Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Lauxaniid fly (Tricholauxania praeusta)

The Lauxaniid Fly (Tricholauxania praeusta) is a species within the family Lauxaniidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies that are often found in various…

Green Sawfly (Rhogogaster viridis)

The Green Sawfly (Rhogogaster viridis) is an attractive and intriguing species within the family Tenthredinidae, known for its vivid green coloration. Here’s an overview of…

Weevil

Weevils are a diverse group of beetles belonging to the family Curculionidae, with over 60,000 species worldwide. Here’s a short description: Physical Characteristics: Habitat and…

Long-jawed orb (Metellina mengei)

The Long-jawed Orb Weaver (Metellina mengei) is a fascinating species of spider known for its distinctive appearance and intricate web-building behavior. Here’s an in-depth look…

Large skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus)

The Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) is a notable butterfly species within the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as skippers. Found across Europe and parts of Asia,…

Starred agama (Laudakia stellio)

The Starred Agama (Laudakia stellio), also known as the Painted Agama or Roughtail Rock Agama, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. It…

Ixia, Rhodes, Greece

Ixia is a beautiful resort area located on the western coast of Rhodes, Greece. Known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant nightlife, Ixia…

Green Sawfly (Rhogogaster viridis)

The Green Sawfly (Rhogogaster viridis) is an attractive and intriguing species within the family Tenthredinidae, known for its vivid green coloration. Here’s an overview of…

Variegated False Darkling Beetle (Platystomos albinus)

Platystomos albinus, commonly known as the Variegated False Darkling Beetle, is a distinctive beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. This beetle is known for its unique…

Nettle weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus)

🟢 Deep Review: Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus) The Nettle Weevil, or Green Nettle Weevil, is arguably one of the most beautiful “pests” you will ever…

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is a small, widespread butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. It is one of the most common and easily recognizable…

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a common butterfly species found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It is known for its vibrant colors and…

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)—known in Estonia as the Kodumesilane—is arguably the most studied and vital insect on the planet. While we often think…

Large copper ( Lycaena dispar)

Here’s a complete overview of the Large Copper (Lycaena dispar): 🦋 Large Copper (Lycaena dispar) Taxonomy: 🧡 Identification The Large Copper is one of Europe’s…

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

Overall, the Asian Water Monitor is a fascinating reptile species with unique adaptations for survival in tropical environments. While they are not currently endangered, conservation…

European crested tit (Lophophanes cristatus)

The European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus) is a charming and distinctive small bird known for its unique crest and lively personality. It is a resident…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large, powerful owl native to the forests of Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia. It is known for…

Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia)

The Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia) is a butterfly species belonging to the Nymphalidae family, known for its striking appearance and elusive nature. Here are…

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) is a magnificent species of butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Here’s a detailed description: The Silver-washed Fritillary is admired…

Northern Hawk-owl (Surnia ulula)

The Northern Hawk-owl (Surnia ulula) is a distinctive and fascinating bird of prey that inhabits the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, including regions of…

Banded orb-weaving spider (Argiope trifasciata)

The Banded Orb-Weaving Spider (Argiope trifasciata) is a visually distinctive arachnid known for its striking coloration and intricate web designs. Here’s an in-depth look at…

Black-spotted longhorn beetle (Rhagium mordax)

The Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a notable species of beetle belonging to the Cerambycidae family, known for its distinctive appearance and behaviors. This…

Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)

The Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa) is a strikingly beautiful moth that belongs to the family Erebidae. This species is known for its vibrant coloration…

Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)

🪰 Deep Review: Splayed Deer Fly (Chrysops caecutiens) If you’ve ever been enjoying a summer walk through a damp forest only to be targeted by…

Northern Hawk-owl (Surnia ulula)

The Northern Hawk-owl (Surnia ulula) is a distinctive and fascinating bird of prey that inhabits the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, including regions of…

Castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

The Castor Bean Tick, scientifically known as Ixodes ricinus, is a species of hard-bodied tick found throughout Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa.…

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

💎 Deep Review: Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) If you are walking by a quiet riverbank and catch a sudden, electric flash of cyan cutting through…

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a striking butterfly species belonging to the Papilionidae family. Here are some key features and characteristics: Overall, the Scarce…

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

🐦 Deep Review: Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) If you’ve ever looked out over a misty lake and thought you saw a living pterodactyl, you were…

Dassia, Corfu, Greece

Dassia is a popular resort town located on the eastern coast of Corfu, Greece. Known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant tourist amenities,…

Himalayan striped squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii)

Deep Overview: Himalayan Striped Squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii) The Himalayan striped squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii) is a small, energetic rodent belonging to the Sciuridae family. It is…

Spotted march fly (Trypetoptera punctulata)

The Spotted March Fly (Trypetoptera punctulata) is a distinctive species of fly known for its striking spotted appearance. Here are some key details about this…

Grass snake (Natrix natrix)

🐍 Deep Review: Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) If you catch a glimpse of a large, elegant snake slipping effortlessly into a garden pond or basking…

Grey-bellied squirrel (Callosciurus caniceps)

The grey-bellied squirrel (Callosciurus caniceps) is a tree squirrel species known for its distinctive appearance and behaviors. Here are some key details about this interesting…

Red admiral (Vanessa atlanta)

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a well-known and striking butterfly, celebrated for its vibrant colors and migratory behavior. Here’s an overview of this remarkable…

Seven-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata)

The Seven-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata), also known as the seven-spot ladybird, is one of the most well-known and widespread species of ladybugs. Here is a…

Krabi, Thailand

Here’s a full overview of Krabi, Thailand, one of the country’s most scenic coastal provinces: Krabi, Thailand General Overview Krabi is a southern Thai province…

Hersonissos, Crete, Greece

Hersonissos, located on the northern coast of Crete, Greece, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history.…

Domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica)

The Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is a bird that is descended from the wild rock dove (Columba livia), which is native to Europe, North…

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas), also known as the Small Copper, is a small and brightly colored butterfly found across Europe, Asia, and North America.…

Scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius): A Graceful Ambassador of Nature’s Splendor The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) emerges as a captivating emblem of beauty and resilience…

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

The Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) is a striking species belonging to the Nymphalidae family. Here’s some information about this beautiful butterfly: Overall, the Comma butterfly…

Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia)

The Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia) is a butterfly species belonging to the Nymphalidae family, known for its striking appearance and elusive nature. Here are…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

🦉 Deep Review: Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) The Ural Owl is the “ghost of the boreal forest.” Large, pale, and surprisingly bold, it sits taxonomically…

Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)

🐦 Deep Review: Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) The Hooded Crow—often called the “Hoodie”—is the stylish, grey-and-black intellectual of the bird world. While many see crows…

Ruby-tailed wasp

Cuckoo wasps, also known as emerald wasps or jewel wasps, are a fascinating group of insects belonging to the family Chrysididae. These strikingly beautiful wasps…

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)

The Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is Europe’s smallest bird, known for its distinctive golden crown stripe and energetic nature. Here’s a concise overview of this delightful…

Map butterfly (Araschnia levana)

🦋 Map Butterfly (Araschnia levana) The Map Butterfly, scientifically known as Araschnia levana, is a fascinating species native to Europe and parts of Asia, well…

Green hairstreak (callophrys rubi)

Here’s a detailed overview of the Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi), one of Europe’s most beautiful and widespread small butterflies. 🦋 Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) Taxonomy…

European peacock (Inachis io)

🦋 Deep Review: European Peacock (Aglais io) The European peacock is arguably one of the most spectacular and easily recognized butterflies in the world. Often…

Ground Wolf Spider (Trochosa terricola)

🕷️ Deep Review: If the Garden Spider is the master architect of the air, the Ground Wolf Spider is the undisputed heavy-weight sprinter of the…

Melanism in the Grass snake (Natrix natrix)

🌑 Melanism in the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) While the typical Grass Snake is easily recognized by its olive-green scales and iconic yellow “collar,” nature…

Common European adder (Vipera berus)

The common European adder (Vipera berus), also known as the common viper, is a widespread and well-known species of venomous snake found across much of…

European greenfinch (Chloris chloris)

The European greenfinch (Chloris chloris) is often described as the “bruiser” of the bird table. Known for its chunky build, powerful beak, and surprisingly aggressive…