Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

The Old World Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio machaon, is a striking and widely distributed butterfly found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.…

Fly

Flies are a diverse group of insects belonging to the order Diptera, characterized by their two wings and agile flight capabilities. Found in almost every…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is the smallest owl species in Europe and a skilled predator despite its diminutive size. With a bold personality…

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

The Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)—also known as the Malayan Water Monitor—is the heavyweight champion of the Southeast Asian waterways. Second in size only to…

Image

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large, distinctive owl native to the forests of Eurasia. Known for its striking appearance and powerful presence, it…

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

The Western Honey Bee, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, is one of the most well-known and economically important bee species in the world. Here are…

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large, graceful bird belonging to the stork family, Ciconiidae. Here’s some information about this magnificent bird: Overall, the…

Snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus)

Here’s a complete natural history overview of the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), one of the most iconic and spectacular owls of the far north: Snowy…

Black-spotted longhorn beetle (Rhagium mordax)

The Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a species of longhorn beetle belonging to the Cerambycidae family. Here’s an overview of this fascinating insect: Overall,…

Dock bug (Coreus marginatus)

The Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) is a member of the Coreidae family, known as the leaf-footed or squash bugs. It is a distinctive species of…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is a small owl species native to Europe and Asia. Here are some key characteristics and information about this…

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) is one of the largest and most striking butterflies found in Europe. Its vibrant colors and graceful flight make it…

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…

Honey bee (Amegilla calceifera)

The Honey Bee (Amegilla calceifera) is a notable species of bee within the Apidae family. Although it shares the common name “honey bee,” it is…

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…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

The Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae, which is native to Europe and Asia. Here are…

Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae, widely distributed across Europe, parts of Asia, and North…

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)

The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), also known as the Changeable Lizard or Indian Garden Lizard, is a species of agamid lizard native to South…

Black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)

The Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) is a striking and impressive bird, known for its large size and distinctive appearance. Here are some key details about…

Robber Flies (Asilidae)

Robber Flies (Asilidae) Taxonomy & Classification General Description Robber flies are large, aggressive predatory flies recognized by their powerful build and fierce hunting behavior. Behavior…

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…

Dassia, Corfu, Greece

Dassia is a popular tourist resort located on the eastern coast of the Greek island of Corfu (Kerkyra). Here are some key points about Dassia…

Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)—known in Estonia as the Lapsuliblikas—is the true herald of spring. In the forests and gardens of Northern Europe, the sight…

Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra)

The Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra) is a small bird species belonging to the family Nectariniidae, known for its slender body and long bill. This bird…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large, powerful, and magnificent bird of prey found across the northern forests of Eurasia. Here is a deep…

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)

The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), also known as the Changeable Lizard or Indian Garden Lizard, is a species of agamid lizard native to South…

Sunset reflections

Sunset reflections create a mesmerizing and serene scene, transforming bodies of water, buildings, and landscapes into vibrant canvases of color and light. As the sun…

Crete , Greece

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a captivating destination renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Situated in the southern…

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia)

Here’s a detailed, factual overview of the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia): 🕷️ Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) Taxonomy: 🟡 Identification The Goldenrod Crab Spider…

Dusky leaf monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus)

The Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus)—also known as the Spectacled Langur—is perhaps the most “fashionable” primate in the canopy. With their permanent white “monocles” and…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural owl (Strix uralensis)—known in Estonian as the Händkakk—is a ghost of the deep northern forests. While its name suggests a connection to the…

European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)

Here’s a detailed natural history overview of the European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus), a distinctive little songbird of European conifer forests: European Crested Tit (Lophophanes…

European robin (Erithacus rubecula)

The European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), often simply called the robin, is one of Europe’s most beloved and recognizable birds. Known for its bright orange-red breast…

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…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)—or Värbkakk in Estonian—is a pint-sized powerhouse. Don’t let its adorable, spherical appearance fool you; this is the smallest owl…

Yellow-winged darter (Sympetrum flaveolum)

The Yellow-winged darter (Sympetrum flaveolum)—known in Estonia as the Kollatähn-loigukiil—is the “gold-leaf” specialist of the dragonfly world. While many darters have hints of color at…

Chequered skipper

Title: A Glance at the Enigmatic Chequered Skipper: An Icon of Nature’s Beauty Introduction: Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of nature’s canvas, the Chequered Skipper…

Dassia beach, 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,…

Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae)

The Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae) is a fascinating butterfly known for its elusive nature and distinctive markings. Part of the Lycaenidae family, it is one…

Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)

The Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) is a widely distributed species of mayfly in the Ephemeridae family. Known for its ephemeral adult stage, Ephemera vulgata plays…

European peacock (Inachis io)

EUROPEAN PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Aglais io) – ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, FOLKS! 🦋💯 Let me tell you, the European Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io, formerly Inachis io) is one…

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)—known in Estonian as the Rohetäpik—is the undisputed “King of the Woods.” As the largest fritillary in Europe, it is a…

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)—known in Estonian as the Rohetäpik—is the undisputed “King of the Woods.” As the largest fritillary in Europe, it is a…

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)—known in Estonian as the Rohetäpik—is the undisputed “King of the Woods.” As the largest fritillary in Europe, it is a…

Red-sided Tachinid (Eriothrix rufomaculatos)

The Red-sided Tachinid (Eriothrix rufomaculata)—known in Estonia as Punatäpp-süsikärbes—is one of the more “stylish” members of the Tachinidae family. While many tachinids are drab and…

Red-Brown Longhorn Beetle (Stictoleptura rubra)

The Red-Brown Longhorn Beetle (Stictoleptura rubra) is a visually striking beetle known for its distinct coloration and long antennae. Here are some key details about…

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…

Ruddy darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)

The Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) is a vibrant and fascinating dragonfly known for its striking coloration and agile flight. Here are some key details about…

Bohemian cuckoo bumblebee (Bombus bohemicus)

The Bohemian cuckoo bumblebee (Bombus bohemicus) is a fascinating species known for its unique parasitic lifestyle. Here are some key details about this intriguing bumblebee:…

Black snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus)

Here’s a detailed natural history overview of the Black snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus), a striking but little-known fly from European woodlands: Black Snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus) Taxonomy…

Common green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata)

The Common Green Bottle Fly (Lucilia sericata) is a medium-sized fly in the family Calliphoridae, known for its metallic green body and ecological role in…

Figwort Sawfly (Tenthredo scrophulariae)

The Figwort Sawfly (Tenthredo scrophulariae) is an intriguing species of sawfly that is closely associated with figwort plants. Here are some key details about this…

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

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

Wolf Spider (Acantholycosa lignaria)

The Wolf Spider (Acantholycosa lignaria) is a member of the Lycosidae family, known for its robust build and active hunting behavior. Here are some key…

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

The Emerald of Spring: Discovering the Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) In the world of butterflies, true green is a rare and precious color. The Green…

Dead-Nettle Leaf Beetle (Crysolina fastuosa)

Dead-Nettle Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina fastuosa) The Dead-nettle leaf beetle, Chrysolina fastuosa, is a stunning metallic beetle belonging to the Chrysomelidae family (leaf beetles). It is…

Wolf Spider (Acantholycosa lignaria)

The Wolf Spider (Acantholycosa lignaria) is a member of the Lycosidae family, known for its robust build and active hunting behavior. Here are some key…

Knotgrass leaf beetle (Chrysolina polita)

Knotgrass Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina polita) The Knotgrass leaf beetle, Chrysolina polita, is a small, attractive beetle from the leaf beetle family (Chrysomelidae), known for its…

Tachinid flies (Tachinidae)

If you’ve ever looked at a fly through a macro lens and thought it looked like it was covered in stiff, black needles, you’ve likely…

Garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola)

The Garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola)—known in Estonian as the Aiapõrnikas—is a small, bicolored beetle that often makes its presence known through dramatic “mass emergences” in…