Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

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…

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…

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

The False Heath Fritillary (Melitaea diamina) is a distinctive butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Known for its striking appearance and specific habitat preferences,…

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

The False Heath Fritillary (Melitaea diamina) is a distinctive butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Known for its striking appearance and specific habitat preferences,…

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

The False Heath Fritillary (Melitaea diamina) is a distinctive butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Known for its striking appearance and specific habitat preferences,…

American Aspen Beetle (Gonioctena viminalis)

Here’s a full overview of the American Aspen Beetle (Gonioctena viminalis), a striking leaf beetle found across Eurasia and associated mainly with willow and aspen…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

Unraveling the Enigmatic Ural Owl (Strix uralensis): Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation Status The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) emerges as a captivating emblem of the nocturnal…

Buddhism

Buddhism is a major world religion and philosophy founded in the 5th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. It encompasses a variety…

Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

Here’s a full, detailed overview of the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Europe’s smallest owl and one of its most fascinating forest predators. 🦉 Eurasian…

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…

Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)

The Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)—also known as the Bear macaque—is one of the most expressive and physically distinct primates of Southeast Asia. Often found in…

Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)

The Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)—also known as the Bear macaque—is one of the most expressive and physically distinct primates of Southeast Asia. Often found in…

Plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus)

The Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus), also known as the African Monarch, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is well-known for its…

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…

Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)

The Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)—also known as the Bear macaque—is one of the most expressive and physically distinct primates of Southeast Asia. Often found in…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

Unraveling the Enigmatic Ural Owl (Strix uralensis): Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation Status The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) emerges as a captivating emblem of the nocturnal…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

Deep Overview: Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is the smallest owl species in Europe, measuring just 15–19 cm in…

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…

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…

Western Grape Rootworm (Bromius obscurus)

The Western Grape Rootworm (Bromius obscurus) is a beetle species that primarily affects grapevines, causing damage to both the foliage and the roots of the…

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a distinctive and intriguing species of owl known for its prominent ear tufts and stealthy hunting habits. Here’s an…

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…

Common bee fly (Systoechus vulgaris)

The Common Bee Fly (Systoechus vulgaris) is a species of fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as bee flies. These flies are named for…

Hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumpies)

The Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes) is a species of solitary bee known for its fast flight and distinctive appearance. It is a common springtime…

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…

Amanda’s Blue (Polyommatus amandus)

Amanda’s Blue (Polyommatus amandus) is a beautiful and vibrant butterfly species found in Europe and parts of Asia. Here is a detailed overview of this…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

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

Elk, Moose ( Alces alces )

Here’s a full natural history overview of the Elk / Moose (Alces alces), the largest member of the deer family: Moose / Elk (Alces alces)…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a medium to large-sized owl species native to Europe and Asia, known for its distinctive rounded head and piercing…

Green Weevil (Chlorophanus viridis)

Chlorophanus viridis, commonly known as the Green Weevil, is a species of beetle belonging to the family Curculionidae. This beetle is known for its vibrant…

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)—or Väike-leekliblikas in Estonian—is a tiny, glowing ember of the butterfly world. While its size is modest, its personality is anything…

Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)

The Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)—known in Estonian as the Hänilane—is a vibrant, ground-dwelling traveler that signals the true arrival of spring in European meadows.…

European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)

The European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)—known in Estonia as the Tutt-tihane—is the “punk rocker” of the bird world. While other tits are defined by their…

Common Mormon (Papilio Polytes)

The Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) is the ultimate master of deception in the butterfly world. While the male remains a classic black-and-white swallowtail, the females…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Perfect — here’s a deep, no-pictures overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino), one of Europe’s most elegant mid-summer butterflies. 🦋 Lesser Marbled Fritillary…

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a large, strikingly beautiful butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Known for its distinctive wing shape and elegant color…

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…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

Unraveling the Enigmatic Ural Owl (Strix uralensis): Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation Status The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) emerges as a captivating emblem of the nocturnal…

Common brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Harbinger of Spring: The Story of the Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) When the first weak rays of the February or March sun hit the…

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma)

The Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma) is a tiny, high-octane jewel of the Southeast Asian canopy. Measuring just 8–10 cm in length, it is one of…

Thailand boats

Thailand longtail boats, also known as “Rua Hang Yao” in Thai, are iconic watercraft commonly found in the coastal regions and waterways of Thailand, particularly…

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…

Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)

The Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)—also known as the Bear macaque—is one of the most expressive and physically distinct primates of Southeast Asia. Often found in…

Oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis)

The Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a small passerine bird native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for its striking black-and-white plumage and melodious song,…

European peacock (Inachis io)

The European Peacock (Inachis io, recently also classified as Aglais io)—or Päevapaabusilm in Estonian—is perhaps the most recognizable butterfly in the Palearctic. It is the…

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…

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) (DUPLICATE)

The Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) is a masterclass in subtle, geometric beauty. While it lacks the flamboyant colors of a parrot or a kingfisher, its…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)—known in Estonia as the Värbkakk—is a living contradiction. It is the smallest owl in Europe, barely the size of…