Aubrieta deltoidea

304_6196 [Aubrieta deltoidea]

This is a perennial flowering plant growing in the Mediterranean region.

It produces multiple beautiful flowers (about 15 mm across)

with petals that vary in color from purple to violet and very rarely to white.

Their beauty is probably the reason

why the plant is also cultivated in gardens for ornamental reasons

both in Greece and in many other countries.

In Greece, besides gardens,

it is most often seen in cushion-like formations (see above)

in heights from 500 to 2000 m from March to June.

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

 

801_4061 [Aubrieta deltoidea]

However,

I was surprised to see it grow solitary in a little opening on a rock.

I know that Aubrieta deltoidea loves growing in stony places

and especially in rock crevices.

What I didn’t know is that it would “rush to occupy” the first available hole on a rock,

leaving the rest of the flowers “alone” in their cushion

and running the danger of being accused for showing “antisocial behavior”!!!

🤣🤣🤣

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha.

 

 

Mantis religiosa

IMG_6399 [Mantis religiosa]

Yesterday, while enjoying the crisp autumn air in my backyard,

I was walking around carefree when I almost stepped on this enormous insect

about 6 to 7 cm long. I'm so glad I didn’t! 

I completely forgot about the fresh air, pulled out my phone, and snapped this picture.

It's a praying mantis, scientifically known as Mantis religiosa — 

a species that’s quite common in Central and Southern Europe.

 

If you don’t often see this insect in your area, 

it’s worth mentioning that the praying mantis is a fearsome predator.

It usually remains perfectly still, patiently waiting for its prey to come close.

Then, in a flash, it strikes

grabbing the unsuspecting insect with its powerful, spiny forelegs

and enjoys its meal!

 

I have to admit that I spent more time observing its fascinating body structure

than taking this picture.

Its wide-set eyes on a triangular head likely give it a broad field of vision,

helping it strike with deadly precision.

And those spiny forelegs?

They make escape almost impossible for its prey.

 

One of the most intriguing (and somewhat disturbing) facts about the praying mantis

is its reputation for cannibalism.

Females are known to eat their male partners during or shortly after mating.

Still, there are a few lucky males that manage to escape!

Hypericum olympicum

303_8641 [Hypericum olympicum]

 

This is a perennial, deciduous shrub,

widely distributed in the Balcans and Turkey at heights up to 2000m.

 

In Greece,

it becomes 30 to 40 cm tall and blooms from June to August

usually in sunny and slightly shaded places.

Its showy flowers (5cm wide) may look impressive

but they are not fragrant.

In spite of that,

they are often planted in gardens for ornamental purposes.

 

The picture was taken on Mt. Dirfis in Evia.