25-9-2017 DENIA COAST, ALICANTE - SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides podalirius)

Iphiclides feisthamelii, the southern scarce swallowtail, southern swallowtail or Iberian scarce swallowtail, is a butterfly found in Italy, Slovenia, southern France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of I. podalirius.

The larva feeds on Prunus amygdalus (almond), P. persica (peach), P. insititia (a kind of plum), P. longipes, Pyrus communis (common pear), Malus domesticus (apple) and Crataegus oxyacantha.

This species is often considered merely a subspecies of the scarce swallowtail, though recent authors are increasingly counting it a separate species. Its distribution is restricted to the Iberian peninsula south of the Pyrenees. It is very similar to the scarce swallowtail but usually a more papery white, with noticeably more kite-shaped wings and a more distinct yellow line along the costa of the forewing. Another useful but not 100% diagnostic feature is the third bar from the wing base on the forewing, which is typically blunt on the vein, not tapered to a point.

Iberian scarce swallowtails may be seen very early in the year. The first pictures on this page were taken in February in Málaga, where the species was hilltopping along with many other butterflies. They fly throughout the year in two or three broods, hibernating as pupae.

After many years being considered a subspecies of the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius this taxon can now be accepted as a full species.

Identification & Similar species: Compared to the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius, this species has a white/ grey-white rather than yellowish ground colour, but sometimes with faint yellow in the female. Markings are also darker, at least in the spring brood. The differences are subtle...

Genetalia are reportedly slightly different and there is some differentiation in mitochondrial DNA.

Distribution & Flight: North Africa, Spain and southwest France. There may be overlap with the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius in some areas particularly as these are mobile butterflies. Flies from March or April to the end of summer in multiple broods.

Habitat & Behaviour: Diverse habitats: scrub, meadows, parks, gardens, coasts to mountains.

25-9-2017 DENIA COAST, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN SHAG (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

The European shag, or common shag (Gulosus aristotelis), is a medium-large seabird with a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults sport a small crest. This species is characterized by its metallic green-tinged sheen and a longish tail, setting it apart from its relatives with a lighter build and a more slender bill.

To identify the European shag, look for a bird measuring 68 to 78 cm in length with a wingspan of 95 to 110 cm. The adult shag has a green sheen on its feathers and a yellow patch on its throat. The bill is lighter and narrower compared to the great cormorant. Juveniles have darker underparts, and the tail consists of 12 feathers, as opposed to the great cormorant's 14.

The European shag is a coastal bird, preferring rocky shores for breeding and nesting. It is rarely found inland, as it is adapted to life at sea.

This species breeds along the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia, and north Africa. It mainly winters within its breeding range, except for the northernmost populations. The largest colony is found in the Cíes Islands, Spain.

The European shag is a remarkable diver, known to reach depths of up to 61 meters. It is predominantly a benthic feeder, sourcing its prey from the sea bottom. Shags are known to travel significant distances from their roosts to feed. They exhibit a strong diving technique, leaping from the water to gain momentum.

Breeding takes place on coastal cliffs, with nests constructed from seaweed or twigs, bound together with guano. The breeding season is extensive, starting as early as February and in some cases extending to May or later. Typically, three eggs are laid, and chicks are entirely dependent on parental warmth, as they hatch without down.

 

The European shag can be confused with the great cormorant but is differentiated by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner bill, and the presence of a crest and metallic sheen in breeding adults.

The European shag's diet is diverse, with a preference for sand eels. However, diet composition can vary with environmental conditions, such as ocean warming and windy weather, which can influence prey availability and foraging success.

The IUCN Red List classifies the European shag as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

25-9-2017 DENIA COAST, ALICANTE - BAND WINGED GRASSHOPPER (Genus Oedipoda)

Oedipoda is the type genus of grasshoppers, in the subfamily Oedipodinae, mostly from the Palaearctic realm. The type species is the European "blue-winged grasshopper", Oedipoda caerulescens.

25-9-2017 DENIA COAST, ALICANTE - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small, nimble gull with a wingspan ranging from 94 to 110 cm and a body length of 37 to 44 cm. It weighs between 190 and 400 grams. Despite its name, the adult's summer plumage features a chocolate-brown head, which can appear black from a distance. The body is pale grey, and the primary wing feathers are tipped with black. The bill and legs are a striking red. In winter, the brown head is replaced by a white one with dark spots. Juveniles are mottled with brown spots and have a black band on the tail. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage.

In flight, the white leading edge of the wing is a distinctive field mark. The summer adult's brown head, red bill, and legs are key identifiers, while the winter plumage features two dark spots on the head. Juveniles can be recognized by their mottled brown pattern and black tail band.

This species nests in colonies on the ground in large reed beds, marshes, or islands within lakes. It is not pelagic and is seldom seen far from coasts.

The black-headed gull breeds across much of the Palearctic, including Europe and coastal eastern Canada. It is migratory, wintering further south, but some remain in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. It is also present in northeastern North America and occasionally seen as far south as Virginia and some Caribbean islands.

Highly gregarious in winter, the black-headed gull is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a wide range of food from insects to carrion. It is known for its "kree-ar" call and displays various behaviors such as eggshell removal from the nest, which is believed to reduce predation risk.

The black-headed gull is a vocal species, particularly in colonies. Its call is a familiar "kree-ar," and its scientific name suggests a laughing sound.

This gull takes two years to reach maturity. First-year birds can be distinguished by a black terminal tail band and a less developed dark hood in summer. Breeding occurs in colonies, and the species is known for its complex social behaviors, including begging coordination between siblings and conspecific brood parasitism.

The black-headed gull can be confused with the similar-looking Bonaparte's Gull in North America.

The diet includes insects, fish, seeds, worms, scraps, carrion, and invertebrates in ploughed fields. It feeds in towns and agricultural areas with equal relish.

The black-headed gull is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

Individuals synchronize their vigilance activities with nearby conspecifics, depending on the distance between them.

The first recorded sighting in Australia occurred in 1991 at the Broome Sewage Ponds, marking a significant range expansion for the species.

The black-headed gull has been immortalized in Richard Adams' novel "Watership Down" as the character Kehaar and is the official bird of Tokyo, Japan.

25-9-2017 DENIA COAST, ALICANTE - EUROPEAN SHAG (JUVENILE) (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

The European shag, or common shag (Gulosus aristotelis), is a medium-large seabird with a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults sport a small crest. This species is characterized by its metallic green-tinged sheen and a longish tail, setting it apart from its relatives with a lighter build and a more slender bill.

To identify the European shag, look for a bird measuring 68 to 78 cm in length with a wingspan of 95 to 110 cm. The adult shag has a green sheen on its feathers and a yellow patch on its throat. The bill is lighter and narrower compared to the great cormorant. Juveniles have darker underparts, and the tail consists of 12 feathers, as opposed to the great cormorant's 14.

The European shag is a coastal bird, preferring rocky shores for breeding and nesting. It is rarely found inland, as it is adapted to life at sea.

This species breeds along the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia, and north Africa. It mainly winters within its breeding range, except for the northernmost populations. The largest colony is found in the Cíes Islands, Spain.

The European shag is a remarkable diver, known to reach depths of up to 61 meters. It is predominantly a benthic feeder, sourcing its prey from the sea bottom. Shags are known to travel significant distances from their roosts to feed. They exhibit a strong diving technique, leaping from the water to gain momentum.

Breeding takes place on coastal cliffs, with nests constructed from seaweed or twigs, bound together with guano. The breeding season is extensive, starting as early as February and in some cases extending to May or later. Typically, three eggs are laid, and chicks are entirely dependent on parental warmth, as they hatch without down.

The European shag can be confused with the great cormorant but is differentiated by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner bill, and the presence of a crest and metallic sheen in breeding adults.

The European shag's diet is diverse, with a preference for sand eels. However, diet composition can vary with environmental conditions, such as ocean warming and windy weather, which can influence prey availability and foraging success.

The IUCN Red List classifies the European shag as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

23-9-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SMALL DUSTY WAVE MOTH (Idaea seriata)

The small dusty wave (Idaea seriata) is a moth of the family Geometridae first described by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802. It is found throughout Western, Central and Northern Europe. In the north, its range extends as far as Denmark and southern Scandinavia. In the east its range extends as far as Russia (Moscow or Veliky Novgorod). Idaea seriata is replaced by the subspecies Idaea seriata canteneraria, from the north-east of Spain and the central and eastern Mediterranean (including the islands, except Crete) to the Crimean peninsula, while the western Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands are inhabited by the sister species Idaea minuscularia. Outside Europe it is found in eastern Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Cyprus, the Caucasus and the northwest of Transcaucasia. In Morocco and western Algeria, it is replaced by the sister species Idaea minuscularia. In the British Isles it is common in England and Wales but is only found in the eastern half of Scotland and it is rare in Ireland.

The species is very small (wingspan 19–21 mm) and is probably one of the least striking members of the whole family, being basically grey with all markings indistinct apart from the black discal spot typical of the genus.

Either one or two broods are produced each year and the species can be seen on the wing any time from June to September, flying at night and sometimes coming to light.

The larva feeds on ivy and the species overwinters in this form.

23-9-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.

Lifespan around 4–5 years. Sexual maturity is reached in their second year. Breeding takes place in spring after they wake from winter hibernation. 1-5 eggs are laid, each around 5x9mm, in cracks in rocks or under stones. During development the eggs swell and after 8 weeks when ready to hatch they can be 8x15mm in size. They hatch out around early July. 

They are found in the north-east of the Iberian peninsula, including southern France in parts of the Pyrenees. They are not found above 3400m elevation.

With a lifespan of about 5 years they are an adaptable wall climbing species which can be found in a large number of habitats and frequently around houses and other buildings. Although being a Mediterranean species, they are able to inhabit mountain habitats with cold winters up to 2000 m altitude (Pyrenees, Sistema Ibérico, Sistema Bético).

The Catalonian Wall Lizard is a quite adaptable, well climbing species which can be found in various habitats and even frequently within human settlements. Although being a (sub-)Mediterranean species, it is able to inhabit mountain habitats with cold winters up to 2000 m altitude (Pyrenees, Sistema Ibérico, Sistema Bético).

Being such a "generalist", its distribution ranges from the French Rhône-Valley in the north to the Spanish Sierra Nevada in the south. It shows a great variability which has led to the description of several subspecies:

Podarcis liolepis cebennensis has been described for southern France. But geographic delimination towards the nominate subspecies is doubtful.

The Spanish Columbretes Archipelago is populated by the dark blotched subspecies atratus. However, this might be just an insular morph of the nominate subspecies.

Subspecies sebastiani has been described for the Basque Country area. Presumably, this may be just an ecotype of the nominate subspecies.

In the south of the range, additional - so far undescribed - colour morphs occur (see below).

With regard to this, some intra-specific taxonomic revision might be required.

Distribution of Podarcis liolepis with its currently recognized subspecies. For an overview of all Iberian Podarcis species see map at Podarcis hispanicus.

In north of the range, Podarcis liolepis has contact zones with Podarcis guadarramae. This species lacks of blue outer ventral scales which frequently occur in males of Podarcis liolepis. Podarcis liolepis may also co-occur with Podarcis muralis (e.g. Penyagolosa, E / Castellón) but it is smaller, more slender und usually shows a lighter colouration than the latter one.

23-9-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (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.

22-9-2017 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.

Distribution and habitat of this moth is that 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. 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.

The Grass Eggar is reddish-brown in colour with a curved outer cross-line on the forewing and a central white spot. The colour varies with location. The pale form f. flava is a straw or brownish yellow with similar markings.

The adults are incapable of feeding. They fly at night and are attracted to light. The caterpillars can be found from March to July feeding at night. They pupate in a tough brown cocoon on the ground. They overwinter as eggs laid loosely among vegetation.

Size and Family

Family – Eggar moths (Lasiocampidae)

Medium / Large Sized

Wingspan Range – 42-60mm

Conservation Status

UK BAP: Not Listed

Grass Eggar - Nationally Scarce A

Pale Grass Eggar – Red Data Book species

Caterpillar Food Plants

Foodplants vary between areas including False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatus), Tree Lupin (Laburnum arboreus), Marram (Ammophila arenaria), Bramble (Rubus fruiticosus) and Creeping Willow (Salix repens).

24-9-2017 PEGO MARSHES, ALICANTE - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White wagtail is a slender bird with the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail of its genus. There are a number of other subspecies, some of which may have arisen because of partial geographical isolation, such as the resident British and Irish form, the pied wagtail M. a. yarrellii, which now also breeds in adjacent areas of the neighbouring European mainland. The Pied wagtail exchanges the grey colour of the nominate form with black (or very dark grey in females), but is otherwise identical in its behaviour. Other subspecies, the validity of some of which is questionable, differ in the colour of the wings, back, and head, or other features. Some rraces show sexual dimorphism during the breeding season. As many as six subspecies may be present in the wintering ground in India or Southeast Asia and here they can be difficult to distinguish.

White wagtails breed throughout Eurasia, only being absent in the Arctic. They also breed in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska. These birds are residents in the milder parts of their range such as western Europe and the Mediterranean, but migratory in much of the rest of their range. Northern European breeders winter around the Mediterranean and in tropical and subtropical Africa, and Asiatic birds move to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Birds from the North American population also winter in tropical Asia. White wagtails occupy a wide range of habitats but are absent from deserts. They inhabit grasslands, seashores, rocky shorelines, sand beaches, tidepools, rivers, lakeshores, farmland, gardens, and parks. They are also often found in towns and villages. 

24-9-2017 PEGO MARSHES, ALICANTE - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

Females are a plain buffy-brown overall with dingy gray-brown underparts. Their backs are noticeably striped with buff, black, and brown. House Sparrows are noisy sparrows that flutter down from eaves and fencerows to hop and peck at crumbs or birdseed.

All sparrows mainly eat seeds, but they also eat insects, moths, berries, and fruits when available. They feed insects to their young babies to help them grow up strong. When it comes to construction, these birds are efficient. They build their nests low to the ground and make them of grass, twigs, and smaller plants.

The feminine form of sparrow is hen-sparrow.

Female house sparrows are not as loud as their male counterparts. While the male has brown areas near his eyes that frame his cheeks, the female’s face is almost completely grey. In addition, the male’s breast and throat are covered with what look like black stains–stains that are conspicuously missing from the female.

House sparrows lay between three and six eggs per brood. The eggs are about 1.5 centimetres in size, white or grey in colour and speckled brown. The eggs are incubated in a spherical, messy nest made of twigs, stalks and leaves, which is lined with feathers.

House sparrows can be found anywhere near humans. In a perfect world, this would be farmland, where the sparrows can search the fields for seeds. You’ll also be able to spot them breeding in the hollows of old buildings in the country. But if you live in the city, don’t worry! House sparrows also live in large, urbanised areas, where they breed in building cavities and in creepers.

House sparrows are very creative nest builders and love to breed in small colonies. In nature, they select tree hollows, or vacant woodpecker or swallow nests. In urban environments, they can be found in the cavities of buildings, under roof-tiles or in birdhouses. The size of the nest depends only on the space available to them, and varies wildly. Occasionally, they also construct free-standing nests.

24-9-2017 PEGO MARSHES, ALICANTE - SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus)

The African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) is a striking wading bird from the family Threskiornithidae. It is characterized by its all-white plumage, save for the dark plumes on its rump. The adult bird measures approximately 68 cm (27 in) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 112 to 124 cm (44 to 49 in), and weighs between 1.35 to 1.5 kg (3.0 to 3.3 lb). Males are generally slightly larger than females. The species is distinguished by its bald head and neck, thick curved bill, and black legs. In flight, the white wings reveal a contrasting black rear border. The eyes are brown, encircled by a dark red orbital ring.

When identifying the African sacred ibis, look for the combination of its white body, black head, neck, and bill. Juveniles can be recognized by their less pristine white plumage, smaller bill, and some feathering on the neck. The presence of greenish-brown scapulars and more black on the primary coverts also helps to distinguish younger birds.

This ibis favors marshy wetlands and mud flats, both inland and along the coast. It is often found nesting in trees near water and is known to frequent very shallow wetlands, wet pastures with soft soil, cultivation areas, and rubbish dumps.

Native

The African sacred ibis is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East, including small regions of Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait. The species has migratory populations that move with the rains, with some South African birds traveling as far north as Zambia, while those north of the equator migrate in the opposite direction.

Introduced

The species has been introduced to various parts of Europe, including Italy, France, and the Netherlands, as well as to Florida, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe, it is considered an invasive species.

The African sacred ibis is a social bird, often seen in flocks. It is predominantly silent, but can occasionally emit puppy-like yelping sounds. The species is known for its predatory feeding habits, which occur mainly during the day.

This species is usually silent, but may occasionally make puppy-like yelping noises.

Breeding occurs once a year during the wet season, with the season spanning from March to August in Africa and from April to May in Iraq. The ibis builds a stick nest, often in a baobab tree, and nests in colonies alongside other large wading birds. Females lay one to five eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 21 to 29 days. Chicks fledge after 35 to 40 days and reach sexual maturity between one to five years after hatching.

The diet of the African sacred ibis consists mainly of insects, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, fish, frogs, reptiles, small mammals, and carrion. It uses its long beak to probe the soil for invertebrates and may also feed on seeds.

The IUCN classifies the African sacred ibis as "Least Concern," with an estimated global population of 200,000–450,000 individuals. However, the population appears to be decreasing. The species is covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

The African sacred ibis was venerated in Ancient Egyptian religion, linked to the god Thoth. It was often mummified as a votive offering. The species was believed to fend off winged serpents and was associated with wisdom and knowledge.

24-9-2017 PEGO MARSHES, ALICANTE - WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava)

The Western yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) is a small songbird that can be found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its common name comes from characteristic tail-pumping behavior and the part of its scientific name 'flava' means 'golden-yellow' from Latin.

The Western yellow wagtail is a slender bird, with the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail. It is the shortest-tailed of the European wagtails. The breeding adult male is basically olive above and yellow below. In other plumages, the yellow may be diluted by white. The heads of breeding males come in a variety of colors and patterns depending on the subspecies.

Western yellow wagtails breed in much of temperate Europe and Asia. Populations in the milder parts, such as western Europe, are resident but northern and eastern populations migrate to Africa and south Asia. Western yellow wagtails prefer open country near water, such as wet meadows, marshes, bogs, pastures near water, damp steppe, and grassy tundra.

Outside of the breeding season, Western yellow wagtails are gregarious and often spend time in flocks. They also gather in large numbers on the night roosts and migrate in flocks. Western yellow wagtails are active during the day spending their time in search of food. They forage by walking on the ground picking insects or seeds and can also search for food items walking in shallow water. They may catch insects on the wing or pick them up while flying over vegetation. Western yellow wagtails frequently wag their tail while foraging. The common call of these birds is a high-pitched 'jeet'. When flying they often produce loud 'pseet' or long 'swee-eep'.

24-9-2017 PEGO MARSHES, ALICANTE - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

23-9-2017 RIO SERPIS GANDIA, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.

23-9-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROSEMARY BEETLE (Chrysolina americana)

Chrysolina americana, common name rosemary beetle, is a species of beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae.

Chrysolina americana can reach a length of 5–8 millimetres (0.20–0.31 in). They have colourful elytra with metallic green and purple longitudinal stripes. The wings are quite short, so these beetles can fly for short distances, but most tend to walk.

This species feeds on various aromatic Lamiaceae, mainly on rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) (hence the common name), lavender (Lavandula) and thyme (Thymus).

In the Mediterranean region females lay their eggs in late summer on the leaves of the host plants. The larvae show whitish to blackish bands. Larval development continues during the winter months. The pupal stage lasts about three weeks. The imago is released in the spring.

Despite the species name americana, this leaf beetle is native and common to southern Europe, North Africa, the Near East and the Middle East.

This species was first discovered living outdoors in the United Kingdom in 1994. By 2002 it had become widespread in the London area, and spreading rapidly throughout. Although it is susceptible to some pesticides, it is usually recommended that home growers pick off beetles by hand, or shake them off onto a sheet of paper to remove them, if the plant affected by them is intended for culinary purposes. Otherwise, they do not present a major problem to the host plants, although a large, long- term infestation can be devastating.

21-9-2017 MONTE CORONA , VALENCIA - RED ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY (Vanessa atalanta)

Vanessa atalanta, the red admiral or, previously, the red admirable, is a well-characterized, medium-sized butterfly with black wings, red bands, and white spots. It has a wingspan of about 2 inches (5 cm). It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. The red admiral is widely distributed across temperate regions of North Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. It resides in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring and sometimes again in autumn. Typically found in moist woodlands, the red admiral caterpillar's primary host plant is the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica); it can also be found on the false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica). The adult butterfly drinks from flowering plants like Buddleia and overripe fruit. Red admirals are territorial; females will only mate with males that hold territory. Males with superior flight abilities are more likely to successfully court females. It is known as an unusually calm butterfly, often allowing observation at a very close distance before flying away, also landing on and using humans as perches.

The forewing of this butterfly bears on a black ground an oblique vermilion bandand a group of white subapical spots. On the hindwing the larger portion of the distal margin is red, with a row of small black spots and at the anal angle an elongate blue spot. The underside is partly variegated with blue; the forewing is on the whole similar in markings to the upper, while the hindwing is brightly variegated and clouded, bearing black markings, of which those in the cell resemble a figure (on the left wing 18 or 98, on the right 81 or 89); in the middle of the costal area there is a pale patch and in the distal marginal area a row of ocellus-like spots. Sometimes, especially in the female, the red band of the forewing bearsa small white spot in the middle.

The red admiral is found in temperate regions of North Africa, North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and island regions of Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

21-9-2017 MONTE CORONA , VALENCIA - SOUTHERN MARBLED SKIPPER MOTH (Carcharodus baeticus)

Muschampia baeticus, the southern marbled skipper, is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North Africa, south-western Europe, Italy and Anatolia up to Afghanistan.

The forewing length is 13 to 14 millimeters. The upper surface of the forewings is marbled gray and slightly dark grey-brown.A narrow, grey discal band limits the darker basal region, and there are small hyaline spots on the forewing. The hind wing upper surface is dark brown with a small light basal spot and distinct discal and postdiscal spots and a large discoid spot. The underside of the forewings is grey-brown with light veins. The hind wing underside is light yellow-grey with white veins, basal and discal spots and postdiscal moons. Overall, they produce a net-like drawing. Both sexes have the same wing markings, the male has a thick growth of hair on the underside of the forewings.

Variability The 1st generation is always dark grey, the 2nd generation is light grey and the 3rd generation is light sand brown. The growth of hair is dark in moths in early summer and light sand-brown in later-flying insects.

Adults are on wing from May to October in two or three generations. At higher altitudes there is only one generation.

The larvae feed on Marrubium vulgare and Ballota species.

This species was formerly a member of the genus Carcharodus. As a result of genomic research published in 2020, it was transferred to the genus Muschampia.

21-9-2017 MONTE CORONA , VALENCIA - ROUGH HAIRED LAGRIA BEETLE (Lagria hirta)

Lagria hirta is a species of beetle in the family Tenebrionidae.

 

The species name hirta comes from the Latin hirtus meaning rough hair or rough wool, referring to the coarse, fuzzy appearance of the beetle.

This species is present in Europe, in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco), in Russia (Western and Eastern Siberia), in Israel, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

L. hirta prefers areas with sandy soils. It can be found in open woods, deciduous forests, forest clearings, forest edges, grasslands, and wet meadows, but also in dry valleys and wet areas.

Lagria hirta can reach a length of 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in). These beetles have a soft and elongated body and a head and thorax brown or shiny black. The relatively elongated elytra are yellowish-brown and covered by dense fine light yellowish-brown hairs. The rest of the body is also hairy, but they are less clearly visible. L. hirta's antennae, underside of body and legs are black. This species has eyes, large and round. Antennae are composed of eleven segments.

The elytra of the females are more extended backward than in the males and the female's abdomen looks from above wider than in the males. The male, in addition to its slimmer body, is distinguished from the females by their larger eyes and by the length of the last segment of the antennae, which is nearly twice the corresponding segment in the female. The hind wings are transparent.

The fully formed beetles can be seen from late May to September. The adult beetles feed on nectar and pollen. Females lay eggs in the soil, where they hatch after about eight days. The larvae live in the humus where they feed on decaying vegetables. After having overwintered, larvae pupate in early summer of the next year and a new generation of beetles will then develop.