Sunday, 10 October 2021
10-10-2024 BARCELONA, SPAIN - GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia borin)
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The Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) is a modestly attired bird, lacking the flamboyant hues that adorn some of its relatives. This small, migratory passerine is characterized by its brown upperparts and rather nondescript dull white underparts. Both sexes are similarly clad, making them indistinguishable in the field, and the juveniles mirror the adults in their plainness. It is a bird of open woodland, often elusive, flitting through dense undergrowth with a tireless energy.
To identify the Garden Warbler, look for a bird approximately 14 cm in length, with a wing span of 7.6–8.4 cm. It has a whitish eyering and a faint pale supercilium, and its throat and flanks may show a buff wash. The bill is strong, with a grey upper and paler grey lower mandible. The legs are bluish-grey. The eastern subspecies, S. b. woodwardi, is slightly larger and paler than the nominate form.
The Garden Warbler selects open woodlands with a rich understorey for breeding. It shows a preference for deciduous woods with thickets and edges, often near water sources. Mature coniferous forests are typically avoided. In Africa, during the non-breeding season, it occupies a variety of wooded habitats, steering clear of both closed forests and arid regions.
This warbler breeds across most of Europe and into western Siberia, extending further north than any other Sylvia species. It is a strong migrant, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. The species is known to be vagrant in several regions outside its usual range.
The Garden Warbler is a bird of action, vigorously defending its territory against other Sylvia species. It is mainly monogamous and breeds once a year, with the male displaying and singing to attract a mate. The species is known for its strong migratory behavior, with a remarkable ability to metabolize body fat and even muscle during its long flights.
Saturday, 9 October 2021
8-10-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LEAF KATYDID (Genus Phaneroptera)
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/48130-Phaneroptera
Friday, 8 October 2021
7-10-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WIDE WINGED DOTTED GRASSHOPPER (Brachycrotaphus tryxalicerus)
The Wide-winged Dotted Grasshopper (Brachycrotaphus tryxalicerus) is a slant-faced grasshopper primarily found across Africa, SE Spain, and Sicily. It inhabits hot, dry, and semi-arid lowlands and relies exclusively on specific savanna-type grasses like Hyparrhenia hirta for both food and shelter.
Key Behavioral and Ecological Facts
Vertical Camouflage: Because its host plants typically grow in dense stands, the grasshopper has adapted to rest vertically along the stems and leaves to evade predators.
Slant-faced Appearance: Classified under the subfamily Gomphocerinae, it features an elongated, slanted head shape.
Habitat Specificity: It is highly dependent on specific grass ecosystems, earning it the alternative name "Savanna Grasshopper".
Mediterranean Presence: While widely distributed in Africa, it is one of the few afrotropical species to also inhabit the southern Mediterranean, with confirmed populations in Sicily and Sardinia.
Thursday, 7 October 2021
7-10-2021 MONTE CORON, VALENCIA - HORSE CHESTNUT MOTH (Pachycnemia hippocastanaria)
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Pachycnemia hippocastanaria, the horse chestnut moth, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in most of Europe.
Larva
The wingspan is 28–32 mm. Adults are on wing from April to May, and again in a partial second generation in August, usually with fewer and smaller moths.
The larvae feed on common heather (Calluna vulgaris), although both the English and Latin names refer to the horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum).
7-10-2021 MONTE CORON, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (scopula minorata)
Scopula minorata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula and on the islands of the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, it is found in southern Europe. It can be distinguished from Scopula lactaria only by examination of its genitalia.
The wingspan is 15–20 millimetres (0.59–0.79 in).
Subspecies
Scopula minorata minorata
Scopula minorata corcularia (Rebel, 1894)
Scopula minorata ochroleucaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847)
Scopula minorata tripolitana (Sterneck, 1933)
7-10-2021 MONTE CORON, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea filicata)
Idaea filicata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in Southern Europe and the Near East.
The species has a wingspan of 12–21 mm. The adults fly at night from May to September in two to three generations.
Idaea filicata is a moth of the Geometridae family with a wingspan of about 15 mm, ivory white with brown spots on the wings and abdomen. With its wings spread out, the image is that of a white fan with a dark brown circular segment in the centre that reaches halfway and, beyond, a concentric arc of the same brown. The concordance between the front and back wings to form this geometric image is remarkable. On the edge of the wings it has a fringe of white hairs. These white hairs are also found on the back of the thorax, although the specimen in the image has lost them. The legs and antennae are also white.
The image of the adult was obtained in a building, attracted by the light.
The caterpillar is of an indistinct dark colour, between grey and reddish brown, with the segments wrinkled in an apparent second-order segmentation. It appears to feed on numerous herbs when they begin to decay.
In the Iberian Peninsula, Idaea filicata is distributed throughout the Mediterranean lands from Murcia to the north and in the Ebro depression; however, it is absent in the western half.
1-4-2021 EL PALMAR, 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.
6-10-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BURNT PINE LONGHORN BEETLE (Arhopalus ferus)
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Adult beetles are 8–30 mm long reddish-brown to black, while males are generally smaller and lighter in colour.
The body is elongated and oval, typical for longhorn beetles. The head angles forward, showing most of the mouth parts. The thread-like antennae are half to three-quarters of the body length, longer in males. The prothorax is smoothly curved with no spines, narrower than the elytra. The elytra have four ridges and slightly tapering sides.
Eggs are white, opaque, and cigar-shaped, measuring about 0.5 by 1.8 mm. Creamy white larvae are cylindrical, with noticeable legs and pointed jaws. Larvae are active when removed from their tunnels.
Arhopalus ferus prefers dead or dying Pinus and Picea injured by fire or other damage but rarely it will develop in healthy trees. Females are attracted to volatiles from burnt trees or sawmills.
6-10-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Scopula minorata)
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Scopula minorata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula and on the islands of the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, it is found in southern Europe. It can be distinguished from Scopula lactaria only by examination of its genitalia.
The wingspan is 15–20 millimetres (0.59–0.79 in).
Subspecies
Scopula minorata minorata
Scopula minorata corcularia (Rebel, 1894)
Scopula minorata ochroleucaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847)
Scopula minorata tripolitana (Sterneck, 1933)
22-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FUNGI (Genus Stereum)
Stereum is the type genus of the Stereaceae family of fungi, in the Russulales order. Until recently, the genus was classified in the Corticiaceae family, of the Corticiales order. However, it was given its own family as a result of the split-up of the Corticiales. Common names for species of this genus include leaf fungus, wax fungus, and shelf fungus. Fungi having a shape similar to a Stereum are said to have a stereoid shape. Stereum contains 27 species that have a widespread distribution.
Stereum species are found to live on all kinds of deadwood or hardwood or dead leaves (they are therefore said to be saprobic). Sometimes they are also found on living leaves.
Stereum species are wood decay fungi. Their simple, shelving fruiting bodies have a smooth hymenium, lacking gills or tubes. Like most members or the family Stereaceae, Stereum fruiting bodies lack clamp connections and produce amyloid basidiospores.
The species can be divided into two groups: the bleeders (those that exude a red liquid from cut surfaces, similarly to Lactarius species) and the non-bleeders (those that do not). In 1959, Zdenek Pouzar created a distinct genus, Haematostereum, for the bleeding species of Stereum, including H. gausapatum, H. rugosum, and H. sanguinolentum. Modern authors do not consider Haematostereum to be a distinct genus, so it is currently treated as a synonym of Stereum.
Wednesday, 6 October 2021
6-10-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STINK BUG (Acrosternum millierei)
Acrosternum millierei (Mulsant & Rey, 1866) is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae, recognized as a significant agricultural pest, particularly for pistachio trees.
Key Facts about Acrosternum millierei:
Agricultural Impact: It is a major pest of pistachios, attacking nuts from early spring to harvest. In Iran, it is known to be a vector for Nematospora coryli, a fungus that causes pistachio nut damage.
Physiological Adaptations: These bugs are freeze-intolerant but highly adapted for overwintering. They survive cold temperatures by accumulating polyols (such as trehalose, myoinositol, sorbitol, and glycerol) and lowering their supercooling point (SCP) from a mean of −11.8 °C in summer to −17.6 °C in winter.
Habitat and Distribution: The species is found in the Mediterranean region, including Spain (Murcia, Balearic Isles, Valencia, Alicante, etc.) and Portugal. It has also been recorded in Iran, where it causes damage to pistachio orchards.
Host Plants: Beyond pistachios, A. millierei has been observed on Leucospermum species.
Description: As a pentatomid, it has a characteristic shield-shaped body and belongs to the tribe Nezarini (green stink bugs and allies).
Classification: It was originally described under the name Nezara millierei.
Defense Mechanism: Like other stink bugs, it can emit a foul-smelling odor when threatened or disturbed.
A. millierei is closely related to other green stink bugs and is a key target for pest management in nut-producing regions.
6-10-2021 CANAL LES FONTS OLIVA , VALENCIA - MALLARD (FEMALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)
The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.
Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.
Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.
6-10-2021 CANAL LES FONTS OLIVA , VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.
Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.
The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.
The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.
Little Egrets are social yet territorial when feeding. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors, from active chasing to patient ambush. Their movements are often in response to the presence of other animals, which may stir up prey.
The Little Egret's vocalizations include croaking and bubbling sounds at breeding colonies and a harsh alarm call when disturbed. These calls are similar to those of the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Cattle Egret.
Breeding colonies are often mixed with other water birds. Nests are platforms of sticks located in trees, shrubs, or reed beds. Clutches typically consist of three to five bluish-green eggs, incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at approximately six weeks old.
The diet is diverse, including fish, amphibians, small reptiles, mammals, birds, crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders, and worms. The Little Egret employs various hunting techniques, both in water and on land, to capture its prey.
6-10-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON HAIRY FIELD SPIDER (Neoscona subfusca)
The Common Hairy Field Spider (Neoscona subfusca) is a nocturnal orb-weaver primarily found in the Mediterranean, citrus groves, and warm, dry regions. Harmless to humans, this spider is renowned for spinning intricate symmetrical webs at night to catch flying insects and dismantling them by dawn.
Key Characteristics
Size: Females measure 5 mm to 11.5 mm, while smaller males measure 4 mm to 6.5 mm.
Appearance: They feature yellow-brown, brown, or gray bodies. Females have a dark, leaf-like or spotted pattern on their abdomen, while legs and palps are banded.
Behavior: They are strictly nocturnal; they construct their webs shortly after dark and hide in leaves, branches, or under bark during the day.
Habitat and Range
You can spot them globally using identification databases like iNaturalist. They thrive in warm, dry climates, including dense brush, citrus orchards, and near outdoor lights (where bugs are plentiful) across the Mediterranean, parts of Africa, and similar global ecozones.
ToxicityThe venom of Neoscona subfusca is not medically significant to humans. They are docile and will generally retreat or drop from their webs rather than bite when disturbed.
6-10-2021 CANAL LES FONTS OLIVA , VALENCIA - GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea)
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The Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea, is a slender bird of the wagtail family, Motacillidae, with an overall length of approximately 18–19 cm. It bears a resemblance to the Yellow Wagtail but is distinguished by the yellow on its underside being confined to the throat and vent. The male, during the breeding season, is characterized by a striking black throat.
This species can be identified by its narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring. The upperparts are a soft grey, while the underparts are predominantly whitish, with a contrasting yellow vent. Breeding males are notable for their black throats bordered by whitish moustachial stripes.
The Grey Wagtail is invariably found in association with running water during the breeding season. It may nest in natural settings or utilize man-made structures close to streams. Outside of breeding times, it can also be observed around lakes, coasts, and other watery environments.
Tuesday, 5 October 2021
Sunday, 3 October 2021
22-8-2021 SPACE MUSEUM, CUENCA - LYSIMNIA TIGERWING BUTTERFLY (Mechanitis lysimnia)
The Lysimnia Tigerwing (Mechanitis lysimnia), also known as the confused tigerwing or sweet-oil tiger, is a brush-footed butterfly native to Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to Uruguay. This striking orange, black, and yellow species is easily recognized by its reflective, metallic chrysalis.
Key Characteristics and Facts:
Appearance: The Lysimnia Tigerwing has a wingspan averaging about 6.5 centimeters (2.6 inches). Its wings feature vibrant patterns of orange, black, and yellow/off-white. It has a slow, hovering flight style, usually keeping close to the ground or moving through lower canopy layers.
Habitat: This species is highly adaptable and commonly found in disturbed forests, forest edges, and second-growth environments at altitudes up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).Host Plants & Larvae: Females lay eggs in clusters on the upper surface of leaves. The gregarious larvae feed on plants from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Because they consume plants like eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, they are sometimes considered agricultural pests.
Life Cycle: The larval stage consists of five instars and takes about 15–20 days. Just before pupating, the caterpillars turn a bright yellow. The pupa transforms into a unique, highly reflective, metallic chrysalis that mimics the surrounding environment for camouflage.
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