Insects of Spain

Spain is home to a vast array of insects, from colorful butterflies and beetles to bees, ants, and dragonflies. Many species are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Insects play crucial roles in pollination, pest control, and as a food source for other wildlife. Spain’s diverse habitats—forests, wetlands, mountains, and coastal areas—support a wide variety of insect life. Enthusiasts and researchers can find unique species in protected natural parks and reserves across the country.

False Ilex Hairstreak – Satyrium esculi – Querquera

April 13, 2023 by clive

The False Ilex Hairstreak – Satyrium esculi – Querquera is a fairly small butterfly with a grey / brown ground colour to the under wings, which may carry a broken white line. The hind edge may also carry orangey / red spots. The brown upper wings are rarely revealed. This species favours areas of maquis … Read more

Clouded Yellow – Colias crocea – Colias común

April 11, 2023 by clive

The Clouded Yellow – Colias crocea – Colias común is a fast flying butterfly identified by its medium size and mustard yellow colouring. They rarely show the upperwings when resting, which a have a dark, almost black border, widest at the tip and a dark spot on each forewing. The under wing is yellow with … Read more

Iris oratoria – Mediterranean Mantis – Mantis mediterránea

April 10, 2023 by clive

Iris oratoria, commonly known as the Mediterranean mantis, is a species of mantis that is native to lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. While originally from this area, its range has been expanding to include the Middle East, Western Asia, and even the United States. One distinguishing feature of the Mediterranean Mantis is the red-orange spot … Read more

African Mantis – Sphodromantis viridis – Mantis africana

April 10, 2023 by clive

Family: Mantidae
Scientific: Sphodromantis viridis (Forskal, 1775)
English: African mantis
Spanish: Mantis africana

The African Mantis - Sphodromantis viridis - Mantis africana has a very similar lifecycle as the common Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa). — Note the white spot on the wing that the praying mantis does not haveBoth can be easily recognised in the adult stage as they have a white spot on the wing.

The African Mantis – Sphodromantis viridis – Mantis africana can be either green or brown despite its scientific name (viridis meaning green). The female can grow to 8cm while the male is smaller.

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.

Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.

The Caminito del Rey