There are three Argiope spider species in Spain. The above image is of the lobed argiope and you can clearly see the much smaller male above and to the left of her. The Wasp Spider Scientific: Argiope bruennichi English: Wasp Spider Spanish: Araña tigre French: Argiope frelon German: Wespenspinne Italian: Ragno vespa Portuguese: Aranha-vespa Distribution: … Read more
English Name: Hummingbird hawk-moth Scientific Name: Macroglossum stellatarum Spanish Name: Esfinge colibrí Mostly Diurnal, the Hummingbird hawk-moth – Macroglossum stellatarum – Esfinge colibrí prefers to fly in bright sunlight but it will also take wing at dawn, at dusk or at night; in rain, or on cool, dull days. They shy away from very hot … Read more
Family: Danaidae Scientific name: Danaus plexippus English common name: Monarch Spanish common name: Monarca Portuguese common name: Monarca The Monarch – Danaus plexippus – Monarca are large and colourful butterflies known as the “Wanderers” in America where their amazing migration has been well documented. Some have successfully crossed from America into Europe but can only … Read more
Family: Danaidae Scientific name: Danaus chrysippus English common names: Plain Tiger, African Monarch Spanish common names: Mariposa tigre, Monarca africana The Plain Tiger – Danaus chrysippus – Mariposa tigre is a large and easily identified tropical looking butterfly, but it only exists in small isolated pockets in Spain. Perhaps having migrated from Africa or having … Read more