4-10-2020 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Alectoris rufa)

The red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, is a plump gamebird belonging to the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is colloquially known as the French partridge, setting it apart from the English or grey partridge. Exhibiting a light brown back, grey breast, and buff belly, this bird is easily recognized by its white face with a striking black gorget. The flanks are adorned with rufous streaks, and it stands on characteristically red legs. When startled, it may choose to run, but it can also take to the air with rounded wings for short distances.

Adults display a sandy-brown upper body, a pinkish-buff belly, and a pale grey breast. A black gorget with bold rufous and black flank bars, a cream throat, pink legs, and a red bill and eye ring are distinctive features. The eye is encircled by a bright red ring, adding to its striking appearance.

The red-legged partridge favors dry lowlands for breeding, such as farmland and open stony areas. It nests on the ground and can be found cohabiting with wild rabbits.

Originally from southwestern Europe, including France, Iberia, and northwest Italy, the red-legged partridge has been introduced and naturalized in parts of England and Wales. It forms flocks outside the breeding season and is a non-migratory terrestrial species.

This bird is known for its preference to run rather than fly when disturbed. However, it is capable of short flights if necessary. It is a sociable species, forming flocks when not breeding.

The red-legged partridge vocalizes with a distinctive three-syllable call, which can be phonetically described as "ka-chu-chu."

The species is known to breed in dry lowland areas, laying eggs in a ground nest. It has the remarkable ability to breed two clutches simultaneously.

The rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) is very similar in appearance and occupies southeastern Europe, replacing the red-legged partridge there.

Primarily seed-eating, the red-legged partridge's diet also includes insects, which are particularly important for the protein needs of the young.

The red-legged partridge is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with concerns about its decline across its range due to habitat loss and overhunting.

2-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (idaea cervantaria)

 1.4 to 2.2 cm wingspan. Straw-coloured, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or greyish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed spots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are barely noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a  light wavy stripe. It has a spot on each wing but those on the front wings may go unnoticed.

There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for a correct and safe identification, genital analysis must be used. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.

The caterpillars feed on dry leaves of herbaceous plants and in captivity on petals of different Asteraceae and sea alder (Lobularia maritima), the latter common in our province, especially in sunny areas of the limestone mountains, and occasionally used in gardening for the showiness of its inflorescences. 

3-10-2020 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.

3-10-2020 BENIRRAMA, ALICANTE - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Genus Calliptamus)

Calliptamus is a genus of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Members are often considered significant agricultural pests due to their polyphagous nature and ability to form large, damaging swarms. 

Physical Appearance: These grasshoppers are typically medium-sized with a basic coloration that varies from gray to brownish-reddish, often marked with small dark spots. A key identification feature is the reddish or pinkish coloration on the hind wings and the inner side of the hind femora, which is especially visible during flight.

Sexual Dimorphism: The genus exhibits significant sexual dimorphism; females are considerably larger than males. Males typically grow up to 14–26 mm, while females can reach 21–40 mm in length.

Habitat and Distribution: Species of Calliptamus thrive in arid, sunny areas and fixed dunes. Their range extends across the northern Palearctic realm to Japan, the Mediterranean Basin, and Africa.

Diet and Pest Status: They are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a variety of plants, with a strong preference for legumes, but they also infest cereals and grapevines. Species like the Italian locust (C. italicus) can exhibit gregarious behavior and form swarms (locust plagues) under certain conditions, causing substantial economic losses to crops.

30-9-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - 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.

1-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea alyssumata)

Idaea alyssumata is a small, cryptic moth in the Geometridae family, recognized by its highly variable wing coloration and a wingspan of 15-19 mm. Primarily found in the western Mediterranean region, including Spain and Portugal, its biology features several distinct facts:

Taxonomy & Classification

Scientific Authority: Himmighoffen & Millière (1871).Family: Geometridae.Subfamily: Sterrhinae (often called "waves").Common Names: Acidalie de l'Alysson (French).

Appearance & Life CycleWingspan: 15 to 19 mm.Coloration: Highly variable, cryptic patterns used for camouflage.

Flight Period: The moth is typically bivoltine (producing two generations per year) and is active during the summer months.

Larval Diet: Unlike many caterpillars that eat fresh vegetation, the larvae of this species feed on the withered leaves of herbaceous plants and plant debris.

Distribution & HabitatGeographical Range: Endemic to southwestern Europe (Spain, Portugal, and France).

Habitat: Prefers mountainous, rocky, or low-vegetation areas, often found in nature reserves like the Sierra de Mariola in Alicante.

1-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is found from most of Europe (except the Netherlands, Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Fennoscandia, the Baltic region and Portugal) to the Caucasus and Armenia. It is also present on the Canary Islands and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 18–20 mm. Adults are on wing from late June to August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Calamintha (including Calamintha nepeta and Calamintha sylvatica), Hypericum, Origanum and Thymus species. The species overwinters in the pupal stage.

1-10-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - YELLOW BELLE MOTH (Aspitates ochrearia)

Aspitates ochrearia, the yellow belle, is a moth in the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Pietro Rossi in 1794. It is found in western and southern Europe, as well as North America.

The wingspan is 25–34 mm. Adults are on wing from April to June and again from August to September in two generations per year.

The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, including Daucus carota and Plantago coronopus. The larvae can be found from April to June. The species overwinters in the larval stage. Pupation takes place in spring.

30-9-2020 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.

It is found in Europe in coastal dunes.

Eggs are laid on leaves close to the ground, hatch in the autumn, and the young larvae hibernate. The larvae feed on grasses, various shrubs and deciduous trees, such as oak, European beech, poplar and Calluna.[citation needed] The cocoon is formed on the ground.

Adults' wingspan is 40–55 mm and it flies from June to September depending on the location (in Britain it is on the wing in August). They fly during the day, but also at night, and will come to a light. The female is larger than the male.

29-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - JASMINE MOTH (Palpita vitrealis)

Palpita vitrealis, common name jasmine moth or white pearl, is a species of moth of the family Crambidae.

This species occurs worldwide, including Africa (Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa),Asia, Australia and Europe. In Europe, it is mainly found in southern Europe, but may be found further north.

The wingspan of Palpita vitrealis can reach 27–31 mm. The body and the wings are translucent with a slight sheen. Eyes are large and reddish-brown. On the upper edge of the forewings is present a rather broad orange or brown border. The forewings also show two black spots in the middle. Legs are white and brown ringed.

These moths mainly fly from August till late October, depending on the location. They feed on nectar of various flowers, including ivy and buddleia. This species shows a migratory nature. The larvae are initially yellow, later becoming green. They can grow to a length of about 2 cms. They feed on the leaves of the host plants, mainly jasmine (Jasminum officinale), privet (Ligustrum species), Forsythia, Arbutus unedo and european olive (Olea europaea). In Africa the preferred host plants are Sida rhombifolia, Grewia, Helicteres isora, Schima noronhae and Randia scortechinii. The larvae are considered a pest of olive fields, as they attack the leaves and fruits. The final instar of the larvae spins some leaves together and form a silky cocoon to pupate.

30-9-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - LAMENTING GRASSHOPPER (Eyprepocnemis plorans)

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

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

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

Grasshoppers are in general polyphagous, eating vegetation from many different plant sources. Eyprepocnemis plorans feeds mainly on grasses and sedges. The female deposits an egg pod in the ground and the eggs hatch in the spring. The nymphs undergo five moults, becoming more similar to the adult insect at each developmental stage; they do not undergo metamorphosis and mature in the summer. In parts of the range many adults survive the winter. This species is rather wary and is a good flier.

The karyotype of this grasshopper includes a number of B chromosomes (extra chromosomes) and exhibits a very widespread polymorphism; populations in Spain show about 40 different variations in B chromosomes, resulting in an increase in the frequency of chiasmas.

During spermatogenesis in E. plorans, the autosomal chromosomes achieve complete synapsis, but the single X sex chromosome always remains unsynapsed. The autosomal chromosomes are transcriptionally active during the leptotene to zygotene stages of meiosis, whereas the X chromosome is inactive throughout meiosis likely because of specific epigenetic modifications.

30-9-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - YELLOW DOT ISOPOD (Porcellio ornatus)

Porcellio ornatus are, fast-breeding, large (up to 2.5 cm) Spanish isopods known for vibrant yellow-spotted, "High Yellow," and "Witch's Brew" color morphs. Popular for hobbyists due to their active, visible nature, they require dry, well-ventilated setups with 1/3-1/4 damp areas. They are excellent, non-picky cleaners but need high protein and calcium.

Key Facts & Care Information

Origin & Habitat: Native to Spain and North Africa (Tunisia), they prefer semi-arid environments, acting as a "dry-loving" species.Appearance: These are large, somewhat thin, and elongate isopods, often featuring high-yellow spots on a grayish, or in some localities (like "Nord"), white-skirted, base color.

Behavior: Unlike some shy species, P. ornatus are active during the day, frequently exploring their enclosure, making them excellent display animals. They tend to gather in groups.

30-9-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - PLAIN TIGER BUTTERFLY (Danaus chrysippus)

Danaus chrysippus, also known as the plain tiger, African queen, or African monarch, is a medium-sized butterfly widespread in Asia, Australia and Africa. It belongs to the Danainae subfamily of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. Danainae primarily consume plants in the genus Asclepias, more commonly called milkweed. Milkweed contains toxic compounds, cardenolides, which are often consumed and stored by many butterflies. Because of their emetic properties, the plain tiger is unpalatable to most predators. As a result, its colouration is widely mimicked by other species of butterflies. The plain tiger inhabits a wide variety of habitats, although it is less likely to thrive in jungle-like conditions and is most often found in drier, wide-open areas.

D. chrysippus encompasses three main subspecies: D. c. alcippus, D. c. chrysippus, and D. c. orientis. These subspecies are found concentrated in specific regions within the larger range of the entire species.

The plain tiger is believed to be one of the first butterflies depicted in art. A 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian fresco in Luxor features the oldest known illustration of this species.

The plain tiger is found across the entirety of Africa, where the predominant subspecies is D. c. alcippus. Its range extends across the majority of Asia throughout Indian subcontinent, as well as many south Pacific islands. The plain tiger is even present in parts of Australia. D. c. chrysippus is most common throughout Asia and in some select regions in Africa, while D. c. orientis is present in more tropical African regions as well as some African islands, including Madagascar and the Seychelles.It is also found in Southern Europe and Kuwait. These insects are considered bioinvaders in North America.

The plain tiger prefers arid, open areas, and is found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, mountains, deciduous forests, and human-tended gardens in cities and parks. It is comfortable at altitudes ranging from sea level to around 1,500 m (4,900 ft).

30-9-2020 EL PINET, MURCIA - PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, presents a striking silhouette with its bold black and white plumage. This large wader, belonging to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, is adorned with a distinctive black cap and black markings on its wings and back, contrasting sharply against its otherwise white body. The species is noted for its elegant, upturned bill and elongated, bluish legs, which add to its graceful demeanor.

Adult pied avocets measure approximately 16.5–17.75 inches in length, with a wingspan stretching around 30–31.5 inches. Their long legs and upturned bills, measuring about 2.95–3.35 inches and 3–4 inches respectively, are key features for identification. Both sexes appear similar, while juveniles can be distinguished by their more greyish and sepia tones.

These birds favor shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed mudflats, which provide ideal foraging and breeding grounds.

The pied avocet breeds across temperate Europe and extends across the Palearctic to Central Asia and the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species, with most individuals wintering in Africa or southern Asia. Some, however, remain in the milder parts of their range during winter, such as southern Spain and southern England.

Pied avocets forage in shallow waters or on mudflats, often employing a unique side-to-side scything motion with their bills to capture prey. They primarily consume crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, they nest on open ground, often forming small groups and sometimes associating with other wader species. Their nests are typically lined scrapes or mounds of vegetation, where they lay three to five eggs.

The avocet's call is a distinctive, melodious "kluit kluit," which carries far across their watery habitats.

Pied avocets establish breeding territories in shallow brackish waters, where they lay their eggs in simple ground nests. These nests may be lined with materials or placed on mounds of vegetation to protect them from flooding.

The pied avocet breeds across temperate Europe and extends across the Palearctic to Central Asia and the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species, with most individuals wintering in Africa or southern Asia. Some, however, remain in the milder parts of their range during winter, such as southern Spain and southern England.

30-9-2020 EL PINET, MURCIA - ROBBERFLY (Genus Machimus)

The genus Machimus comprises a large, diverse group of medium-to-large predatory robber flies in the family Asilidae. Known as fierce aerial hunters, these bristly insects are ecological assets in agricultural and wild ecosystems. They are found across the globe, mostly throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.

Key Facts About Genus Machimus

Aerial Hunters: Machimus robber flies dart out from perches to catch other flying insects mid-air, including flies, bees, wasps, and beetles. They are highly beneficial for naturally controlling pest populations.

Unique Hunting Tactics: They grab prey with their long, spiny legs, and use a short, stout proboscis to pierce the victim's exoskeleton. They inject a paralyzing neurotoxic saliva that rapidly liquifies the prey's insides, which the fly then drinks.

Facial Mustache: They are easily recognized by their prominent, dense mustache of bristles known as a "mystax". This functions as protective armor, preventing struggling prey from injuring the fly's eyes and face.

Habitats: Adults prefer sunny, open areas like dry grasslands, heaths, and woodland edges. They habitually perch on blades of grass, twigs, or bare ground while waiting to ambush passing targets.

Life Cycle: Females deposit their eggs in loose soil or decaying plant matter. The larvae are also voracious predators, living underground and feeding on other insect larvae (such as beetle grubs) through the winter before pupating.

Identification: Telling specific Machimus species apart can be a challenge. Identification typically relies on examining leg color patterns, the precise hairing on the sides of the face, and (in males) the unique shape of the terminal abdominal segments.

30-9-2020 EL HONDO, MURCIA - WESTERN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio)

The western swamphen (known as Purple Swamphen) (Porphyrio porphyrio ) is a swamphen in the rail family Rallidae, one of the six species of purple swamphen. From the French name talève sultane, it is also known as the sultana bird. This chicken-sized bird, with its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield is easily recognisable in its native range. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the purple swamphen, but is now recognised as a separate species. The western swamphen is found in wetlands in Spain (where the largest population lives), Portugal, southeastern France, Italy (Sardinia and Sicily) and northwestern Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia).

The species makes loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls which are hardly bird-like in tone. It is particularly noisy during the breeding season. Despite being clumsy in flight, it can fly long distances and is a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet.

Western swamphens are generally seasonal breeders, correlating with peak rainfall in many places, or summer in more temperate climes. The purple swamphen breeds in warm reed beds. The pattern of social behaviour tends to be monogamy.

The western swamphen prefers wet areas with high rainfall, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. The birds often live in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter. They have been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails. They have even been known to attack large eels; however, there is no consensus amongst ornithologists if they actually eat eel. They will often use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eat it on the ground. Where they are not persecuted they can become tame and be readily seen in towns and cities.

Pairs nest in a large pad of interwoven reed flags, etc., on a mass of floating debris or amongst matted reeds slightly above water level in swamps, clumps of rushes in paddocks or long unkempt grass. Each bird can lay 3–6 speckled eggs, pale yellowish stone to reddish buff, blotched and spotted with reddish brown. The incubation period is 23–27 days, and is performed by both sexes. The precocious chicks are feathered with downy black feathers and able to leave the nest soon after hatching, but will often remain in the nest for a few days. Young chicks are fed by their parents (and group members) for between 10–14 days, after which they begin to feed themselves.

Today the western swamphen is locally common, with the largest population in Spain. It was formerly listed as "Rare" by the European Union, but has been delisted to "Localised".

The species declined drastically in the first half of the 20th century due to habitat loss and hunting. It was relatively widespread until 1900, but by the 1960s it was seriously threatened and its range in the Iberian Peninsula was limited to a few locations in the Guadalquivir basin. As a result of reintroduction schemes and protection of both the species and its habitat, the western swamphen has since recovered. By the 1990s it was locally common, and by 2000 its range in the Iberian Peninsula was similar to its range in 1900. 

The center is in Spain where the population increased from 600–900 breeding pairs in 1992 to 3500–4500 breeding pairs in 1999. From Spain it has continued its expansion into southeastern France where small numbers now breed. It remains rare and local in Portugal where there were 49–67 breeding pairs in 2002, but this population is also recovering. It was extirpated from Sicily in 1957, effectively restricting its Italian range to Sardinia where the population was 450–600 breeding pairs in 1999. Beginning in 2000, it was reintroduced to Sicily. A small "purple swamphen" population in central Italy is the result of grey-headed swamphens that escaped from a zoo.

Little is known about the status of the western swamphen in Africa, but northeastern Algeria is considered one of its strongholds in this region.

When protected, western swamphens are able to thrive in human-managed habitats, and in some places they live in paddy fields, resulting in conflicts with farmers as they can be destructive to the rice.

29-9-2020 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.

29-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN BIRD GRASSHOPPER (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.

29-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - NAPOLEON SPIDER (Synema globosum)

Synema globosum is a species of spider belonging to the family Thomisidae (crab spiders). It is sometimes called the Napoleon spider, because of a supposed resemblance of the markings on the abdomen to a silhouette of Napoleon wearing his iconic hat.

The adult males reach 2–4 mm (0.08–0.16 in) in length, while females are 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in) long. They can mostly be encountered from May through August on flowering plants (especially yellow or red Apiaceae species), waiting for their prey.

The two pairs of the front legs, used for hunting the flower-feeding insects, are more developed than the rear ones, which have a predominant motor function.

A striking feature of this species is the variation in colour among females. Mature males have a black abdomen with two white marks. In mature females, the background colour of the abdomen can be red, yellow or white, with a black pattern which has been noted for a certain resemblance to the silhouette of Napoleon.

 Prosoma and legs are black or dark brown.

Like other species of the family Thomisidae, these spiders do not make a web, but actively hunt their prey.

29-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STINK BUG (Acrosternum heegeri)

The species Acrosternum heegeri Fieber, 1861 is a well-known member of the Mediterranean fauna in Europe and until recently was not recorded outside its natural range. In recent years, the presence of stable populations of the species in Budapest has been confirmed, and the first findings on the territory of Serbia are from 2013, when several overwintering adults were found under the bark of deciduous trees in Novi Sad. 

Since 2017, active individuals have been recorded throughout the season, for now mainly from the area of Vojvodina. This bug is probably conquering new territories by transporting people and goods, but we assume that climate change is also responsible for establishing stable populations in new environments. The paper presents the findings of the species A. heegeri in Serbia, which were taken from the Alciphron database on insects in Serbia. A. heegeri is a polyphagous herbivore and has the status of an economically significant species in the Middle East because it causes damage in pistachio plantations.

 As natural expansion of southern species towards the north is getting more and more common in recent years in Europe (e.g., Ott 2001, Károlyi & Rédei 2017, Paulovics & Vas 2021, most probably driven by warming and drying climate, preferred by antlions, it is reasonable to include species in the identification key with considerable probability to appear in Hungary. Species of this category were included by the following biogeographical criteria: the species is either known from at least one country directly neighbouring Hungary or known from the Balkan Peninsula north of Greece (Greece not included).

28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World.

The common moorhen lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests. Elsewhere it is likely the most common rail species, except for the Eurasian coot in some regions.

The closely related common gallinule of the New World has been recognized as a separate species by most authorities, starting with the American Ornithologists' Union and the International Ornithological Committee in 2011.

The moorhen is a distinctive species, with predominantly black and brown plumage, with the exception of a white under-tail, white streaks on the flanks, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. The bill is red with a yellow tip. The young are browner and lack the red shield. The frontal shield of the adult has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides; the tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is a smooth waving line. In the related common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) of the Americas, the frontal shield has a fairly straight top and is less wide towards the bill, giving a marked indentation to the back margin of the red area.

The common moorhen gives a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened. A midsized to large rail, it can range from 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in) in length and span 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in) across the wings. The body mass of this species can range from 192 to 500 g (6.8 to 17.6 oz).

This is a common breeding and resident bird in marsh environments, rivers, well-vegetated lakes and even in city parks. Populations in areas where the waters freeze, such as eastern Europe, will migrate to more temperate climates. In China, common moorhen populations are largely resident south of the Yangtze River, whilst northern populations migrate in the winter, therefore these populations show high genetic diversity.

This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes walking on lilypads or upending in the water to feed. They are often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the common moorhen remains plentiful and widespread.

28-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN PAPER WASP (Polistes dominula)

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) is an invasive species, often identified by its slender, black-and-yellow appearance (resembling yellowjackets) and trailing legs during flight. Unlike native species, they build small, open-comb nests in sheltered, dark, and often artificial areas like pipes, eaves, and electrical boxes.

Key Facts about the European Paper Wasp:

Appearance and Identification:

Coloration: Primarily black with bright yellow markings, often mistaken for yellowjackets.Body Shape: Slender with a narrow "waist".Flight: Long hind legs dangle below them while flying.Size: Similar to other paper wasps, but generally more slender.

Behavior and Ecology:Nesting: They build small, open-comb, papery nests made of chewed, saliva-mixed wood fibers.

Habitat: They prefer urban environments, nesting in hidden, dark, or enclosed spaces such as eaves, bird boxes, and utility pipes.Diet: They are predatory, preying on insects, particularly caterpillars, to feed their larvae, and also feed on nectar and fruit.Temperament: They are generally less aggressive than yellowjackets and tend to sting only when their nest is disturbed.

28-9-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOARY FOOTMAN MOTH (Eilema caniola)

Eilema caniola, the hoary footman, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1808.

This species can be found in North Africa, in western and southern Europe, in eastern Europe up to south-western Russia, in the Near East, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Oriental realm. These thermophilic moths usually occur in urban areas and as a caterpillar on old walls, roofs, shingle beaches, and rocky areas.

The wingspan is 28–35 mm. It is almost the same in colouring as Eilema griseola and Eilema lurideola but the forewings are much smaller, the outer margin is oblique, only slightly excurved; the colour is much lighter, more yellowish grey, so that the pale yellow costal stripe is less prominent. Hindwings are very pale, scarcely darker at the costal margin, with the apex much more pointed than in the two species mentioned, with which it might be confounded.

28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Eyprepocnemis plorans)

The Short-Horned Grasshopper (Eyprepocnemis plorans), widely known as the lamenting grasshopper, is a medium-sized species within the family Acrididae. Recognizable by its greyish-brown coloring and colorful hind leg striations, it primarily inhabits wet environments, reed beds, and moist coastal regions across Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe.

Key Facts at a Glance

Physical Characteristics: Females grow up to 4.5 cm (1.8 inches), while males are slightly smaller. They feature a dark band edged with paler stripes on their head and prothorax. Their hind femurs have distinctive greenish, blue, and yellow striations, and their hind tibia feature striking reddish or bluish iridescence.

Habitat & Range: They thrive in vertical vegetation like reeds and tall forbs, making them highly dependent on high-moisture ecosystems. In Europe, they can be found in places like southern Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Diet: Like most short-horned grasshoppers, they are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, grasses, and leaves.Flight: They are known to be quite shy and are considered excellent fliers compared to other ground-dwelling grasshopper species.

28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - VIOLET DROPWING DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Trithemis annulata)

Trithemis annulata, commonly known as the violet dropwing, violet-marked darter, purple-blushed darter, or plum-coloured dropwing, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in most of Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. These dragonflies are called dropwings because of their habit of immediately lowering their wings after landing on a perch. Males of this species are violet-red with red veins in the wings, while females are yellow and brown. Both sexes have red eyes.

Trithemis annulata is a robust medium-sized species with a wingspan of 60 mm (2.4 in). The mature male has a dark red head and a yellow labium with a brown central spot. The eyes are red with white spots on the rear edge, and the frons is dark metallic purplish-red. The prothorax is violet with slightly darker longitudinal stripes. 

The membranous wings have distinctive red veins, the pterostigma is orange-brown, and there is a large orange-brown splash at the base of the hind wings. The abdomen is fairly broad and is pinkish-violet, with purple markings on the top of each segment and blackish markings on the terminal three segments. Females are a similar size to males, but the thorax is brownish, and the abdomen is yellow with dark brown markings. The wings of females lack the red veins of males but have similar orange-brown patches. It is very similar in appearance to the red-veined dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa), but that species has a more slender abdomen and a wedge-shaped black area on either side of the tip of the abdomen.