Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum)

The Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum) is a species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. Here’s some information about this fascinating insect: Overall, the Southern…

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…

Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a striking species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. Here’s a detailed description: The Red-veined Darter is appreciated…

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

The Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) is a small and striking butterfly known for its vibrant green coloration. Here’s a detailed overview of this fascinating species:…

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

The Orange Gull (Cepora judith) is a beautiful butterfly belonging to the family Pieridae, which includes the whites, yellows, and sulfurs. Known for its delicate…

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…

Robberfly

Robberflies are a fascinating group of insects belonging to the family Asilidae within the order Diptera, which includes flies, mosquitoes, and gnats. These predatory insects…

Violet black-legged robberfly (Dioctria atricapilla)

The Violet Black-legged Robberfly (Dioctria atricapilla) is an intriguing species of predatory fly known for its striking appearance and predatory behavior. Here’s a detailed overview…

Striped bug (Graphosoma lineatum)

The Striped Bug (Graphosoma lineatum), also known as the Italian Striped Bug or Minstrel Bug, is a strikingly colored species of shield bug found in…

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…

Large copper ( Lycaena dispar)

The Large Copper (Lycaena dispar) is a striking butterfly known for its vibrant colors and significant conservation importance. Here’s a detailed overview: Description Habitat and…

Ruddy darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)

The Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) is a vibrant and fascinating dragonfly known for its striking coloration and agile flight. Here are some key details about…

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…

Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae)

The Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae) is a beautiful species of butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. Here’s a detailed description: The Brown Hairstreak is appreciated…

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.…

Funnel web spider

As an arachnid enthusiast, delving into the mysterious world of the Funnel Web Spider proved to be an exhilarating adventure. These creatures, with their formidable…

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

The Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) is a charming species of butterfly known for its vibrant green coloration and delicate appearance. Here’s a detailed description: The…

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…

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…

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:…

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.…

Fly

Flies are a diverse group of insects belonging to the order Diptera, characterized by their two wings and agile flight capabilities. Found in almost every…

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

The Western Honey Bee, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, is one of the most well-known and economically important bee species in the world. Here are…

Black-spotted longhorn beetle (Rhagium mordax)

The Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a species of longhorn beetle belonging to the Cerambycidae family. Here’s an overview of this fascinating insect: Overall,…

Dock bug (Coreus marginatus)

The Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) is a member of the Coreidae family, known as the leaf-footed or squash bugs. It is a distinctive species of…

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…

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…

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…

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)

The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), also known as the Changeable Lizard or Indian Garden Lizard, is a species of agamid lizard native to South…

Robber Flies (Asilidae)

Robber Flies (Asilidae) Taxonomy & Classification General Description Robber flies are large, aggressive predatory flies recognized by their powerful build and fierce hunting behavior. Behavior…

Banded orb-weaving spider (Argiope trifasciata)

The Banded Orb-Weaving Spider (Argiope trifasciata) is a visually distinctive arachnid known for its striking coloration and intricate web designs. Here’s an in-depth look at…

Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)—known in Estonia as the Lapsuliblikas—is the true herald of spring. In the forests and gardens of Northern Europe, the sight…

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia)

Here’s a detailed, factual overview of the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia): 🕷️ Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) Taxonomy: 🟡 Identification The Goldenrod Crab Spider…

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)—known in Estonia as the Kodumesilane—is arguably the most studied and vital insect on the planet. While we often think…

Yellow-winged darter (Sympetrum flaveolum)

The Yellow-winged darter (Sympetrum flaveolum)—known in Estonia as the Kollatähn-loigukiil—is the “gold-leaf” specialist of the dragonfly world. While many darters have hints of color at…

Chequered skipper

Title: A Glance at the Enigmatic Chequered Skipper: An Icon of Nature’s Beauty Introduction: Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of nature’s canvas, the Chequered Skipper…

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…

Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)

The Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) is a widely distributed species of mayfly in the Ephemeridae family. Known for its ephemeral adult stage, Ephemera vulgata plays…

European peacock (Inachis io)

EUROPEAN PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Aglais io) – ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, FOLKS! 🦋💯 Let me tell you, the European Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io, formerly Inachis io) is one…

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)—known in Estonian as the Rohetäpik—is the undisputed “King of the Woods.” As the largest fritillary in Europe, it is a…

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)—known in Estonian as the Rohetäpik—is the undisputed “King of the Woods.” As the largest fritillary in Europe, it is a…

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)—known in Estonian as the Rohetäpik—is the undisputed “King of the Woods.” As the largest fritillary in Europe, it is a…

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…

Ruddy darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)

The Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) is a vibrant and fascinating dragonfly known for its striking coloration and agile flight. Here are some key details about…

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 snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus)

Here’s a detailed natural history overview of the Black snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus), a striking but little-known fly from European woodlands: Black Snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus) Taxonomy…

Common green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata)

The Common Green Bottle Fly (Lucilia sericata) is a medium-sized fly in the family Calliphoridae, known for its metallic green body and ecological role in…

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)—known in Estonian as the Kodumesilane—is arguably the most studied and vital insect on the planet. While we often think…

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

The Emerald of Spring: Discovering the Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) In the world of butterflies, true green is a rare and precious color. The Green…

Dead-Nettle Leaf Beetle (Crysolina fastuosa)

Dead-Nettle Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina fastuosa) The Dead-nettle leaf beetle, Chrysolina fastuosa, is a stunning metallic beetle belonging to the Chrysomelidae family (leaf beetles). It is…

Knotgrass leaf beetle (Chrysolina polita)

Knotgrass Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina polita) The Knotgrass leaf beetle, Chrysolina polita, is a small, attractive beetle from the leaf beetle family (Chrysomelidae), known for its…

Tachinid flies (Tachinidae)

If you’ve ever looked at a fly through a macro lens and thought it looked like it was covered in stiff, black needles, you’ve likely…

Garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola)

The Garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola)—known in Estonian as the Aiapõrnikas—is a small, bicolored beetle that often makes its presence known through dramatic “mass emergences” in…

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena Vatia)

Here’s a detailed, factual overview of the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia): 🕷️ Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) Taxonomy: 🟡 Identification The Goldenrod Crab Spider…

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

The False Heath Fritillary (Melitaea diamina) is a distinctive butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Known for its striking appearance and specific habitat preferences,…

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

The False Heath Fritillary (Melitaea diamina) is a distinctive butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Known for its striking appearance and specific habitat preferences,…

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

The False Heath Fritillary (Melitaea diamina) is a distinctive butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Known for its striking appearance and specific habitat preferences,…

Long-jawed orb (Metellina mengei)

The Long-jawed Orb Weaver (Metellina mengei) is a fascinating species of spider known for its distinctive appearance and intricate web-building behavior. Here’s an in-depth look…

Scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius): A Graceful Ambassador of Nature’s Splendor The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) emerges as a captivating emblem of beauty and resilience…

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)—known in Estonian as the Rohetäpik—is the undisputed “King of the Woods.” As the largest fritillary in Europe, it is a…