October 2024

Common corn-cockle

2024-12-10T10:32:34+01:00

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 [...]

Common corn-cockle2024-12-10T10:32:34+01:00

Syrphus ribesii

2024-12-10T10:29:19+01:00

Syrphus ribesii Aphid predator This insect is a Dipteran ("relative" of flies) and belongs to the family of Syrphidae. Like most Syrphidae, it has a yellow and black coloration 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 with their sucking mouthparts. During the larval stage, they can consume up to 1,000 aphids! Did you know? Like other Syrphidae, Syrphus ribesii is an aerial acrobat: it can move [...]

Syrphus ribesii2024-12-10T10:29:19+01:00

Common bird’s-foot trefoil

2024-10-10T16:22:16+02:00

Common bird's-foot trefoil Eggs and bacon! The bird's-foot trefoil (scientific name Lotus corniculatus) belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a striking and widespread plant in grasslands. The leaves are trifoliate, like those of clover , the flowers are clustered in yellow-orange inflorescences , and the fruits are legumes ending in a small horn (hence the name corniculatus, from the Latin "cornu," meaning horn). The caterpillars of some butterflies feed on this plant. Butterflies visit the flower for nectar, but pollination is reserved for other insects, like bees or wasps, which can force the petals apart to reach the staminal [...]

Common bird’s-foot trefoil2024-10-10T16:22:16+02:00

Did you know that…

2024-12-10T10:25:16+01:00

Did you know that even the smallest green spaces can make a difference for pollinating insects? Schoolyards Parks and gardens Urban gardens Flower beds and roundabouts All of these spaces have the potential to become oases for pollinators! The secret? Variety beats quantity! Plant different flowers Choose plants that bloom in different seasons Vary the colors and sizes of flowers Even a simple windowsill can become a refuge for these precious allies of nature. LIFE Programme #LIFEprogramme #LIFEproject #EUpollinators #Natura2000 #pollinators #bees Photo Pixabay Università Ca' Foscari Venezia United Nations Biodiversity LIFE Greenchange LIFE 4 Pollinators Butterfly Conservation Bumblebee Conservation [...]

Did you know that…2024-12-10T10:25:16+01:00
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