Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

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…

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…

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,…

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…

Western Grape Rootworm (Bromius obscurus)

The Western Grape Rootworm (Bromius obscurus) is a beetle species that primarily affects grapevines, causing damage to both the foliage and the roots of the…

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…

Common bee fly (Systoechus vulgaris)

The Common Bee Fly (Systoechus vulgaris) is a species of fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as bee flies. These flies are named for…

Hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumpies)

The Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes) is a species of solitary bee known for its fast flight and distinctive appearance. It is a common springtime…

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…

Green Weevil (Chlorophanus viridis)

Chlorophanus viridis, commonly known as the Green Weevil, is a species of beetle belonging to the family Curculionidae. This beetle is known for its vibrant…

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)—or Väike-leekliblikas in Estonian—is a tiny, glowing ember of the butterfly world. While its size is modest, its personality is anything…

Common Mormon (Papilio Polytes)

The Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) is the ultimate master of deception in the butterfly world. While the male remains a classic black-and-white swallowtail, the females…

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a large, strikingly beautiful butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Known for its distinctive wing shape and elegant color…

Common brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Harbinger of Spring: The Story of the Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) When the first weak rays of the February or March sun hit the…

Gaviota naranja (Cepora judith)

La gaviota naranja (Cepora judith) es una especie de mariposa cautivadora conocida por su coloración vibrante y sus delicadas alas. A continuación, se muestran algunos…

European peacock (Inachis io)

The European Peacock (Inachis io, recently also classified as Aglais io)—or Päevapaabusilm in Estonian—is perhaps the most recognizable butterfly in the Palearctic. It is the…

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 (Crysis)

Here’s a full overview of the Cuckoo wasps (Chrysis spp.), one of the most striking groups of parasitic wasps: Cuckoo Wasps (Chrysis spp.) Taxonomy &…

Tiger moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)

The Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)—known in Estonia as the Kevadkaruslane (the “Spring Bear”) or Roostetiib—is a master of the “bait and switch.” At rest,…

Jumping spider

This mesmerizing macro photograph captures the intricate beauty and captivating charm of a jumping spider in stunning detail. The photographer’s skill and precision in capturing…

Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis)

The Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis) is one of the most misunderstood insects in the garden. With its elongated “beak” and the male’s menacing, upturned tail,…

Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa)

Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) Photo from Estonia This stunning photograph, taken in Estonia, beautifully captures the essence of the Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly amidst the serene…

Scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea)

The Scarlet Dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a striking species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. Known for its vivid coloration, it is a common…

Black-spotted longhorn beetle (Rhagium mordax)

The Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a notable species of beetle belonging to the Cerambycidae family, known for its distinctive appearance and behaviors. This…

Scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a strikingly beautiful butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Known for its large size, elegant tail-like extensions, and distinctive…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

The Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)—known in Estonian as the Luhatäpik—is a medium-sized butterfly that serves as a vibrant ambassador for Europe’s damp grasslands.1 While…

Eurasian Bluets (Coenagrion)

The Eurasian Bluets (genus Coenagrion) are the living neon signs of the wetland. These delicate damselflies, often called “Azure Damselflies,” are a masterclass in intricate…

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…

Chequered skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)

The Chequered skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)—or Täpik-punnpea in Estonian—is a small but vibrant butterfly that brings a touch of gold to damp woodland clearings in late…

Comma butterfly (Polygonia C-album)

The Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) is a favorite for macro photographers, not just for its fiery orange wings, but for its incredible ability to “disappear”…

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…

Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)

The Cuckoo wasp (genus Crysis) is one of the most stunning subjects for any macro photographer. Often called “Jewel Wasps” or “Emerald Wasps,” these tiny…

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

The Springtime Scout: Exploring the Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) For many naturalists, the first sighting of a male Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines) is the…

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…

White-tailed bumble bee (Bombus lucorum)

The White-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum) is a common and widespread species of bumblebee notable for its distinctive white tail and important ecological role as a…

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia)

The Invisible Ambush: The Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) The Chameleon of the Meadow Unlike most spiders that rely on speed or webs, the female…