Chapman's Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus thersites) (Cantener 1835) A butterfly in the family Lycaenidae A butterfly I have seen before abroad, but deserves to be featured again Often overlooked as similar to Common Blue. Separated by the absence of an underside forewing cell spot and andriconal scales in the basal areas of the upper side forewing of the male. Common Blue can also lack this cell spot, so a calculation must be made of any population to determine which species you have The habitat is warm sunny flowery meadows at low to mid altitudes It is found in southern Europe, Morocco, Lebanon, Asia Minor, Iran and across the Palearctic to Siberia and Tian Shan The larva feeds on Onobrychis species and are attended by ants of the genera Lasius, Formica, and Tapinoma, and hide themselves in the litter layer and pupate #Lepidoptera #Romania #ChapmansBlueButterfly #Polyommatusthersites #chapmansblue #Butterfly #Insect

Southern Emerald Damselfly (Lestes barbarus) (Linnaeus 1758) Nemrut Crater Lake, Turkey A damselfly in the family Lestidae or Spreadwings Found in Europe & Central Asian species with isolated populations in North Africa. Although found in the UK (since 2002), I have never seen one here They have a metallic green body and wings held away from the body at rest. It differs from the other European Lestes in having bicoloured pterostigmata (wing spots), which are diagnostic The flight period is from March to October in the south of its range but in north it flies mainly from June to August A damselfly of still water and can be found in stagnant and slightly brackish water #AnimalWildlife #Nature #Insect #CloseUp #Green #Turkey #TurkishWildlife #NemrutCraterLake #Damselfly #Odonata #SouthernEmeraldDamselfly #Lestesbarbarus

Dusky Clearwing Moth (Paranthrene tabaniformis) (Rottemburg 1775) Nemrut Crater Lake, Turkey In the family Sesiidae Wingspan 30 mm Forewings rather dark fuscous, with elongate obscure hyaline patch towards base; costal streak violet-blackish It is found in the Palearctic & Nearctic realms They feed on Poplar, Willow and on occasions Sea Buckthorn. The larvae have 6-7 stages. Mature larvae pupate in chambers within larval galleries. The pupae are found in the centre of one-year poplar seedlings, or beneath the bark or stems and branches in the oldest trees The moth was missing from the UK for 80 years feared extinct, but the use of pheromone lures has led to its recent rediscovery (2021) Flies from May to August depending on the location #DuskyClearwing #DuskyClearwingMoth #ClearwingMoth #Clearwing #Moths #MothsMatter #Paranthrenetabaniformis #Sesiidae #Turkey #Gevas #TurkishWildlife #Animal #AnimalWildlife #Insect #MacroPhotography #CloseUp #Nature

A Moth (Orthostixis cribraria) (Hübner 1799) Nemrut Crater Lake, Turkey A moth in the family Geometridae Found in SE Europe, Black Sea Region, Caucasus, Transcaucasus and Middle East Habitat is montane forest with Quercus and Acer Feeds on Skullcaps (Scutellaria sp) #Turkey #Gevas #Moths #Mothsmatter #Orthostixiscribraria #Orthostixis #Geometridae #Naturalhistory #Turkishwildlife #Nature #AnimalWildlife

Transparent Burnet Moth (Zygaena purpuralis) (Brünnich 1763) Nemrut Crater Lake, Turkey In the moth family Zygaenidae Wingspan reaching 30–34 Found in most of western, central and southern Europe through to Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Russia and across the Palearctic Superficially like several of the other burnet moths but readily distinguished by the thinly scaled forewing with three blunt red streaks. Rarely this red colour is replaced by black, orange or yellow This is the second time I have caught up with this moth having seen it previously in Greece Adult moths are on wing from late May until August, depending on location. They fly during the day, especially with warm and sunny weather, feeding on nectar of various flowers The larvae feed on wild thyme Habitat is sunny and grassy slopes, under cliffs and dry grassland #Turkey #NemrutCrater #Moths #Mothsmatter #TransparentBurnetMoth #Zygaenapurpuralis #Zygaena #Animal #AnimalWildlife #CloseUp

White Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis) (Linnaeus 1758) Nemrut Crater Lake, Turkey A moth in the family Erebidae, which I have only seen a couple of time in the UK. The glossy surface of the wings gives rise to this moths English name Wingspan 37–50 mm They are found in Europe but exclude the far north. In the east it is found across the Palearctic to Japan. The species was introduced to North America in the 1920s They prefer damp locations, such as forest edges and hedges, as well as alleys, parks and gardens in urban areas Larvae feed on Salix and Populus species #Turkey #TurkishWildlife #NemrutCraterLake #WhiteSatinMoth #Leucomasalicis #Leucoma #Erebidae #WhiteSatin #Lepidoptera #Animal #AnimalWildlife #CloseUp

A fly AKA Yew Artichoke Gall or Taxi Fly (Taxomyia taxi) I have been looking for this gall for ages and then 67 came along at once at two different sites A fly in the family Cecidomyiidae They cause galls to form on Yew (Taxus baccata) The gall comprises of 60 - 80 terminal leaves that become clustered to form a single artichoke type gall whose outer leaves are dark green and the inner ones almost white Orange larva or pupa are inside. The galls eventually turn brown and can stay on the plant right through to the next year as seen in the last photos #Cecidomyiidae #Gall #Gallfly #Taxifly #Yew #YewArtichoke #Taxomyiataxi #YewArtichokeGall #Diptera #Fly #Flies #Branch #CloseUp #ConiferousTree

Hornet Clearwing Moth (Sesia apiformis) (Clerck 1759) Nemrut Crater Lake, Turkey A large clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, native to Europe and the Middle East and has been introduced to North America. They are listed as Nationally Scarce in the UK An example of Batesian mimicry in which the moth resembles a Hornet. I was lucky enough to see a Melanic form as well as the normal form whilst in Turkey Wingspan up to 44mm, found June to August depending on location The larvae bore into the trunks of trees before re-emerging as adults, using trees such as Black Poplar, Aspen and occasionally Goat Willow. Females prefer to lay eggs on old or isolated trees, especially trees surrounded by vegetation Adult hornet moths are often found in open habitat such as parks, golf courses, and marshy areas wherever their foodplant is present #Turkey #NemrutCrater #HornetMoth #Moths #ClearwingMoth #Animal #AnimalWildlife #AnimalBodyPart #CloseUp

A Dragonfly (Thecagaster charpentieri) (Morton, 1916) Gevas, Turkey In the family Cordulegastridae It is found in Eastern Anatolia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Iraq It is one of the largest dragonflies in the region #Dragonfly #dragonflies #Gevas #Turkey #Turkishwildlife #Naturalhistory #odonata #Wildlife #Thecagastercharpentieri #AnimalWildlife #CloseUp

A Spider (Aculepeira armida) (Audouin 1826) Gevas, Turkey An Orb-weaver Spider in the family Araneidae with a wide distribution in North Africa, Southern Europe, Western Asia, Russia (from Europe to the Far East), and Central Asia to China Body length male: 6.8-7.2 mm, Body length female: 11.6-18.3 mm Abdomen has a rather pointed shape with the rear extending beyond the spinnerets. Colour orange, brown to red with a dark fringed, whitish oak leaf-shaped figure. This fringing is sometimes quite broad. Sides mottled with dark brown and yellow. Carapace reddish brown with white-grey hair. Legs and palps clearly light-dark annulated They are found in the Summer on low plants and shrubs in dry areas and along rivers @rajabali_photos for you ;-) #Spider #Spiders #Archnid #Arachnology #Aculepeiraarmida #Aculepeira #Araneidae #Gevas #Turkey #TurkishWildlife #Wildlife #Orbweaver #Orbweaverspider #Naturalhistory #Animal #Arachnid #AnimalWildlife #CloseUp #Insect

Graceful Willow Centaurea (Centaurea saligna) (K.Koch 1963) Gevas, Turkey In the Asteraceae family Commonly known as the Graceful Willow Centaurea, is a captivating plant that often attracts attention amongst the diverse flora of its native habitats The plant typically reaches a height of 30 to 70 centimetres. Its stems are slender and upright, supporting a rosette of narrow, elongated leaves that can grow up to 8 centimetres long. The flowers are bright and vibrant, usually appearing in shades of purple or violet, sometimes with hints of blue. Each flower head consists of numerous florets that collectively create a brilliant spectacle during the blooming season It thrives in well-drained soils, often found in rocky or sandy locales where drainage is excellent Primarily found in Mediterranean regions especially Turkey #Gevas #Turkey #TurkishWildlife #Wildlife #Naturalhistory #Knapweed #Centaureasaligna #Centaurea #GracefulWillowCentaurea #Plants #Botany #Botanist #Green #Nature #Plant #Flower #Growth #CloseUp #Leaf

Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca) (Linnaeus 1758) Gevas, Turkey In the family Testudinidae, also known as the spur-thighed tortoise or Moorish tortoise They are recognized for their longevity, with verified lifespans exceeding 100 years and anecdotal reports suggesting ages over 125 years They are found in North Africa, S Europe and SW Asia The oldest confirmed fossil originates from the Early Pliocene of Greece. However, fossils tentatively identified as Testudo cf. graeca have also been reported from the Middle and Late Miocene of Greece and Turkey, suggesting a more ancient and geographically diverse origin Those living in colder climates hibernate at the cooler times of the year, while others do not hibernate They can be confused with Hermanns Tortoise but there are subtle differences Habitats include barren hillsides, dry open steppes, and wastelands where the vegetation ranges from dry woodlands or scrub thorn to sea dune grasses #Gevas #Turkey #TurkishWildlife #Wildlife #Naturalhistory #GreekTortoise #Testudograeca #Testudinidae #Tortoise #Tortoises #AnimalWildlife #Animal #Nature

Lax-flowered Orchid (Anacamptis laxiflora) (Chase (1997) Catak, Turkey Also known as Loose-flowered Orchid, Green-winged Meadow Orchid and Jersey Orchid (Being found in the Channel Isles). It is found in wet meadows with alkaline soil The Orchid belonged, until recently, to the genus Orchis, but recent genetic studies have revealed that it is more closely related to the Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and the Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morioand) so it has now joined the genus Anacamptis It has a wide distribution in Europe and Asia as far north as in Germany It is a slender, tall orchid growing up to 60cm tall. There are 3 to 8 narrow, pointed leaves arranged along the stem which is flushed deep purple. The inflorescence is lax and carries between 9 to 22 large dark-pink flowers whose erect lateral sepals are bent backwards and are often so close that they touch each other. A hood is formed by the dorsal sepal and the two upper petals. The flower lip is sharply folded lengthwise and has a pale (almost white) centre that is usually unmarked or occasionally lightly marked with pink #LaxfloweredOrchid #Anacamptislaxiflora #LoosefloweredOrchid #Anacamptis #Orchid #Orchids #Wildflower #Botany #Greenwingedmeadoworchid #JerseyOrchid #Orchidaceae #Turkey #Catak #Turkishwildlife #Wildlife #NaturalHistory #WildlifePhotograph #CloseUp #FlowerHead #Flower

Aegean Skipper Butterfly (Pyrgus melotis) (Duponchel 1834) Gevas, Turkey A butterfly in the family Hesperiidae It is found in the Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Asia Minor, Greece & the Middle East It is a member of the Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae) species complex, but separated by significant reproductive isolation mechanisms The habitat consists of grasslands and slopes The length of the forewings is 11–15 mm. It is characterized by the underside of the hindwings, which is cream-coloured, thus obscuring the markings; the spots on the upper side, especially those of the forewings, are generally large and square Adults are on wing from April to June and again from July to September in two or sometimes three generations per year Larvae feed on Rubus species #Turkey #Catak #Turkishwildlife #Wildlife #NaturalHistory #WildlifePhotograph #AegeanSkipperButterfly #Pyrgusmelotis #AegeanSkipper #Pyrgus #SkipperButterfly #AnimalWildlife #Butterfly #Nature

Olive Bee Hawkmoth (Hemaris croatica) (Esper 1800) Catak, Turkey A Hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae with a wingspan of 36–64 millimetres. It is much like a Humming-bird Hawkmoth and other Bee Hawkmoths in flight and may be mistaken for one as such In the north and in mountainous areas it flies in one generation in July. In warm areas it flies in two generations from May to June It is found in the Balkans, Anatolia, the Caucassus to Iran. There are local populations on the Crimea and in Eastern Ukraine/ Western Kazakhstan The habitat for this species is grasslands, wide woodland edges and shrubbery rich slopes. It can also occur in open forests that are interspersed with pastures and grasslands The larvae have been recorded on Scabiosa, Cephalaria and Asperula species #Turkey #Catak #Turkishwildlife #Moths #Mothsmatter #Wildlife #Lepidoptera #Lepidopterist #OliveBeeHawkmoth #Hemariscroatica #CloseUp #Nature

Chapman's Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus thersites) (Cantener 1835) A butterfly in the family Lycaenidae known as Çokgözlü Menekşe Mavisi in Turkish Often overlooked as similar to Common Blue. Separated by the absence of an underside forewing cell spot and andriconal scales in the basal areas of the upper side forewing of the male. Common Blue can also lack this cell spot, so a calculation must be made of any population to determine which species you have The habitat is warm sunny flowery meadows at low to mid altitudes It is found in southern Europe, Morocco, Lebanon, Asia Minor, Iran and across the Palearctic to Siberia and Tian Shan The larva feeds on Onobrychis species and are attended by ants of the genera Lasius, Formica, and Tapinoma, and hide themselves in the litter layer and pupate #Turkey #Catak #Turkishwildlife #Butterfly #Butterflies #ButterfliesofInstagram #Wildlife #Lepidoptera #Lepidopterist #ChapmansBlueButterfly #Polyommatusthersites #chapmansblue #Polyommatus #Animal #AnimalWildlife #CloseUp

Marbled Skipper Butterfly (Carcharodus lavatherae) (Esper 1783) Gevas, Turkey In the family Hesperiidae, and a butterfly I have seen once before in Greece A large pale species, 28–34mm, with highly contrasting upper side markings - black, white and usually rich or pale brown markings. Hindwing markings are strong, particularly the discal band. The underside is relatively uniform and pale and the spots and bands are rather indistinct. The green sheen on the upper side of the wings and body of the Marbled Skipper distinguish it from other skippers in this genus They are found Central Germany, North Africa, SE France and Anatolia Habitats include grassy flowery places, usually with rocks and sometimes amongst scrub Larvae eat various Woundworts (Stachys spp.), Ironwort (Sideritis scordioides)especially Perennial Yellow Woundwort (S. recta) #MarbledSkipperButterfly #Carcharoduslavatherae #MarbledSkipper #Carcharodus #Hesperiidae #Turkey #Catak #Turkishwildlife #Butterfly #Butterflies #ButterfliesofInstagram #Wildlife #Lepidoptera #Lepidopterist #AnimalWildlife #Animal #CloseUp

A Moth (Pyrausta aerealis) (Hubner 1793) Gevas, Turkey In the family Crambidae with a wingspan of 18–26 mm. This species is found in most of Europe as well as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, China and Algeria. In the UK some people have named it the Folkestone Pearl or Large Straw-barred Pearl Habitat is dry grassland The larvae have been recorded feeding on Artemisia vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Scropjularia, Gnaphalium, Helichrysum and Thalictrum #Pyraustaaerealis #Moths #Moth #MothsMatter #Gevas #Turkey #Turkishwildlife #Naturalhistory #Lepidoptera #Lepidopterist #Wildlife #Pyrausta #Crambidae #FolkestonePearl #Largestrawbarredpearl #AnimalWildlife #Nature

Chimney Sweeper Moth (Odezia atrata) (Linnaeus, 1758) Gevas, Turkey A moth that many people see in the UK and are listed as common, I have only ever seen one in the Lake District over a decade ago In the family Geometridae and represented by this one species. They have wingspan of 23-27 mm They are found from from Spain to Mongolia and despite being listed as common in the UK are listed as endangered in a few countries This species flies in the daytime in bright sunshine. It is completely black except for the white fringes at the tips of the forewings It inhabits grassy meadows, dry chalky and limestone districts. In warm regions, Odezia atrata occurs in the mountains They typically fly in June and July, and the larvae feed mainly on the flowers of Pignut (Conopodium majus) #ChimneySweeperMoth #Odeziaatrata #ChimneySweeper #Odezia #Moths #Moth #MothsMatter #Gevas #Turkey #Geomedtridae #Turkishwildlife #Naturalhistory #Pignut #Lepidoptera #Lepidopterist #Wildlife #AnimalWildlife #Nature

Eastern Meadow Brown Butterfly (Maniola telmessia) (Zeller 1847) Gevas, Turkey A new species for me and sadly one I struggled to get a good shot of, they were incredibly flighty Also known as the Turkish Meadow Brown and Aegean Meadow Brown, it is in the family Nymphalidae. It is smaller than Meadow Brown. The male’s forewing eyespot is circled by a clear orange wing. In Turkish it is known as Doğu Çayır Esmeri Wingspan of 40-50 mm It is found on several Greek Islands, through Asia Minor, Turkey, Palestine, to SW Iran Flight is April to October Larval plants include members of the grass family (Gramineae) such as bent grasses (Agrostis spp.) and foxtails (Alopecurus spp.) #Turkey #Catak #Turkishwildlife #butterfly #easternmeadowbrown #Nature #Wildlife #CloseUp