Any botanist out studying in the field can't help but witness the closely symbiotic relationships that exist between species of the insect and plant worlds. The huge current interest in macro and digital photography provides close-up views of previously unseen invertebrate life. (For butterflies go here).
A general natural history tour of these magnificent mountains, led by Teresa Farino.
4th - 11th May, 2010
Early May brings a certain joie de vivre to the flora and fauna of the Picos, characterised by warm days, colourful butterflies and spectacular spring floral displays of narcissi, gentians and orchids after the long winter. We can also expect to see a good selection of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Please contact Teresa for more details and booking forms.
The Giant peacock moth, Saturnia pyri, is the largest moth flying in the Picos, Spain and Europe. Its wingspan width can reach 150mm, leading some to mistake it for a small bird.
With a maximum wingspan of 135mm the Death's head Hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos, is one of the largest European moths, second only in size to the Giant peacock moth.
Over the past 20 years, Teresa Farino has compiled a 90-page report (A4) which includes lists of all the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies and vascular plants ever recorded in the Picos de Europa, plus summaries of each of these groups and an 8-page introduction to the wildlife of these mountains. If you would like to purchase a printed copy, the price is €17.50, excluding postage & packaging. An electronic copy is €11.
