartburn.

Dietary Habits: They are detritivores and feed primarily on decaying leaves, dead wood, and moss. They also require a steady source of supplemental calcium (like crushed eggshells or cuttlefish bone) to maintain their heavy armor.Care in Captivity:

20-9-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava)

The Western Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla flava, is a small, graceful passerine bird belonging to the wagtail family, Motacillidae. This species is noted for its slender build and the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail, a hallmark of its genus. Among its European relatives, it boasts the shortest tail. The adult male in breeding plumage is predominantly olive above with a vibrant yellow underbelly. Females and non-breeding males may exhibit a paler yellow, often intermixed with white.

To identify the Western Yellow Wagtail, look for a bird measuring about 15–16 cm in length. Breeding males display a variety of head colors and patterns, which can be quite distinctive, depending on the subspecies. In general, males have a more vivid plumage compared to the females, which are more subdued and often have a greenish wash.