Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellaturum)

The Hummingbird Hawk Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a fascinating moth known for its hummingbird-like appearance and behavior. This moth is part of the family Sphingidae…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Chequered skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)

The Chequered Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon) is a small butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Chequered Skipper:…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

The Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia), commonly known as the Julia butterfly, is a striking orange butterfly found in the family Nymphalidae. It is native to…

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…

Green-veined White ( Pieris napi)

🦋 Deep Review: Green-veined White (Pieris napi) The Green-veined White is the “quiet cousin” of the butterfly world. While its relatives, the Large and Small…

Green crab spider (Diaea dorsata)

The Green Crab Spider (Diaea dorsata) is a fascinating arachnid belonging to the family Thomisidae, known for its ability to blend into its surroundings and…

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…

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…

Cuckoo wasp (Chrysis fulgida)

💎 Deep Review: Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysis fulgida) If nature held a competition for “Most Beautiful Thief,” the Cuckoo wasp would take the gold medal. Member…

Castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

🕷️ Deep Review: Castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) While the other animals we’ve discussed are generally “crowd-pleasers,” the Castor bean tick is the one you’ll…

Spotted march fly (Trypetoptera punctulata)

The Spotted March Fly (Trypetoptera punctulata) is a member of the family Rhagionidae, commonly known as snipe flies. These flies are notable for their distinctive…

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)

The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) is a species of agamid lizard that is widely distributed in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Known for its…

Giant wood spider (Nephila maculata)

The Giant Wood Spider (Nephila maculata), also known as the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver, is a fascinating and large spider species known for its impressive webs…

Spotted march fly (Trypetoptera punctulata)

The Spotted March Fly (Trypetoptera punctulata) is a member of the family Rhagionidae, commonly known as snipe flies. These flies are notable for their distinctive…

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…

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…

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha Glycerion)

The Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. It is known for its subtle beauty and distinctive markings,…

Cardinal beetle

The Cardinal Beetle refers to beetles in the family Pyrochroidae, particularly in the genus Pyrochroa. The most commonly known species are the Red-headed Cardinal Beetle…

Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina)

The Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) is a widespread and common butterfly belonging to the Nymphalidae family, specifically within the subfamily Satyrinae. It is one of…

Hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellaturum)

The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a fascinating day-flying moth known for its remarkable resemblance to hummingbirds in both appearance and behavior. It hovers in…

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…

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a large, striking butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Despite its name, the Scarce Swallowtail is not particularly rare…

Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe)

The Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe) is a striking species of butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae, commonly known for its vivid colors and elegant appearance.…

Greater blue-wing (Rhyothemis plutonia)

Deep Overview: Greater Blue-Wing (Rhyothemis plutonia) The Greater Blue-Wing (Rhyothemis plutonia) is a medium-sized dragonfly species known for its striking, metallic blue wings that shimmer…

Blackspotted 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,…

Purple-edged copper

The Purple-Edged Copper (Lycaena hippothoe) emerges as a captivating jewel amidst the tapestry of nature, captivating enthusiasts and researchers alike with its exquisite beauty and…

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.…

Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)

The Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata) is a striking species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. Here’s a detailed description: The Violet Dropwing is appreciated…

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.…

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)

Here’s a detailed overview of the Ringlet Butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus): 🦋 Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) Taxonomy: 🟤 Identification The Ringlet is a medium-sized brown butterfly easily…

Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe)

The Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe) is a striking species of butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae, commonly known for its vivid colors and elegant appearance.…

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…

Narrow-bordered five-spot burnet (Zygaena lonicerae)

The Narrow-bordered Five-Spot Burnet (Zygaena lonicerae) is a strikingly colored day-flying moth belonging to the family Zygaenidae. Known for its vivid red spots on a…

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…

Black-spotted longhorn beetle(Rhagium mordax)

The black-spotted longhorn beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a species of longhorn beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae. Here are some key features and characteristics of…

Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum)

The Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum) is a species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. Here’s some information about this fascinating insect: Overall, the Southern…

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a striking butterfly known for its elegant and distinctive appearance. It belongs to the family Papilionidae, commonly referred to…