Hyalarcta huebneri

802_2711 [Hyalarcta huebnery]

 

This is a snapshot of a seemingly “extra-terrestrial’ creature that,

considering its length (about 5cm), was moving on the ground relatively fast.

 

Having no idea what it was,

I conducted some quick research at home

which revealed that it was one of about 200 species of bagworm

existing in Central and in Southern Europe.

Yet, I had never seen one before!

Hyalarcta huebneri, as it is scientifically called, is actually a moth.

The male has wings and flies during the afternoon or early evening,

The wingless female, on the other hand, builds a protective case using any available plant materials,

like bits of leaves and twigs,

and always remains in the case with only the head and the thorax exposed.

 

Interesting creature?

For more information you might want to do your own research

and not depend on a blogger almost ignorant on the matter! 😊😊😊 

Thank you.

 

The snapshot was taken in Attica.

 

 

Philopappou monument

802_1878 [Philopappou monument]

 

This monument was built in 114-116 A.D on a hill southwest of the Acropolis

in honor of Philopappos, an exiled prince of Commagene

who settled in Athens, became a citizen, assumed civic and religious offices

and became a great benefactor of the city.

 

When in Athens,

you can easily walk to the monument at the top of the hill

and enjoy a spectacular view of the Acropolis and the city around.

 

 

Plantago lanceolata

804_1641 [Plantago lanceolata]

 

Plantago lanceolata is a perennial plant native to Europe

but it is also found elsewhere.

It usually grows in grassy places and disturbed areas

like lawns and roadsides at elevations up to 2100 m.

It flowers from late February to October, depending on the elevation.

 

 

804_1651 [Plantago lanceolata]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

804_1647 [Plantago lanceolata]

The pictures were taken at the foot of Mt. Hymittos

 

 

Dactylorhiza sambucina

303_8049 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 

Dactylorhiza sambucina is a common, perennial wild orchid

found in almost every European country.

It flowers from April to July in meadows and woodland clearings

at altitudes - depending on the country - from 300 m above the sea level to 2.100 m.

In southern countries, including Greece, it grows only on mountains.

It reaches a height of about 30-35 cm and comes in two types:

with pale-yellow flowers or with purplish-red.

Rarely, though, it has whitish flowers. 

 

 

 

301_9646 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 

 

 

the rare whitish type

 

 

 

302_7191 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 

 Its flower types often coexist side by side … 

 

 

 

302_7181 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 … or in the same population.

 

The pictures were taken

on Mt. Voras in Northern Greece

and on Mt. Zireia south in the Peloponnese.

 

 

Pancratium maritimum

IMG_5629 [Pancratium maritimum]

Pancratium maritimum: The well-known sea daffodil

that is in bloom this month and adorns a lot of sandy beaches in Greece.

 

For more info and a short video please see older posts HERE.

 

 

Moraea sisyrinchium

IMG_1676 [Moraea sisyrinchium]

 

Moraea sisyrinchium (formerly called Gynandritis sisyrinchium)

is a common and widespread perennial flower (10 to 40cm tall)

that blooms from February to May mainly in South Greece and the islands.

 

It grows in dry grasslands, roadsides, uncultivated fields, stony grounds and the like

at heights up to 700m.

 

It produces 1-5 or 6 short-lived iris-like flowers

that open one at a time around mid-day

and they die by the evening.

 

Photographed on the island of Halkida.

 

 

  

303_6831 [Moraea sisyrinchium]

 

The flowers are 3-4cm wide.

 

This one was photographed in the area of Grammatiko (in Attica).

 

 

Melanargia larissa

302_6861 [Melanargia larissa]

 

Melanargia larissa is a widespread, attractive and easily recognized butterfly

in spite of variations existing within the same Genus.

 

It flies low to the ground with a slow flight from May to August

in altitudes from sea level to 1800m

in regions of SE Europe and West Asia.

 

In Greece, it is usually observed in clearings, forest roads, cultivated areas,

or grassland with lots of flowers.

 

 

302_0267 [Melanargia larissa]

Melanargia larissa in a resting position

with both fore and hind wings wide open.

 

The wingspan is about 50 to 55mm.

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha.

 

 

Datura stramonium

302_9317 [Datura stramonium]

 

Datura stramonium is an annual plant that often reaches 1.5m in height.

Its origin is not known with certainty.

Some botanists believe that it originated in the Americas, while others in Asia.

The fact is that today it has spread to all continents

and constitutes a noxious weed.

 

In Greece, it is found in uncultivated areas, on roadsides, on plots,

or among ruins and similar locations.

 

 

802_2286 {Datura innoxia]

 

 

Datura stramonium’s flowers are white or white with a tint of purple,

bell-shaped and about 6-10cm long.

 

They look pretty much like the flowers of Datura innoxia

which are longer (10-18 cm) and are either white or have a different tint,

as shown in this picture.

 

The flowers are beautiful to look at but …

 

 

302_9316 [Datura stramonium]

  

… the whole plant is extremely toxic

and it can even cause death.

 

On the other hand,

the leaves and the seeds of the fruit contain valuable chemicals

that are used in pharmacology for the production of medicines!

 

The egg-shaped fruit is around the size of a big chestnut

and the leaves can grow up to 20 cm long.

 

The two pictures of stramonium were taken in central mainland Greece.