Syrphus vitripennis Aphid Predator     This insect is a Dipteran ("relative" of flies) and belongs to the Syrphidae family. Like most Syrphids, it has a yellow and black pattern to mimic more dangerous insects, such as wasps, discouraging predators. It is a common insect in the countryside and forests; adults feed on nectar and lay their eggs near aphid colonies. When the eggs hatch, the larvae voraciously feed on aphids using their sucking mouthparts. They play a significant role in biological pest control.     Did you know?     Like other Syrphids, Syrphus vitripennis is an aerial acrobat: [...]

Field Thistle An attraction for butterflies!   The field thistle (Cirsium arvense, family Asteraceae) is a spiny herbaceous plant that can reach a height of 150 cm. It is commonly found in fields, along roadsides, and in uncultivated grassy areas. Its flowers, clustered in lilac-colored flower heads , emit a sweet musky fragrance that attracts butterflies . In midsummer, various butterfly species can often be seen resting on the flowers, acting as pollinators.   Most Cirsium arvense plants produce only male or only female flowers. To ensure pollination, male and female plants need to grow close enough so that pollinating [...]

Biodiversity is the key! Did you know that a rich and diverse habitat is a true paradise for ? Here's why: #pollinators Increases ecosystem resilience to environmental variations Attracts more pollinators through variety of: - Flower shapes and colors - Ways of accessing nectar and pollen - Flowering periods distributed throughout the season Provides diversified habitats for insect reproduction and overwintering through different leaf and stem characteristics. A greater variety of plant species creates a more resilient and hospitable ecosystem for different insect species, ensuring continuous resources over time. LIFE Programme #LIFEprogramme#LIFEproject#EUpollinators#Natura2000#bees Photo Pixabay Università Ca' Foscari VeneziaUnited Nations BiodiversityLIFE [...]

Small White   A White Butterfly in the Garden The Small White (Pieris rapae) is one of the most common daytime butterflies, though it’s not particularly showy. It belongs to the Pieridae family, which includes many butterflies that are white or yellow. You can find it in uncultivated fields, gardens, and flower-rich areas, even at altitudes above 2000 meters. Its wings are a pure white with black markings, resembling the Large White (Pieris brassicae), but it’s smaller and has more subtle patterns. It has a swift flight and often rests on flowers . The caterpillars, which are a yellowish-green, are [...]

Common corn-cockle Field Crown The corncockle (Agrostemma githago) is an herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 30-50 cm and belongs to the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). The pink-violet color of its flowers was once a common sight in fields, but today, the corncockle is a rare plant. It was introduced to the European continent in prehistoric times with the cultivation of cereals. However, the toxic seeds of this plant can contaminate flour if the plant is harvested together with cereals. For this reason, it was considered a weed to be eradicated. Corncockles attract butterflies , drawn to the shape [...]