The Sinuated Spoonwing (Nemoptera sinuata) is a Lacewing species, specifically found in Bulgaria, East Thrace, Greece, North Macedonia and Turkey. They inhabit forests and open grasslands, with flights near river gorges as well. They are primarily diurnal, the flight period lasts from mid-May to late June. They only emerge if conditions are above 17 °C with little to no wind.
They were our main “target” for the first few days.
Spoonwings are related to the Grand AntlionPalpares libelluloides
The other special species we were looking for is the Owlfly. They are fast-flying crepuscular or diurnal predators of other flying insects, and have large bulging eyes and strongly knobbed antennae. Although resembling dragonflies, they are more closely related to the Antlions.
This species, Libelloides macaronius, has a wider distribution than the Spoonwing, but is still mainly found in Eastern Europe.
We found one, carefully laying her eggs on a grass stalk!
Observers on iNaturalist pointed out that this is a different species. “Second observation of Libelloides rhomboideus for Bulgaria. And not only that but it’s a female laying eggs, awesome”. So here are better ID photos:
Libelloides rhomboideusLibelloides macaronius
Another special species was the Fasciated Conehead Mantid (Empusa fasciata). So bizarre.
Crickets were everywhere, but this was very exciting (to Emma, at least) – the Bronze Glandular Bush-Cricket (Bradyporus dasypus)
Never disappointing on a macro course are the robber flies. Busy mating in the wind and at sunset.
Butterflies, of course, were the prime photographic challenge.
Here, covered in early morning (and I mean early) dew, a pair of Silver-studded Blue butterflies (Plebejus argus), possibly the most exsquisite photo I’ve ever taken. Do tap/click to enlarge and admire the detail in the tiny water droplets!
Eastern Festoons (Allancastria cerisyi)
The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius). Despite the name “scarce swallowtail”, this species is quite common. The scarcity of UK migrants is responsible for the English vernacular name.
and an Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo).
Finally, a hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum).
Many more butterflies and other beautiful creatures in the gallery. These are only a small selection of the more than 200 species we logged on iNaturalist.
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