Mont Lozere, Lozere, France
Family : Pieridae
Subfamily : Pierinae
Species : Pieris brassicae
A large species with a wingspan of up to around 65mm, the females being a little larger than the males. It is common throughout the whole of Europe including the Mediterranean islands. It is also found in parts of north Africa and across temperate Asia. It is a very active species and therefore often difficult to photograph.
It is found in a wide range of habitats from woods to domestic gardens and is considered a pest by many gardeners as the larvae feed on cabbages and other cultivated Brassica. There are usually two, and sometimes three, broods per year and so is on the wing from spring to autumn depending on location.
Tags: animal outdoor butterflies butterfly insects insect macro nature Lepidoptera Large White Pieris brassicae Pieridae wildlife Lozere France Cévennes Pierinae live insects
© All Rights Reserved
Ardeche Plateau, Near Bidon, Ardeche, France
Family : Phaneropteridae
Sub-Family : Phaneropterinae
Species : Barbitistes obtusus
This very colourful cricket is quite large, described as being up to 20mm in length, but I would say that this individual was possibly larger than that. The colour of this species is quite variable and dark individuals like this one are uncommon.
The habitat for Barbitistes obtusus is scrubland or light forest mainly at altitude, usually up to around 1800m, where it feeds on the leaves of deciduous trees and small invertebrates. In the lowlands it has been largely displaced by intensive farming and forestry.
Tags: cricket crickets Phaneropteridae insects insect macro nature Southern Saw-tailed Bush-cricket Barbitistes obtusus Orthoptera wildlife Ardeche France specinsect outdoor animal Phaneropterinae Bidon live insects
© All Rights Reserved
Mont Lozere, Lozere, France.
Order : Coleoptera
Family : Cetoniidae
Sub-Family : Trichiinae
Species : Trichius fasciatus
Trichius fasciatus is found throughout most of mainland Europe but is quite rare in the UK. Seen on my recent trip to southern France it is unusual due to the very hairy nature of its body. This is what gives rise to its common name as it closely resembles a bumble bee. It is commonly seen from May through July feeding on the petals of a variety of flowers. The larvae develop in dead wood.
Tags: National Geographic Wildlife beetle beetles Cetoniidae insects insect macro nature Bee Beetle Trichius fasciatus Coleoptera wildlife Lozere France specinsect outdoor animal Trichiinae Cevennes live insects
© All Rights Reserved
Mont Lozere, Lozere, France.
Family : Nymphalidae
Sub-Family : Satyrinae
Species : Coenonympha arcania
This species is quite common throughout most of Europe but is noticeably absent from the UK. It is a rather attractive butterfly and I was therefore happy to see it on my recent trip to southern France. It is a medium sized butterfly and has one generation, flying between late May and early August. It generally frequents dry habitats in hilly areas up to 1800m altitude.
Tags: National Geographic Wildlife butterflies butterfly Nymphalidae insects insect macro nature Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania Lepidoptera wildlife Lozere France specinsect outdoor animal Cévennes live insects Satyrinae
© All Rights Reserved
Mont Lozere, Lozere, France
Family : Lycaenidae
Sub-Family : Lycaeninae
Species : Lycaena virgaureae
Lycaena virgaureae is found at altitudes up to 2000m in alpine pastures and woodland clearings. This small to medium size butterfly has a wingspan of 34-38mm. When the sun is out it is very active but will sometimes spend several minutes nectaring on a particular flower. When feeding or basking in the sun they typically hold their wings at a 45° angle and adopt a head-downwards posture similar to other species in the same family.
The upperside of the sexes are very different, with the male being the most colourful with a striking bright orange colouration, especially when fresh like the one above. The female is paler with numerous black markings. The undersides are very similar and the flying period is from June to September.
Tags: animal outdoor butterflies butterfly insects insect macro nature Lepidoptera Scarce Copper Lycaena virgaureae Lycaenidae wildlife France specinsect Lozere Lycaeninae Cevennes live insects
© All Rights Reserved