Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)

The Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) is a species of spider belonging to the family Thomisidae. Here’s a detailed description: Overall, the Goldenrod Crab Spider…

Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)

Here’s a full natural history overview of the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), one of the most fascinating ambush hunters among European spiders: Goldenrod Crab…

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…

Ferruginous bee-grabber (Sicus ferrugineus)

Here’s a complete natural history and identification overview of the Ferruginous Bee-grabber (Sicus ferrugineus), a striking parasitic fly commonly found in Europe’s meadows and hedgerows.…

Golden Click Beetle (Campsosternus auratus)

Here’s a detailed natural history and identification overview of the Campsosternus auratus, one of Europe’s most striking click beetles with a brilliant metallic sheen. 🌈🪲…

Rustic sailor beetle (Cantharis rustica)

Here’s a detailed field overview of the Rustic Sailor Beetle (Cantharis rustica) — one of Europe’s most frequently encountered soldier beetles. 🪲 🪲 Rustic Sailor…

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…

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Here’s a full natural history overview of the Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion) — a delicate, warm-toned butterfly of European meadows and forest edges. 🦋 🦋…

Dark green fritillary (Argynnis aglaja)

The Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja) is a striking butterfly known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Here’s an overview of this beautiful species:…

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 Carrion Beetle (Silpha atrata)

Here’s a detailed overview and full description of the Black Carrion Beetle (Silpha atrata), a dark scavenger beetle closely associated with forest ecosystems and decaying…

Moth (Zygaena)

Moths belonging to the genus Zygaena are commonly known as burnet moths. These striking insects are renowned for their distinctive coloration and intricate wing patterns.…

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.…

Sheep Tick

Here’s a detailed field and scientific overview of the Castor Bean Tick (Ixodes ricinus) — Europe’s most widespread tick species and an important vector of…

Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)

Deep Overview: Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) The Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a stunning damselfly species, known for its iridescent blue-green body and dark, metallic…

Large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis)

Hylobius abietis or the large pine weevil is a beetle belonging to family Curculionidae. This species is widely regarded as the most important pest of most commercially important coniferous trees in European plantations.…

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

The Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) is a distinctive and widespread butterfly from the family Pieridae. Renowned for its bright orange wing tips in males,…

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

The Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) is a distinctive and widespread butterfly from the family Pieridae. Renowned for its bright orange wing tips in males,…

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

The Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) is a distinctive and widespread butterfly from the family Pieridae. Renowned for its bright orange wing tips in males,…

Green shield bug (Palomena prasina)

The Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) is a common species of true bug belonging to the family Pentatomidae. Known for their distinctive shield-like shape and…

Old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Here’s a complete, detailed overview of the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) — one of Europe’s most iconic and widely recognized butterflies. 🦋 🦋 Old…

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 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…

Raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus)

The Raft Spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) is a fascinating species known for its ability to walk on water and hunt prey, making it an adept predator…

Hover fly (Cheilosia bergenstammi)

Cheilosia bergenstammi (syn. Cheilosia lasiopa) is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Rhingiini) found throughout much of Europe. It belongs to the…

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.…

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,…

Mazarine Blue (Polyommatus semiargus)

The Mazarine Blue (Polyommatus semiargus) is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. It is distributed across Europe, North Africa, and parts of…

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.…

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) The Western honey bee is one of the world’s most important and well-known insect species. Renowned for its role in…

Southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea)

Here’s a full, detailed overview of the Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea), one of Europe’s most common and striking dragonflies. 🟦 Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) Taxonomy…

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…

Jumping spider (Aelurillus v-insignitus)

Aelurillus v-insignitus is a species of jumping spider belonging to the family Salticidae. This species is known for its characteristic jumping ability, keen vision, and…

Large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis)

Hylobius abietis or the large pine weevil is a beetle belonging to family Curculionidae. This species is widely regarded as the most important pest of most commercially important coniferous trees in European plantations.…

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…

Common awl robberfly (Neoitamus cyanurus)

The Common Awl Robberfly (Neoitamus cyanurus) is a species of robber fly belonging to the Asilidae family, known for its predatory nature and distinctive appearance.…

Old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

The Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon): A Symbol of Elegance and Ecological Vitality The Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) stands as a majestic icon of…

Beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)

Here’s a full and detailed overview of the Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), one of Europe’s most striking damselflies. 🪰 Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) Taxonomy Common…

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.…

Common crab spider (Xysticus cristatus)

Common Crab Spider (Xysticus cristatus) is a species of spider belonging to the family Thomisidae, known for its crab-like appearance and behavior. Here’s a brief…

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…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

22-spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)

The 22-spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) is a charming, brightly colored member of the family Coccinellidae. Unlike most ladybirds that are predators of aphids, this species…

Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena lonicerae)

🦋 The Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet is a striking day-flying moth from the family Zygaenidae. With its metallic green-black wings and vivid red spots, it’s often…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Here’s a complete and well-structured overview of the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) — a beautiful butterfly of European and Asian meadows and wetlands. 🦋…

Scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a strikingly beautiful butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Known for its large size, elegant tail-like extensions, and distinctive…

Common tiger, Striped Tiger (Danaus genutia)

The Common Tiger (Danaus genutia), also known as the Striped Tiger, is a medium-sized butterfly found throughout Asia and is part of the milkweed butterfly…

Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)

The Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a striking species of damselfly known for its vibrant colors and graceful appearance. It is part of the family…

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:…