Around Agios Georgios, Arilllas and Agios
Stefanos |
 Larger Photograph |
This magnificent species of solitary wasp
(scientific name : Megascolia maculata maculata) has been seen several times.
This one was photographed as it spent several minutes feeding. Just look at
those hairy legs and striped antenna ! The larger females grow to about 45mm
but despite their large size and intimidating appearance this insect poses no
threat to humans. Females will find, paralyze with their sting and then lay
their eggs in larvae of large beetles. Upon hatching the wasp larvae will then
feed on the paralyzed grub |
The hot conditions and mixture of vegetation
provides conditions for a variety of insects and the summer air is filled with
a constant hum of these often tiny creatures. In early summer the fields and
roadside verges are full of wild flowers and scented, wild herbs and it is
difficult not to notice the myriads of insects, but easy to ignore them.
We all know the mosquitoes, wasps, bees and hornets but here are a few
pictures of some others photographed either in or fairly close to Agios
Georgios (several taken by visitor Jim Green, whose contribution is much
appreciated).
A sunny stream will support dragonflies and dozens of
delicate blue and red damsel flies. |
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Butterflies and
Moths
Among the numerous species of butterflies and
moths which visitors may notice, depending on the month, are these few examples
seen in or near Agios Georgios.
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In May 2009 the countryside was brightened by many
gorgiously coloured Cleopatra butterflies
over from North Africa. They are a very frustrating species for photographers
for they never show their beautiful upper-sides when stationary, but only when
flitting around or flying fast searching for food plants (see below). The
right-hand photo, presumably a dead example from a collection, is only included
to illustrate the georgeous colours which are usually seen by visitors. This
large butterfly shows lovely orange patches on its open wings when flying. It
flies across the Mediterranean Sea from the north of Africa and is often
common. (information kindly given by Matt Rowlings whose excellent web-site
Matt's European Butterflies is well worth
a visit). |
Cleopatra |
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Cleopatra |
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The
beautifully marked Fritillary (below left)
taken in June, and the dusky coloured Southern White
Admiral (May) are easier to photograph. |
A
Fritillary |
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Southern White Admiral |
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as are the Painted
Lady and beautifully coloured Red
Admiral. |
Painted Lady |
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Red
Admiral |
These 2 photographs are by courtesy of the
late Linda Walls. |
If you are lucky you might see the large and
beautiful Swallowtail in Agios Georgios
too. |
Swallowtail |
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Scarce
Swallowtail |
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Two-tailed Pasha
Just look at the brilliant underside of this
fellow !
In May 2009 this beautiful large butterfly was
spotted in a garden at Afionas and several were seen at the same spot in
September. (Surprisingly this was the only place where this species was
noticed.)
Two-tailed Pasha (2
images) (click on image) |
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These 2 colourful moths from the large Zygaena
family were photographed a few miles from the resort. |
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and then my wife spotted this
unusual moth;
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The Humming-bird Hawk Moth does not land on the flower to
feed but hovers with its wings moving at a bewildering speed while it feeds. It
took many photographs to get these 2 blurry images. |
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Links to Butterfly information Painted Lady
Swallowtail Red Admiral |
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Cicadas, Grasshoppers and
others
On summer walks the air is filled with the
constant "rasping songs" of amorous male cicadas and grasshoppers, and the humming of busy insects. The
cicada doesnt bite or sting and is virtually harmless. It just makes a
whole lot of noise, as does the green grasshopper.
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Dragonflies and
Damselflies |
Dragonflies and
slender Damselflies are often seen around water
and damp areas. Streams and other areas of water may be enhanced by the dancing
flights of numerous dragonflies and damselflies of several colours, including
the georgeous black winged ones with their irridescent bodies. Mosquitoes are a
major food of Damselflies and Dragonflies. |
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Click on images for larger
photographs |

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Mosquitos |
Like any other Mediterranean country Corfu has its
fair share of Mosquitos, and Agios Georgios is no exception. The biting
'mozzie' is much disliked by visitors and can even spoil a holiday without
precautions. It is the female which bites and a female 'mozzie' can pick up the
scent of a person from several hundred metres so if the weather is suitable for
them to hatch out they will find you. They are attracted by chemicals emitted
from the skin but also by carbon dioxide breathed out. Ladies can not even win
by applications of scented perfumes and creams because often these contain
chemicals which also attract mosquitos!
Many years of research by scientists and the US
military have failed to find a perfect screen for them, but report that the
best repellants are DEET based. These are readily available everywhere.
The best defence, although not what you went on
holiday to Corfu for, is to cover up most bare skin, especially in the
evenings. Apply a good repellant to all exposed skin trying to leave no large
patches untreated. (Carry a pencil 'afterbite' treatment with you at all
times.)
Large numbers of mosquitos are consumed by bats
and especially dragonflies and the pretty damselflies. |
The web-site owner is not a
naturalist and for all these topics will be pleased to receive comments and
contributions from specialists who are acquainted with the
area. |
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