Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)

That’s a lovely choice! The Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is an exquisite and easily recognizable damselfly, widely considered one of the most attractive insects in…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

That’s an excellent choice. The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is one of Europe’s most captivating raptors, primarily due to its diminutive size and unique…

Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum)

Here’s a full natural history overview of the Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum), one of Europe’s most familiar bumblebees: Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) Taxonomy…

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:…

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…

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:…

Narrow-bordered five-spot burnet (Zygaena lonicerae)

That’s a great choice! The Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena lonicerae) is a distinctive and common day-flying moth belonging to the family Zygaenidae (the burnet moths).…

Ducks

You’re asking about the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), which is arguably the world’s most recognizable and common species of duck. It is the ancestor of nearly…

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)

The Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) is a member of the thrush family, known for its distinctive plumage and migratory behavior. Here’s a detailed overview of this…

Texas Click beetle (Alaus lusciosus)

The Texas Click Beetle (Alaus lusciosus) is a notable species of click beetle found primarily in North America. It is known for its distinctive appearance…

European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)

The European Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus), also commonly known as the Cross Orb-weaver, is a striking arachnid species found throughout Europe and parts of North…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

EURASIAN PYGMY OWL – TINY BUT TOUGH, FOLKS! 🦉💪 Let me tell you something, the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is an absolutely incredible owl.…

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,…

Four-spotted chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)

The Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) is a striking species of dragonfly found across a range of temperate regions in Europe, Asia, and North America. Known…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

That is a fantastic request. The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large, powerful, and magnificent bird of prey found across the northern forests of…

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

That is a beautiful and somewhat local butterfly! The Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus) is a charming species of butterfly belonging to the Lycaenidae family (Blues,…

Green-veined White (Pieris napi)

That’s a lovely choice! The Green-veined White (Pieris napi) is one of the most common and widespread butterfly species in the world, belonging to the…

Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) is a widespread and recognizable butterfly in Europe, known for its bright yellow coloration and early appearance in spring. It…

Jumping spider

Here’s a detailed overview of the Jumping Spider (Family Salticidae) — one of the most fascinating and visually striking spider families, known for their excellent…

Southern skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum)

That is a great choice. The Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum) is a widespread and common dragonfly belonging to the Skimmer family (Libellulidae). It is a…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is the smallest owl species in Europe, known for its petite size and bold behavior. Despite…

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.…

The snowdrop or common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

The Snowdrop, or Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), is one of the earliest flowering plants of the year, often blooming while snow still covers the ground.…

Black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus)

The Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) is a common and widespread gull species found across much of Europe and Asia. Despite its name, the black head…

Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)

That’s a fantastic choice. The Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata) is a common and strikingly beautiful dragonfly belonging to the Skimmer family (Libellulidae). It is renowned…

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…

Northern fruit bug (Carpocoris fuscispinus)

The Northern Fruit Bug (Carpocoris fuscispinus) is a species of shield bug belonging to the family Pentatomidae. It is found across Europe and parts of…

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…

Honey bee (Amegilla calceifera)

The Honey Bee (Amegilla calceifera) is a notable species of bee within the Apidae family. Although it shares the common name “honey bee,” it is…

European robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Here’s a full and detailed overview of the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), one of Europe’s most familiar and beloved birds. 🐦 European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)…

European peacock (Inachis io)

That’s a fantastic butterfly! The European Peacock (Inachis io), often simply called the Peacock, is one of the most striking and easily recognized butterflies in…

Cuckoo wasp (Chrysis fulgida)

The Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysis fulgida) is a striking and fascinating species of wasp known for its brilliant coloration and intriguing parasitic behavior. It belongs to…

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…

Crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

That’s an excellent choice. The Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis), also commonly known as the Long-tailed Macaque, is one of the most widespread and adaptable primate…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

That is a fantastic request. The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large, powerful, and magnificent bird of prey found across the northern forests of…

Dung fly (Scathophaga furcata)

While the Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) is the most famous species in this group, S. furcata is also common, particularly in North America (where…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

That is a wonderful choice. The Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) is a beautiful medium-sized butterfly known for its preference for damp, lush habitats across…

Coal tit (Periparus ater)

The Coal Tit (Periparus ater) is a small passerine bird in the family Paridae, widely distributed across Europe and Asia, as well as parts of…

Dassia, Corfu, Greece

Dassia is one of the most popular and well-established coastal resorts on the Greek island of Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea. It is an…

Ringlet butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus)

Here’s a complete overview of the Ringlet butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus), a common but fascinating grassland species in Europe and parts of Asia: Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)…

Mallard or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

You’re asking about the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), which is arguably the world’s most recognizable and common species of duck. It is the ancestor of nearly…

Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) is a striking butterfly in the family Pieridae, known for its vivid yellow coloration and long, leaf-shaped wings. Often regarded…

German cockroach (Blattella germanica)

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) Overview The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is one of the most common household pests worldwide. Known for its resilience and rapid…

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira, Portugal, often called the “Pearl of the Atlantic” or the “Island of Eternal Spring,” is a truly magnificent volcanic archipelago renowned for its lush…

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…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

That’s an excellent choice. The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is one of Europe’s most captivating raptors, primarily due to its diminutive size and unique…

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…

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,…

Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

The Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is a distinctive and much-loved member of the finch family (Fringillidae), recognizable by its stocky build and striking plumage. Here…

Nettle weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus)

The Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus), also known as the Green Nettle Weevil, is a small, common, and highly distinctive beetle found across Europe and parts…

Bordered Click Beetle (Denticollis linearis)

The Bordered Click Beetle (Denticollis linearis) is a species of click beetle belonging to the family Elateridae. These beetles are known for their distinctive clicking…

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)

The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), also known as the Changeable Lizard, is one of the most widespread and adaptable reptiles in Asia. Here is…

Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae)

The Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae) is a fascinating butterfly known for its elusive nature and distinctive markings. Part of the Lycaenidae family, it is one…

Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)

Absolutely — here’s a deep, detailed overview of the Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix), one of the most intelligent and adaptable birds of the Northern Hemisphere.…

Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)

Excellent choice — here is a deep, no-pictures scientific overview of the Stump-tailed Macaque (Macaca arctoides), a distinctive and fascinating Old World monkey species native…

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…

Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

The Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a notorious agricultural pest, primarily known for its destructive impact on potato crops. Belonging to the family Chrysomelidae,…

Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo)

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) is one of the largest and most impressive owl species, known for its powerful presence and distinctive features. Here are…

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,…

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…