Trigono Lamda - The Wildlife

Lost Habitats

In 2000, the Lemon Grove summer house, "Ithaka", was ready for occupation and it was with great enjoyment that I sat watching the insects at their daily work. But I had cleared a large patch of vetch away from the east side of the house, in case there were snakes lurking there, and in doing so I inadvertantly lost the habitat of the butterflies who only fed and reared young on vetch.

I have waited for the vetch to return- This year (May 2007) I have seen small clumps but no butterflies close by.

This shows how careful we need to be to balance our own needs with those of nature.

Mammals

Cat by cds Badgers and foxes live at the Lemon Grove and foxes are often seen along the lanes at night. Keeping chickens would not be sensible unless they were very well protected. There are also wild dogs in the area, though attempts are made by local volunteers to find homes for unwanted dogs and cats.

Snakes

The most commonly seen "snakes" in the area are not snakes at all, but a large, brown, slow-worm type creature, up to a metre long, and harmless. Smaller, slimmer and more brightly coloured snakes are likely to be adders and are poisonous. Even so, if you spot them before they spot you, they will not necessarily lash out. Be vigilant and wear boots or closed in shoes and long trousers if walking in wild areas. Their most active time is in Spring, after the winter hibernation. April- May is the mating season, with young born about 4 months later. If you get bitten, it is highly unlikely to be fatal, but seek immediate medical attention. If you intend to go off the beaten track in Spring and summer, Consider carrying a specially made syringe, available at chemists, which can be used to suck out poison.

Stick Insects

One of my favourites, remembering them in glass cases at school, it was wonderful to see them wild. Stick insects are just that- like sticks, very hard to spot. One crawled onto the black water tank, which was a reckless thing for a stick insect to do, leaving it unprotected against predators as its pale brown colour was so easily visible.

Preying Mantis

Another favourite: small and green with large eyes, a triangular head and a very delicate, long limbed, form. They are quite commonly seen on sunny days and are not nearly as scary as the name suggests.

Bugs

Many bugs can be found, the green, shield bug, is especially common, as are various grasshoppers and crickets.

Arachnids

Spiders and Scorpions

Spider The photo shows a garden spider. Scorpions are related to Spiders ( Arachnida). Yellow scorpions were a common sight at the Lemon Grove summer House in 2000-2001. They would cling to the bathroom ceiling, and when approached would put their tails up ready to sting. They rely more on touch and hearing than on sight. The main danger with scorpions, as with snakes, is that you will accidentally contact them. Be vigilant, check shoes by tapping them on the floor before putting them on, check seats before you sit, remember they may have crept under pots and pans, and never lift stones or flower pots without gloves, or- better, using a tool.

Most of the wildlife described here has been observed at the Lemon Grove, which offers fertile soil, a degree of shade and a quiet environment. You are unlikely to come in contact with many of these creatures in towns and villages but should be aware of their presence in gardens or wasteland on the outskirts and certainly in the countryside.

Insects

Butterflies

Male Gonepteryx cleopatra butterfly by SK The butterfly Gonepteryx cleopatra, related to the brimstones, is one of my favourites. The males have a yellow ground with orange on the forewing and are found in abundance, mainly in early June, seeming to favour hibiscus and geranium flowers, though that may be because those plants show such a stunning contrast to the butterflies. Butterfly habitats are very specific and easily lost through ignorance when clearing land.

Metalmark butterfly

There are 5 families of butterfly and examples of most are seen at the groves or close by:

Papilionidae - including swallowtails

Pieridae - the white and yellow coloured, including Gonepteryx cleopatra as shown here.

Lycaenidae - the blues and copper coloured,

Riodinidae - metal mark (due to the appearance of the spots on their wings)

Nymphalidae - brush footed.

Bees and Wasps

Wasps nests

Bees of varying types are common and some really do make a "bee-line", flying low and droning loudly as they pass. Small, circular, wasps nests can be found at the caravan at the Triangle each year. Be cautious, especially near wood, as wasps might well be lurking there.

Reptiles

Salamanders

Salamander by Xenia Kardia

Photo by xenia kardia
Salamanders and Geckos are not dangerous. Colours vary slightly, mainly sandy with brown blotches. A family of them lives behind the pictures in "Ithaka", the summer house. They reputedly bring good luck - maybe because they feed on insects. They are nocturnal, and when I switched on a torch at night I'd see them scurrying across the walls for cover. Be careful not to knock their tails- the tail falls off and, though a new one grows, the little creatures don't look so good with just a stump.

Tortoises and Lizards

Tortoise Tortoises still live in the area, wandering freely, though not often seen. In 2001 we were lucky to see one at the Lemon Grove, feeeding on vegetation under the trees.

Green lizards were more often seen on the dry, sunny, bank above the Triangle (Trigono). Unfortunately, traffic has increased considerably in that region and will have scared many creatures away.

Birds

Swallows nest The most spectacular birds are the large birds of prey that hunt over the hills near the Lemon Grove. More common are the swallows which used to nest in the deserted lemon grove building but sadly have not returned since the renovation. They can, however, be seen in Methoni.

The most unusual bird seen has been the Hopoe. The Peloponnesian Peninsula is not far, in migration terms, from North Africa. A Hopoe used to meet the car as I drove home and swoop low alongside. A Robin used to accompany digging activities at the Triangle. The dawn chorus at the Lemon Grove is wonderful. Many small birds nest in the lemon trees and it is some consolation, when funds are insufficient to allow proper maintenance, that the wild-life is benefitting.

Fish and other sea creatures

Fish in Pylos harbour

The Ionian sea supports a wealth of fish and other sea creatures that can by seen through the clear water. "Maridas" are the small fish eaten from October onwards while other fish have their season too. Various crustaceans, such as lobster, are also caught locally as well as squid and octopus. Harvest from the sea provides much of the staple diet locally.