“Portugal says that nearly half of its bird, mammal and fish species are in immediate threat of extinction. Everything from the Iberian lynx and the monk seal are endangered, as are hundreds of species we barely notice but which are vital to the eco-system. Portugal is a microcosm of man’s impact on the planet – [...]
Posts under ‘Wildlife, Flora & Fauna’
Viperine Watersnake
Natrix maura Distribution: Spain, Portugal and North Africa. Habitat: Most habitats, excluding dense woodland or desert, even in mountain streams. Diet: Frogs. Max. length: 50-60cm. The viperine watersnake is the most viper-like of the European watersnakes, both in looks and behaviour, and it is frequently killed by persons who confuse it with a venomous snake. [...]
Megarian Banded Centipede
Scolopendra cingulata Scolopendra cingulata, the megarian banded centipede, is a member of Scolopendridae, a group that includes some of the largest centipedes in the world (S. gigantea may reach a length of up to 30 cm when fully grown – but don’t worry, this one isn’t found in Portugal!) Scolopendra cingulata is one of the [...]
The Pine Processionary Moth
Thaumetopoea pityocampa The moth attacks pine and cedar forests in all mediterranean countries. The pest was famously studied by a French naturalist by the name of Jean Henri Fabre who became quite intrigued by a species of caterpillar called the “Processionary Caterpillar” which fed on pine needles and moved through the trees in a long [...]
Processionary Caterpillars
Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiffermuller Processionary Caterpillars are so called because they form processions, nose to tail, as they leave the nest prior to changing into moths. They are found in all Mediterranean climatic areas, ranging from Portugal in the West through to the Adriatic and beyond in the East. The “nests” are fist sized or larger [...]
