Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Small copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a striking and vibrant butterfly that is widely distributed and relatively common across various regions. Its bright coloration and…

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…

Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

Here’s a full natural history profile of the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), a powerful forest owl of Eurasia: Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) Taxonomy & Classification…

The European Peacock (Aglais io)

Here’s a detailed natural history overview of the European Peacock (Aglais io), one of Europe’s most striking and familiar butterflies: European Peacock (Aglais io) Taxonomy…

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Surreal

In the depths of a surreal dreamscape, where reality blurs into fantasy, lies an abstract realm painted with the hues of imagination. A canvas of…

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…

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

The Common Blue, scientifically known as Polyommatus icarus, is one of the most widespread and familiar butterflies in Europe. Here are some key features and…

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…

Pomegranate

The pomegranate, scientifically known as Punica granatum, is a fascinating and highly nutritious fruit that has captured the attention of cultures around the world for…

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)

The Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) is a medium-sized woodpecker known for its distinctive coloration and unique behaviors. Here are some key details about this bird:…

Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) is a colorful and widespread butterfly species found in Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. Here’s some information…

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…

Western honey bee

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most common and well-known species of honey bee. Here’s some key information about this fascinating insect: Distribution:…

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…

Yellow-sided clower-sawfly (Tenthredo notha)

🐝 Deep Review: Yellow-sided Clover-Sawfly (Tenthredo notha) While many people are familiar with bees, wasps, and ants, the order Hymenoptera hides a fascinating sub-group: the…

Red-tailed bumble bee (Bombus lapidarius)

🐝 Deep Review: Red-Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) If you are walking through a meadow or a garden and spot a velvety-black insect sporting a vibrant,…

Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum)

The Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) is the most ubiquitous of the “brown” bumblebees. While many bumblebee species are struggling, the Common carder remains a…

Seaside lady beetle (Naemia seriata)

🐞 Deep Review: Seaside Lady Beetle (Naemia seriata) While many lady beetles are generalists found roaming garden roses and agricultural fields, the Seaside Lady Beetle…

Long legged fly (Dolichopus ungulatus)

The Long-legged Fly (Dolichopus ungulatus) is a member of the family Dolichopodidae, known for its distinctive long legs and metallic body. These flies are often…

Hazel-leaf roller weevil (Apoderus coryli)

🐞 Hazel-leaf Roller Weevil (Apoderus coryli) The Hazel-leaf roller weevil, Apoderus coryli, is a distinctive and fascinating beetle belonging to the family Attelabidae—commonly known as…

Eurasian bee beetle (Trichius fasciatus)

🐝 Deep Review: Eurasian Bee Beetle (Trichius fasciatus) If you spot what looks suspiciously like a bumblebee clumsily rummaging around inside a flower head, but…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Hazel-leaf roller weevil (Apoderus coryli)

🐞 Hazel-leaf Roller Weevil (Apoderus coryli) The Hazel-leaf roller weevil, Apoderus coryli, is a distinctive and fascinating beetle belonging to the family Attelabidae—commonly known as…

Alder kitten (Furcula bicuspis)

🦋 Deep Review: Alder Kitten (Furcula bicuspis) If the larger prominent moths are the heavy-duty aircraft of the lepidoptera world, the Alder Kitten (Furcula bicuspis)…

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:…

Castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

Castor Bean Tick (Ixodes ricinus) The Castor Bean Tick, scientifically known as Ixodes ricinus, is one of the most common and widespread tick species in…

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…

False blister beetle (Crysanthia viridissima)

Appearance: Additional Notes: In summary, the False Blister Beetle (Crysanthia viridissima) is a visually striking beetle with metallic green coloration, commonly found in meadows and…

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…

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a distinctive and intriguing species of owl known for its prominent ear tufts and stealthy hunting habits. Here’s an…

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…

Willow tit (Poecile montanus)

The willow tit (Poecile montanus) is a small songbird belonging to the family Paridae, which also includes chickadees and tits. Here are some key features…

Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small and brightly colored bird species belonging to the family Alcedinidae. Renowned for its vibrant plumage and remarkable…

Summer in Estonia

Summer in Estonia is a beautiful time, filled with lush greenery, long daylight hours, and a host of outdoor activities. It typically spans from June…

Black-spotted longhorn beetle (Rhagium mordax)

That’s an interesting insect! The Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a common beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles). It is particularly recognizable…

Himalayan striped squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii)

Deep Overview: Himalayan Striped Squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii) The Himalayan striped squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii) is a small, energetic rodent belonging to the Sciuridae family. It is…

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) The Green Hairstreak is a small, jewel-toned butterfly that’s easy to overlook—until sunlight catches its vivid emerald green underwings. It’s the…

Castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

Castor Bean Tick (Ixodes ricinus) The Castor Bean Tick (Ixodes ricinus), also known as the sheep tick or wood tick, is a parasitic arachnid found…

Mazarine Blue (Polyommatus semiargus)

The Mazarine Blue (Polyommatus semiargus) is a striking and delicate butterfly species belonging to the family Lycaenidae. Here’s a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Mazarine…

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) is one of the largest and most striking butterflies found in Europe. Its vibrant colors and graceful flight make it…

Cuckoo-wasp (Chrysis angolensis)

Chrysis angolensis is a species of cuckoo wasp belonging to the family Chrysididae. Here are some key features and characteristics of Chrysis angolensis: Overall, Chrysis…

Green Sawfly (Rhogogaster viridis)

The Green Sawfly (Rhogogaster viridis) is an attractive and intriguing species within the family Tenthredinidae, known for its vivid green coloration. Here’s an overview of…

Jumping spider

Jumping spiders are fascinating creatures known for their agility and unique hunting techniques. Often found in various environments worldwide, these spiders are characterized by their…

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…

Mazarine Blue (Polyommatus semiargus)

The Mazarine Blue (Polyommatus semiargus) is a strikingly beautiful butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, known for its vibrant blue coloration and delicate, understated markings. It…

Green-veined White (Pieris napi)

The Green-veined White (Pieris napi) is a butterfly species belonging to the Pieridae family. Here’s a detailed description: The Green-veined White is a beautiful and…

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…

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.…

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…

Dance fly (Empis livida)

The Dance Fly (Empis livida) is a species of fly belonging to the family Empididae, which is known for the characteristic “dancing” mating behavior of…

Stump-tailed macaque

The stump-tailed macaque, also known as the bear macaque or the southern pig-tailed macaque, is a species of Old World monkey native to Southeast Asia.…

German cockroach (Blattella germanica)

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a common household insect notorious for its ability to infest human dwellings. Unlike some other species of cockroaches, German…

Jumping spider

Jumping spiders are a diverse group of spiders belonging to the family Salticidae, known for their excellent vision, agility, and unique hunting behavior. Here’s some…

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a small and vibrant butterfly species found across Europe, Asia, and North America. Here’s a brief overview: Overall, the…

Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

Here’s a detailed overview of the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Europe’s smallest owl and one of the most fascinating woodland predators: Eurasian Pygmy Owl…

Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)

The Stump-tailed macaque, also known as the Bear macaque or Short-tailed macaque, is a primate species native to Southeast Asia. Here are some key features…

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…