The Italian Alps

The Dolomites and Stelvio National Park

A Greentours Trip Report

22nd June to 9th July 2017

Led by Paul Cardy

Daily Reports and Systematic Lists by Paul Cardy

Day 1 Thursday 22nd June Arrival and Journey to Barcis

Having stayed near Treviso the previous night, I arrived at Marco Polo airport and soon met Stefano fresh from his Dolomites WAL tour. Since last year the terminal had been significantly augmented and was now much more spacious. Before long we met all the Robinsons (Bernard and Margaret, then Alastair and Ruth) and we ordered lunch in a very good new restaurant in the new terminal. Towards the end of our lunch, John and Hilary arrived from Bergen, via Oslo, and now all here we were soon on our way north, away from the busy airport.

Initially our journey took us across the predominantly agricultural plains, the line of the Alps stretching ahead of us. Even in the lowlands the vegetation was still surprisingly verdant at this season. The scenery became ever more impressive, and once we’d left the main road the verges had many flowers.

There was time for a lengthy stop at Vajont where we walked a quiet lane, with a fine flora, and butterflies much in evidence. Apollos floated along dry slopes covered in their foodplants, stonecrops, and there were also Chalk-hill Blues, Pearly Heaths, Marbled Whites, Arran Brown, and Woodland Brown. High Brown Fritillary was attacted to wet mud near where we parked and some saw a fine Purple Emperor. Burnets were numerous, among them Zygaena transalpina and Zygaena lonicerae. Spiked Bellflowers were impressive, with Campanula persicifolia too. Broad-leaved and Dark Red Helleborines were admired, the latter numerous, and there were a number of Fragrant Orchids, some very robust. There were also a few Lesser Butterfly Orchids, but the Fly Orchids were all but over this year. The Teucrium montanum was attractive, and Centaurea jacea, Hieracium staticifolium and Bupthalmum salicifolium were among the composites. Peucedanum venetum was rather common and Verbascum chaixii austriacum was in flower. Among the many other plants were Linum tenuifolium, Valeriana wallrothii, Swallow-wort, and Wood Pink. Occasionally looking up from the great variety of flowers and insects, the views were pretty good too!

It was now only a short drive in the late afternoon sunshine to our hotel, at a new location for us in the lakeside village of Barcis.

We all enjoyed an excellent first dinner, the restaurant overlooking the lake, I gave the introductory talk, and we anticipated the productive tour to come.

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Day 2 Friday 23rd June Cimoliana

We enjoyed a superb first day in the field and saw a wealth of fine things. Whilst everyone enjoyed breakfast in the hotel, with Stefano before he set off for home, I shopped for fresh picnic supplies and bread in the village, in a very small shop!

Under clear blue skies we drove the short distance to the village of Cimolais, and from there headed up the Cimoliana valley. The first stop, amid Black Pines and Salix waldsteiniana, had Orobanche gracilis in good bloom, Campanula scheuchzeri, Thesium rostratum, Prunella grandiflora, and there were some fine Fragrant Orchids and Lesser Butterfly Orchids. The endemics Euphorbia triflora kerneri and Rhinanthus pampaninii were here too. Several butterflies were already on the wing and included Black- veined White, Pearly Heath, and Woodland Brown.

A short walk took us to cliffs that supported many fine Devil’s Claws, in perfect flower, one of the plant highlights of the Dolomites. They really were in superb form this year, with several in easy reach. In fact it wasn’t far from the vehicle that we saw the first today. The same cliffs had much Spiraea decumbens, leaves of Potentilla caulescens, and Chondrilla chondrilloides flowered abundantly beside the track. The Rhododendron hirsutum was much admired. The scenery was sublime, and more and more butterflies were taking to the wing as the day warmed up. There were Large Wall Brown, Heath Fritillary, and Hungarian Gliders were associated with their foodplant, the Spiraea. The rocks supported a good selection of ferns including Limestone Fern, Holly Fern, Green Spleenwort, Wall- rue, Maidenhair Spleenwort and Brittle-bladder Fern. A highlight was a number of fine yellow day lilies, Hemerocallis lilio-asphodelus, a rather surprising endemic here. There were several on the cliffs above, but also some right beside the track. Here we found a rather striking weevil (I’d like to see a photo of that.....).

Back near the car park Bee Beetle was as always a pleasing find, and Spotted Fritillary nectared.

Southern White Admiral settled on the road. Next was a knapweed, Centaurea dichroantha, in two colour forms, purple and yellow. Large Chequered Skipper was as always a great find at a reliable site for the species. A little further along we found more of the very special endemic Hemerocallis lilio- asphodelus. Also on the cliffs here were Silene pusilla and Yellow Archangel. Scarlet Tiger was admired and an impressive longhorn beetle settled briefly on the vehicle.

Entering fine forest, I set out our first extensive picnic at a well situated shaded table. Bird’s-nest Orchid flowered on the forest floor. A persistant Large Skipper insisted on sharing our lunch.

Our drive now took us across a wide stony river bed. River gravels had Alpine Gypsophila, Cerastium subtriflorum, and Saxifraga squarrosa. A distinctive black woodlouse with red spots was a species of Glomeris.

Reaching the end of the drivable road we took a short walk and found the attractive Dianthus sternbergii in fine flower, and Willow Gentian in leaf. Some fine Bladder Gentians and Snow Gentians were found nearby. Red Helleborine was a bonus here, at a new site for the species. The cliffs supported Silene saxifraga and below them was the diminutive Hymenolobus pauciflorus. Epipactis microphylla was new for the tour.

At this usually reliable site for them, all the Lady’s Slippers were over this year, whereas we usually see good numbers in flower. The distinctive pink Crepis froelichiana dinarica, an endemic subspecies,

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 2 was here, and Anemone trifolia and Interrupted Clubmoss were under the trees. A snowbell, probably Soldanella minima, was in fruit. Several Duke of Burgundys were on the wing.

Round-leaved Wintergreen was in fine form. Lower down another Hemerocallis site also had the specialities Arenaria huteri and Silene veselskyi, where refreshing water trickled onto us from the springs above. Here, on seeing us, a Swiss vehicle stopped, reversed, the window opened, and a hand came out and handed me a dead Swallowtail, and off they drove! This really happened.

We made the short detour to Claut so I could buy some fruit and vegetables for lunch tomorrow, things that were in short supply in Barcis!

That night was a celebration in the village with impressive but noisy fireworks, and a procession through the streets.

Day 3 Saturday 24th June Cellina Gorge and Transfer to Rocca Pietore

The morning in a new area for us gave us the chance to visit somewhere new, and the nearby Cellina Gorge proved a good choice. A little like Sottoguda that we visit later in the tour, this gorge also had a tourist ‘train’ driving people up and down the gorge.

We set out along the gorge, a fine walk punctuated by several tunnels giving regular respite from the intense heat. On the cliffs were very many Devil’s Claw, but all already in fruit. Potentilla caulescens was in leaf, Clematis recta was new for the tour, as was Phylittis scolopendrium, and Asarum europaeum was in leaf. Flowering Geranium macrorrhizum was also new for this tour. Hungarian Glider was associated with the Spiraea. Buddleia attracted several butterflies such as Scarce Swallowtail and Silver-washed Fritillary. Common Grayling sheltered from the sun in one of the cool tunnels, and the butterfly highlight was a Stirian Ringlet.

Back at the hotel I loaded up our luggage, whilst everyone sat in the welcome shade.

Below San Osvaldo pass we found a shady lunch spot in the woods. Here we enjoyed the picnic amid a selection of ferns, with White Admiral flying along a shady ride, and nectaring Heath Fritillaries.

Early afternoon saw us heading further west, down to Longarone, and into the Dolomiti Bellunesi, in which we would spend the remainder of the tour. Campanula spicata became rather common on the roadsides.

Near the village of Dont were several Marsh Helleborines in a roadside wet flush, in fine flower. Tetragonolobus maritimus was here, but this year the Dactylorhiza lapponica was over. The only Linum viscosum of the tour was in impressive flower. Here too were white-flowered Melittis melissophyllum and Stachys alpina.

Further up Phyteuma spicatum became a feature of the roadsides. We stopped at Passo Duran where a floriferous marshy slope had many marsh orchids, and abundant Globe Flowers. There were many other plants here in this fine habitat, such as Senecio alpestris, Ligusticum mutellinoides, Polygonum viviparum, Veratrum viride, Vicia sylvatica, and Lathyrus ochraceus. Sedges were a real feature here. Carex paniculata tussocks characterised the wet flushes at the bottom of the slope, and other sedges were Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex davalliana, Carex flacca, Carex pallescens, Carex capillaris, Carex hirta,

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Carex lepidocarpa, and Carex rostrata. The views were sublime. Butterflies includede Titania’s Fritillary and Alpine Heath.

Some were tempted by coffee (or ice cream) into the refuge.

I negotiated the next stretch of this narrow road, as usual busy with motorbikes today, and we headed down to the valley. North of Agordo we took a short detour and found one rosette of Saxifraga hostii, and added Hieracium humile to the trip list. Impatiens parviflora flowered along the roadsides.

We continued to our hotel, and there settled in to the very pleasant rooms that would be our home for the remainder of the tour. Of the many great hotels we stay in Europe this is one of the very best. Crag Martins continuously flew around the hotel.

Before dinner we met for a first run through the already very extensive plant lists. We enjoyed a superb dinner, with excellent service.

Day 4 Sunday 25th June Fontanafredda

We awoke to steady heavy rain, the continuation of the dramatic overnight thunder storms. Despite some thoughts re staying in the hotel this morning to listen to The Archers, I suggested we go into the field regardless, and there followed another enjoyable and productive day despite the poor weather to start with. Before we left we examined the selection of moths attracted by the hotel lights, among them Swallowtail, Red-necked Footman, Silver-ground Carpet, and a species of annulet (a complex group in the alps).

I first suggested a visit to the palaeological museum in Selva de Cadore, a popular place this morning with many others opting for the same thing in the adverse weather. This proved a good choice and an hour and a half later the group emerged to find the clouds clearing and the rain more or less stopped. Crag Martins nested in the village.

We headed up to Staulanza, making our first stop just below the pass. Here were two of the diminutive Lesser Twayblade, hidden under the trees, which took some finding this year, and Coralroot Orchids in fruit. Remarkably the two Lady’s Slipper here were already over, where usually they are still in bloom. There was much else of interest including One-flowered and Nodding Wintergreens, Verticillate Lousewort, and Dragonmouth. Anemone trifolia was still in flower.

A very short drive took us to the track we call Fontanafredda, where we spent the rest of the day, at altitudes between 1700 and 1900m, admiring the wealth of plants. The views of Pelmo and Civetta were periodically superb, depending on the clouds.

Luzula luzuloides rubella was a prominent feature along the track, and Phyteuma zahlbruckneri and Phyteuma orbiculare were in flower. Chaerophyllum hirsutum was especially lush, mostly pink flowered. Some large open meadows boasted a great floral variety including Globeflowers, the very attractive orange Crepis aurea, Small White Orchids, and Arnica montana. There was very much flowering Galeopsis speciosa, a species that thrives here after logging disturbance.

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Butterflies included Woodland Ringlet, Almond-eyed Ringlet, and Alpine Heath, and among the moths was Speckled Yellow.

Wet flushes were characterised by very many Alpine Marsh Orchids and the cottony heads of Eriophorum angustifolium. Here too was fine Pinguicula vulgaris. Sedges were again a feature today, among them Carex paniculata, Carex panicea, Carex flava, Carex pallescens, Carex ornithopoda, Carex hirta, Carex davalliana and Carex leporina.

I set out the lunch amid fine meadows, the rain now having passed.

The afternoon saw us continuing further up the track, and setting out on foot, the weather now fine. Rock Speedwell was new, and Clematis alpina and Moehringia muscosa flowered under the trees. Frog Orchids and Black Vanilla Orchids were rather common, and Pedicularis elongata was in flower.

It was one flowery slope that supported all the best flowers here. There was much Gentianella germanica, fine Alpine Asters, several fine Burnt-tip Orchids, fine Campanula barbata, beautiful Traunsteinera globosa, Chives, and Rock Soapwort.

We reached a grassy slope that afforded extensive views down to the Cadore valley, the slope yellow with Ranunculus carinthiacus. Veronica fruticulosa flowered on the rocks here. We watched nesting Great Spotted Woodpeckers, the young bird calling continuously, and lower down saw Goshawk.

We returned to the hotel in sunshine and before dinner continued the plant lists.

Day 5 Monday 26th June Passo di Giau

The hotel breakfast was again a fine selection. The weather was fine, and we enjoyed another superb day in the field. Today we headed up to the Passo di Giau, along a series of many hairpin bends, driving through different altitudinal zones, the verges full of flowers.

Initially driving through forest and flower rich meadows, at about 2,000m we were above the tree line, with fine vistas all around. Common Spotted Orchids, Oxytropis campestris, Gypsophila repens, and Orobanche gracilis were among the many flowers on the roadsides. The road was already busy with cyclists and bikers.

Having reached the pass we set out on foot and walked slowly towards the bulk of Nuvolau, enjoying stunning views down the valley to Cortina, and a sublime mountain backdrop in all directions. It took a long time to even get out of the car park, as the acid sward here held many fine flowers. The first plant to grab our attention was Alpine Pasque Flower still in flower, and there was very much Geum montanum this year, and much Androsace obtusifolia. Spotted Gentians were blooming and there were Trumpet Gentians and Potentilla aurea.

We moved very slowly along the narrow path admiring the fine floral show. The display of orchids was impressive, with Fragrant Orchids, Small White Orchids, and Dactylorhiza majalis. Homogyne alpina was here, the tiny Thesium alpinum was a good find, but the mats of Creeping Azalea were already over this year. Very many Pedicularis tuberosa were in bloom, where none were flowering last year. Oxytropis jacquinii was also in flower.

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Eventually we reached limestone boulders that supported fine rock gardens. Among the beautiful species here were Pink Cinquefoil, Saxifraga paniculata, Achillea clavennae, Mossy Sandwort, Moss Campion, Paederota bonarota, Phyteuma sieberi, Viola biflora, Draba dubia, Valeriana saxatilis, Daphne striata, Erigeron neglectus, and Helianthemum alpestre. Dryas octopetala was commonly in flower, and creeping on the ground and rocks were Least Willow, Retuse-leaved Willow, and Thyme-leaved Willow.

Further along the geology changed and Rhododendron ferrugineum was replaced by Rhododendron hirsutum, a calcicole, but perhaps for the first time Rhodothamnus chamaecistus was all over. Ranunculus hybridus with its distinctively shaped leaves was in flower this year, but a search failed to locate the Pedicularis rosea that we usually see here. Pinus cembra was a feature, and wet flushes had much Bird’s-eye Primrose. John spotted Arctostaphylos alpinus, new for the tour. Doronicum columnae was growing between boulders.

The display flight song of Water Pipits was a constant accompaniment, we had distant views of Alpine Choughs, Ring Ouzel was here, Dewy Ringlet was on the wing, and there were several Alpine Blues today. We made our way back to the refuge where we used the facilities.

I drove some way towards Cortina to get away from the crowds, mainly the cyclists and bikers, and found a suitable forest site where I set out the lunch. Among the plants here was Anemone trifolia.

Another stop back near the col had fine Gentiana bavarica in wet flushes. A rocky slope supported much Roseroot and there were a few Soldanella pusilla (swathes last year). Pinguicula vulgaris and one fine patch of Pinguicula leptoceras flowered in the marsh, where were also Juncus triglumis, Cerastium cerastioides, and Cardamine amara.

Boulders on the other side of the pass had a few Edelweiss, a good find was Primula auricula still just in flower, and here too was Nigritella rubra. Intensive searching finally yielded the diminutive Woodsia pulchella at the only place we have seen it on the tour. Gentiana pilosa grew in tracksides, and Blind Ringlet was on the wing.

At the last stop of the day was the special Single-leaved Bog Orchid, Malaxis monophyllos, with some eight growing at the forest edge.

Day 6 Tuesday 27th June Fedaia

Another superb day was spent exploring predominantly igneous rock outcrops near a refugio, to which we were driven in a four wheel drive by the refuge owners. The weather was very changeable all day, unusually, with impressive mist, low clouds, and intermittent rain. However we saw all we intended to and had a superbly productive day. As we waited for the shuttle vehicle, Redpolls were much in evidence, Astragalus penduliflorus was locally common on roadsides here this year, and there was a fine show of Yellow Milk-vetch.

Once all were at the refuge we enjoyed the simply sublime views in all directions. There was much snow on Marmolada, and a whole complex series of peaks and valleys all around us. After a quick coffee etc. at the refuge we set out to explore. Gentiana brachyphylla was attractive, and the Papaver aurantiacum was in fine flower. There were Leucanthemopsis alpina, Draba siliquosa, Arabis alpina, Linaria alpina, and Androsace obtusifolia. Almost immediately the first King of the Alps was found in superb

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 6 flower, and this always very special plant was extremely numerous up here today. A highlight for all. The same acidic rocks had much Saxifraga exarata, Minuartia recurva, Silene exscapa, Juncus jacquinii, and Sibbaldia procumbens. A Silky Ringlet was lethargic in the cool weather. Plants continued with several Saxifraga bryoides in flower, and beautiful little Phyteuma globulariifolium.

Alpine Choughs were much in evidence around the refuge. Water Pipits sang, Black Redstart was a feature, and pleasingly both Snow Finches and Alpine Accentors were seen closely.

Our walk was punctuated by many more flowers, especially on the rocky outcrops. Minuartia sedoides was in fine form, as were Trumpet Gentians and Net-leaved Willow, and Artemisia genipi was a pleasing find, much in flower this year. King of the Alps continued superb. Snowdon Lily was in fine form, and there was much Primula minima in leaf. Dewy Ringlets and Woodland Ringlets were on the wing when the rain abated, and Shepherd’s Fritillary was seen well.

Heavy mist and rain forced an early retreat to the refuge, and when it again abated we set out to walk in the opposite direction. Among new species seen here were Early Purple Orchids, Astragalus alpinus, and Sempervivum montanum. The boulders had much more King of the Alps. Interesting were several calcicoles on the acidic boulders and turf, such as Sedum atratum carinthiacum, Potentilla nitida, Rhododendron hirsutum, and Draba dubia. Heavy rain came again and we made our way purposefully back to the shelter and warmth of the refuge. There we enjoyed an excellent alpine lunch.

The rain having again lessened, we returned to the furthest point we had reached on the morning walk. Superb Geum reptans and Ranunculus glacialis greeted us, and Thlaspi rotundifolium bloomed on one open slope. Saxifraga depressa was a highlight, and Saxifraga oppositifolia was in fruit. Also seen were Fir Clubmoss, Chamois Cress, and Ligusticum mutellinoides. Very fine cushions of Androsace alpina were a feature this year and there was also very much Androsace vitaliana. There were fine Soldanella pusilla, and Anemone baldensis was a bonus. The attractive grass Oreochloa disticha was a feature of the habitat.

Back at the refuge there was the choice of taking the 4WD down, which most did, or to walk, which Hilary and I opted for. On the way down we saw very many fine rosettes of Sempervivum wulfenii, one Primula halleri, Gnapthalium supinum, and Phyteuma betonicifolium.

We met the others back near the vehicle, at the lower refuge, where were several female Ghost Swifts on the walls. A female Ring Ouzel perched on boulders.

Day 7 Wednesday 28th June Gares and San Lucano

A rather different day today saw us visiting some sites to the south at lower altitudes, which produced a wealth of new plants and a few butterflies. The weather was again very variable, but it basically remained dry until late afternoon.

Initially we drove past the large reservoir at Alleghe, to Gares where a small circular path leads through boulder strewn forest. The woods were full of ferns with Oak and Beech Fern being particularly common, Dryopteris dilatata, and Cystopteris sudetica in fine form. Boulders had Yellow Wood Violets, Alpine Clematis, much Interrupted Clubmoss, Rosa pendulina, and fruiting Alpine Butterwort. There were some beautiful Moneses uniflora in flower. Herb Paris, Streptopus amplexifolius,

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 7 and Chrysosplenium alternifolium were under the trees. There was a fine selection of mosses and some beautiful diminutive fungi. Oak Eggar flew fast through the trees.

On the nearby river gravels were Papaver aurantiacum, Parnassia palustris, Oxytropis jacquinii, Gypsophila repens, and Saxifraga rotundifolia. These gravels always turn up some interesting plants whose seed has been washed down from higher altitudes. I was very pleased to find again the very local endemic crucifer Rhizobotrya alpina that I had first seen here three years ago. John and Hilary then located another larger plant. Although not a particularly striking plant it is a significant record, and is the only member of its genus. Polygala vulgaris oxyptera and Thlaspi rotundifolium were here too, and Campanula cochlearifolia was in fine flower. Nearby was Tephroseris tenuifolia.

Clouded Apollo was a bonus. Surrounding meadows had Orange Lilies. By the small lake I was pleased to relocate Luzula pallescens that I had first found here a couple of years ago, apparently not recorded for Belluno province. Rain came just as we got back to the vehicle, fine timing.

Lower roadsides had almost black flowered Phyteuma ovatum, and just before the village was extremely robust Campanula latifolia. Black-veined White and Pearl-bordered Fritillary were on the wing (last year we had seen Asian Fritillary here).

Next we continued south to San Lucano where very impressive sheer cliffs rise up on each side of the narrow verdant valley. The small lake here has been much ‘sanitised’, with a paved path and fences installed. I set out the lunch, which we enjoyed in this peaceful location. Overcast weather, so there were few butterflies other than Arran Browns and Red Admiral.

Around the lake were Sweet Williams, Melampyrum velebiticum, Lonicera alpigena, and Dark Red Helleborines. In the lake were a few Brown Trout, and Emperor Dragonfly patrolled. The moth Drab Looper was here.

Our next stop was a little further up the valley near the river which we pottered slowly towards. The Ostrich Ferns here were very impressive being as tall as most of us, and Herb Paris grew in the woods. Lathyrus heterophyllus was in flower. On the river gravels were Silene pusilla, Astragalus penduliflorus, and Astragalus glycyphyllos. Rose Chafers and Bee Beetle attended umbellifers.

Unfortunately heavy rain came. On the return journey I took a detour along a minor road that we had never taken before. Although promising habitat the rain precluded any stops. We returned a little early to the hotel allowing time to relax before another excellent dinner.

Day 8 Thursday 29th June Falzarego, Valparola, Andraz, Belvedere

Due to mixed weather and a poor forecast for higher altitudes later in the day I decided to postpone the Marmolada visit until tomorrow, when the weather may still be poor, but of course may well be better.

Thus instead we visited a selection of sites, none too far from the vehicle in case the rain came. First we drove up to the Falzarego Pass, where we explored an area away from the very busy pass itself. Indeed there were as usual many cyclists, motorbikes, and cars today. There was a fine flora here, but unusually again the Rhodothamnus chamaecistus was over. There were a few Pedicularis rosea in bloom. I was very pleased to find the diminutive Valeriana elongata, with several on one rock face. We

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 8 searched in vain for Gentiana terglouensis, but Bernard, who had not walked to the higher rocks with us, had found this in flower lower down! Soldanella minima was in fine form, and Achillea atrata continued the variety. Nutcrackers worked the grassy slopes, and Snowfinch came very close to us, feeding on my breakfast crumbs.

At another site we walked to a small lake where wet flushes had Gentiana bavarica in bud this year. Boulders had some fine Edelweiss, there were many fine Pedicularis rostratocapitata, and some interesting hybrids between this and Pedicularis elongata. New for the tour after all these years were a few Saussurea pygmaea, a great addition, and also new was Callianthemum coriandrifolium already over. Homogyne discolor was here, and Hedysarum hedysaroides was in fine form. The highlight here was superb Chamorchis alpina, at a site where we first found this always special species a few years ago. There were many fine Papaver aurantiacum. Very small glaceigenita Marsh Fritillary was on the wing.

At a lower altitude I set out the lunch near Andraz Castle where wet flushes had Juncus triglumis, Woodland Ringlet was on the wing, Nutcrackers were in more typical forest habitat, and Bullfinches flew from tree to tree. A walk to the castle itself yielded Large Blue and Chalk-hill Blue. Here I was able to show John Veronica fruticulosa, a species he had been sorry to miss the other day. Carex montana was added to the sedge list, there were superb Orange Lilies, and Astragalus hypoglottis gremlii was in flower. Marmots in the meadows around the castle caused much interest.

The Belvedere viewpoint gave fine views down to Caprile, and several new plants included Linaria angustissima, Sorbus austriaca, Asplenium septentrionale, Peucedanum verticillare, and Juniperus sabina. We spent longer here than I had ever done and came up with several new plants. Most notable for me was several Orobanche purpurea parasitising the Achillea. Also here were Ajuga genevensis and a selection of stonecrops, Sedum telephium, Sedum montanum, Sedum album, and Sedum dasyphyllum.

Day 9 Friday 30th June Marmolada, Fedaia, and Serrai di Sottoguda

The weather was indeed better as we set out for Marmolada, but we expected it to be cold at the top of the cage lift. In Sottoguda a brief shopping stop allowed a quick stroll around this interesting old village, with a collection of scarecrows a feature. A short drive took us over the Fedaia Pass and to the large reservoir at the base of Marmolada. As we walked towards the cage lift, on rocks were Alpine Butterwort (over as usual this year), many fine Silene alpestris, Net-leaved Willow, Veronica aphylla, Achillea atrata, Achillea oxyloba, Arabis bellidifolia, and Pyrola rotundifolia.

We all took the open lifts up to a refugio at 2626m, admiring the superb vistas, and the changing vegetation below as we slowly ascended to the high alpine environment. There was of course still much snow on the mountain today, but much less than on recent visits and our exploration at the top was mainly on open limestone with only occasional snow patches, where recently the opposite has been the case. The sun shone and we were soon removing our extra layers, put on in anticipation of cold weather at this high altitude. Flowers seen on the way up included Silene acaulis and Gentiana orbicularis.

As always I insisted on an acclimatisation stop in the refuge, not a hardship as they serve very good tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and cakes! We admired the superb vistas all around, of the Sella group, Cuch, etc. Alpine Choughs were much in evidence.

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After the refreshments and a general sense of delight at being in such a wonderful place, we set out for a short excursion across the snow and slopes to find some plants. Plants are always few and far between up here, but those we see are very special. Today they were somewhat advanced, and we saw nearly twenty species in bloom! There was very much of the very attractive Thlaspi rotundifolium, several Arabis caerulea, Arabis bellidifolia, and Arabis alpina. Saxifraga oppositifolia was in flower, and there was much Saxifraga sedoides. Hilary found our only Saxifraga androsacea. Cerastium latifolium was already in bloom, Salix serpyllifolia formed mats, and Small Tortoiseshell was the only butterfly on the wing at this altitude. Snow Finches were tame as usual.

Having enjoyed a marvellous visit to this different world, it was time to descend in the chair lift.

Walking back to the vehicle I was very pleased to find two Coralroot Orchids in flower.

At a slightly lower altitude, we explored a meadow just below the Passo Fedaia. Marmots were much in evidence here, where is a strong colony. In this beautiful meadow were very many showy plants including Centaurea nervosa in flower, very many Lesser Butterfly Orchids, Nigritella rhellicani, Traunsteinera globosa, Martagon Lilies, and Small White Orchids. Of note was a hybrid between Nigritella rhellicani and Gymnadenia conopsea. Amanda’s Blue and Olive Skipper were here. We had seen moonwort at many sites but here they were remarkably large and numerous.

Nearby I set out the picnic, where on the slopes opposite were a number of St.Bruno’s Lilies. A highlight here was a sudden commotion caused by an immature Peregrine that targeted one of the Alpine Choughs (attracted by the picnic site) and came back several times after it, speeding through the copse of conifers beside where we ate. We had fine views of the falcon.

Another short drive took us to the Sottoguda gorge where we set out to walk the length of the gorge. Sooty Copper was here, and a small flowered eyebright was Euphrasia salisburgensis. A blue and white ‘train’ drove people up and down the gorge, and this year most were cheerful enough to wave to us. Rocks were festooned with Saxifraga crustata, together with fine Paedarota bonarota. Phyteuma sieberi, Saxifraga caesia, and Devil’s Claw were all in bud. In the same community were Kernera saxatilis, Potentilla caulescens (in leaf), and Rhamnus pumila. Samolus valerandi was added to the plant list. Two species of Aconitum, A.variegatum and A.napellus, were in flower.

Chrysosplenium alternifolium and Lonicera alpigena were among the many other plants, and some six Lady’s Slippers were in fruit. Dipper frequented the stream. John and Hilary found Cystopteris montana, a few fine fronds, a species new for the tour, that coincidentally we had been talking about! A beautiful micro moth was seen all too briefly.

We finished the walk in Sottoguda village and whilst everyone enjoyed an ice cream I walked back up to collect the mini-bus. I will admit I intended to take the motorised train back up, but the timings just did not work and I would have had to wait for some time for it.

By popular demand we visited the troll and wrought iron animal souvenir shop where Hilary found some fine marmot souvenirs. And I was very grateful for the marmot snow globe bought for me here, a thing of beauty (!). I will always remember this tour by it, whenever it snows on the Marmolada marmot!

We’d enjoyed a marvellous week in the Dolomites, and seen such a great variety, and we loved the hotel, with fine company.

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Days 10 to 13 Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd July Bergamasche Orobienne Alps & Brescian Prealps

An early start was necessary for the drive to Venice Airport, but as usual the excellent hotel had prepared an early breakfast for us. The journey went smoothly, and we arrived on schedule. We said sad farewells to all the Robinsons and then John, Hilary and I waited for the next arrivals here before we travelled to Verona to meet the rest of the group. We even ventured into the Veneto countryside where we escaped the crowds and added several plants to the list along a leafy lane. We left the autostrada near Brescia and our route took us along the scenic shores of Lake Iseo. Minor roads took us into the Bergamasche Alps, where a gorge had the endemics Telekia speciossima and Corydalis lutea on the roadside, but there was just nowhere to stop safely. We did make a stop a little later where a narrow flowery lane yielded much of interest. Several Arran Browns were on the wing, and Pearly Heath. Broad-leaved Helleborines were in flower. Cyclamen purpurascens and Aquilegia atrata were admired, there were Teucrium chamaedrys, Helleborus niger, and Digitalis lutea, and Coronilla vaginalis was in fruit. Zygaena transalpina nectared on knapweeds.

Soon we reached Borno and our hotel in this characterful town. Getting the vehicle into the narrow hotel car park was quite a challenge, but we were soon settling in to the very good rooms. We enjoyed a fine welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Our first day here being Sunday, I had to chose which of our two full day trips from here would be the less affected by Sunday traffic. So it was we spent the day in the Orobienne Alps in Bergamo province, a fascinating area, where although the highest peaks are only at about 2,500m, the mountains are very steep, making access to the higher areas somewhat difficult. The roads were indeed crazily busy, especially on the return journey, but all worked well, and in both directions we were going the right way, i.e. against the traffic.

From Borno, rather a long drive took us west to the slopes of Pizzo Arera, where a toll road leads to a car park at 1650m, from where the track rises up towards the aforementioned refuge, at 2000m, where begins the ‘path of flowers’, along which are some very special things. I had arranged for the owners of the refuge to get us to these higher altitudes in their four wheel drive, which took us up to the most important habitat, avoiding a long uphill walk which would have been much too time consuming and strenuous. All of us did however choose to walk down later in the day.

Having reached the car park we set out on foot whilst we waited for the 4WD to meet us. Although we had made an early start it was already incredibly busy up here. We found one of the few remaining car park spaces! It was apparent that most of the crowds were from the city of Bergamo, and it was encouraging to see so many people here to enjoy these fine mountains, all making the long walk up to the refuge. Our transport soon appeared, punctually, much to my relief, and drove us up to the refuge. As we ascended the flowers were many and superb. Gathering ourselves after the bumpy ride, especially for those of us who rode in the back of the pick up, we set out on foot.

Pedicularis gyroflexa was common and one slope had much Edelweiss. Passers by, drawn to it by us, also admired the stella alpina. Soon we located some of the area’s real specialities. Linaria tonzigii is a

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 11 very rare endemic toadflax, and we were very pleased to find a few plants in fine flower. The endemic Galium montis-arerae takes its name from the mountain, and was floriferous. Primula glaucescens was all in fruit, but the beautiful endemic Viola dubyana was a highlight, with several in flower, and lower down very many. Thlaspi rotundifolium was in fruit. A plant I was particularly hoping to find was Allium insubricum. This beautiful species is close to Allium narcissiflorum which blooms further west, in my area of the Alps. We saw many superb examples of this most special allium today, a tour highlight, they really were in fine form this year. Minuartia grignensis was another endemic, with Minuartia austriaca and Minuartia verna seen too. Yellow Mountain Saxifrage grew here in surprisingly dry rocky substrate. Saxifraga caesia was in fine form and the butterwort here was Pinguicula leptoceras.

Silky Ringlet of the distinctive triopes form, with three forewing ocelli, was seen closely.

Plants continued with Globularia nudicaulis and Globularia cordifolia both in flower. Alpine Poppies were in fine bloom, and Bupleurum petraeum was numerous on the cliffs above us. Among the many other species seen in the area were Erysimum rhaeticum, Silene pusilla, Valeriana saxatilis, Linum alpinum, Pedicularis ascendens, Athamanta cretensis, Achillea clavennae, and Primula auricula in fruit.

A hearty lunch was enjoyed in the refuge, which we had timed to coincide with when many of the visitors were already finishing their lunch, it of course being very busy indeed. It was time for some exercise after all that polenta, so we set out on foot back down the mountain.

Butterflies on these higher slopes included several Shepherd’s Fritillaries, numerous Lesser Mountain Ringlets, Almond-eyed Ringlet, and Dewy Ringlet. Sooty Copper and Mountain Argus were among the lycaenids. The muddy shores of a pond had several mud puddling butterflies, and a few dragonflies. Lower down was fine Saxifraga hostii rhaetica and the stately Stemmacantha rhapontica was abundant in lower pastures. Bladder Gentians were in fine flower. As mentioned the Viola dubyana was stunning. One fine patch of the unusual and very local endemic Sanguisorba dodecandra flowered beside the track. Dianthus hyssopifolius was very attractive.

Water Pipit, Black Redstart, Northern Wheatear, and Alpine Choughs were typical of these higher slopes.

The drive back was notable for the vast queues of cars, all coming down from the mountains on Sunday evening, but all going in the other direction so we had an easy journey ourselves.

This left Monday for our visit to the east, the Brescian Prealps. Sunday having gone today there were almost no bicycles, motorbikes, or indeed many other visitors at all in this fine area. Campanula barbata was very common here.

Climbing scenic narrow roads, through some very attractive villages, finally we reached the pass, very tranquil today. The remainder of the day was spent completing a circuit in the Brescian Prealps, with many stops along the way. This was a superbly rich area botanically. It was a marvellously wild, with many superb views even though we were only in the prealps, the highest peaks being at around 2200m. We touched on southern parts of the Adamello Natural Park, where the flowers were remarkably impressive.

We could I think have spent all morning at the first floriferous slope. It was a wonderful site, full of flowers, among them Hypericum maculatum, Dianthus superbus, Polygonum bistorta, Senecio alpinus,

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 12 and many orchids (see below). On roadside rocks was Arenaria multicaulis. Insect wise there were several Map-winged Swifts and an impressive bush cricket.

On calcareous substrate Rhododendron hirsutum bloomed, and Saxifraga hostii rhaetica, one of our target species, cascaded superbly from a cliff face. The endemic Centaurea rhaetica had fine feathery bracts and was rather common here, and at several other sites. Globeflowers and Wolfsbane bloomed in damp meadows, there was beautiful Bupleurum ranunculoides caricinum, and Stachys pradica. Sempervivum wulfenii was in impressive flower, and Tephroseris tenuifolia, Laserpitium gaudinii, and Senecio doronicum continued the variety. Pyrola minor was found at the forest edge.

Orchids were quite a feature. Gymnadenia odoratissima was numerous, with the usually commoner Gymnadenia conopsea in smaller numbers. Traunsteinera globosa was in superb form, there was much Leucorchis albida, several Frog Orchids, and superb Nigritella rhellicani. A great find later in the day was three Nigritella rubra, and in woodland Dactylorhiza fuchsii was abundant.

A short stroll across a bog yielded a selection of sedges, including Carex hostiana. and added Salix rosmarinifolia to the list.

A wild little used road afforded superb views of the complex scenery, and several stops along it yielded many fine flowers. The stately Molopospermum peloponessiacum was in bloom, there was fine Gentiana punctata, much Bupleurum stellatum, Phyteuma hedraianthifolium, Phyteuma betonicifolium, Senecio incanus carniolicus and Saxifraga stellaris. Acidic slopes had Rhododendron ferrugineum. Among legumes Astragalus penduliflorus, Hedysarum hedysaroides, and Onobrychis montana were in impressive flower. Pedicularis ascendens was numerous. A surprise was Anemone narcissiflora still in flower, above us in a gully. Celia was determined to get close to them, and climbed to get photographs.

Wet flushes had Saxifraga stellaris and a fine selection of sedges and rushes. Cliffs had much Saxifraga aspera in fine form. A pleasing find was a good number of the pink flowered Scorzonera rosea, new for the tour.

An extensive picnic lunch was set out, with stunning views. Among the many plants on the acid rocks here were Hieracium piliferum, Pedicularis kerneri, and Luzula glabrata.

Primulas were to be a feature of the tour. On the recce I’d seen stunning Primula daonensis and Primula glaucescens here, in fine flower. Even though the recce had been several days later in July, this year all plants today were in fruit. The former is a classic central alps endemic, very much centred on the area of the tour, and we would see it in flower later in the week. The latter has a wide altitudinal range but is limited to a few provinces in the central Italian Alps, but we did not see it in bloom this year.

Mountain Clouded Yellows flew across the grassy slopes, Common Brassy Ringlets basked, and Alpine Heath and Purple-edged Copper were among the other butterflies.

Among the many other plants in the area were Pedicularis recutita, Grass of Parnassus, Alpine Rose, and Mountain Avens. Although in fruit a few Fritillaria tubaeformis, found at the last stop, was a pleasing addition to the list.

Among the many other plants seen in the area, mostly more widespread species, were Holly Fern, Moonwort, Net-leaved Willow, Alpine Gypsophila, Cerastium latifolium, Kernera, Chamois Cress,

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Golden Cinquefoil, Yellow Wood Violet, Great Masterwort, Lesser Masterwort, Laserpitium peucedanoides, Gentiana clusii, Alpine Wood Forget-me-not, Verticillate Lousewort, Adenostyles alpina, Pulsatilla alpina, Dryas octopetala, Linaria alpina, Digitalis grandiflora, Veronica alpina, Phyteuma scheuchzeri, Campanula spicata, Achillea clavennae, Tofieldia calyculata, and Anthericum ramosum. Martagon and Orange Lilies were in fine flower.

Day 14 Tuesday 4th July Journey to Rhaetian Alps

We said our farewells to Borno and set off north towards Stelvio National Park. A beautiful minor route took us along quiet forested roads to a low pass, the acidic pastures at the top floriferous.

The first stop was for Phyteuma scheuchzeri columnae, which we had seen on cliffs yesterday as we drove, but not close to. Laburnum was in flower, and Bupleurum falcatum cernuum was new for us. This was another site for Veronica fruticulosa. Lesser Mountain Ringlet and Large Ringlet settled on the road.

At the pass was Plantago maritima serpentina. Phyteuma humile was identified, and turned out to be common in the area, part of a complex of three very similar species, all beginning with h, the others Phyteuma hemisphaeicum and Phyteuma hedraianthifolium. The boggy flushes here supported many sedges.

In forest were Fir Clubmoss, Interrupted Clubmoss, Beech Fern, Scaly Male Fern, and Aposeris foetida in flower. Dark Green Fritillary and Marbled White were on the wing. One flowery roadside had many Arran Browns and very many Large Ringlets nectaring. Among the ferns were Forked Spleenwort and Parsley Fern, and John pointed out Dryopteris abbreviata and the notable moss Paraleucobryum longifolium. Saxifraga cuneifolia was in flower.

Plants continued with Limestone Woundwort, Melampyrum sylvaticum, and the grass Polypogon viridis very tall. Scarce Copper was admired, but a Thor’s Fritillary was frustratingly elusive, settling high in a tree.

Lunch was set out at a convenient riverside site in the forest, with picnic tables. This was a beautiful tranquil place.

We motored speedily on towards our next stop, taking a long forested flowery road towards Gavia Pass. Senecio germanicus became numerous at woodland edge, where was also Sisymbrium strictissimum. There were many butterflies on the wing, including Pearl-bordered and Heath Fritillary, and among the many Erebias was Almond-eyed Ringlet. The road became ever more exciting, scenic, and narrow. There were fine views of waterfalls, scree slopes and snow covered peaks.

The burnet Zygaena purpuralis was seen, and the distinctive geometer typical of the alpine, Psodos quadrifaria. Alpine Blue mud puddled. Pyramidal Bugle and Achillea erba-rotta moschata were in flower. There followed more Nigritella rhellicani, and Saxifraga bryoides flowered locally on rocks, with Minuartia recurva and Silene exscapa. Primula glutinosa was already over. This is a rather widespread endemic in the central and eastern Alps, on acidic soils. Plants continued with Leucanthemopsis alpina, beautiful Phyteuma globulariifolium, and Pedicularis kerneri, and Alchemilla pentaphyllea was a rather distinctive species in this complex genus and was quite common up here.

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Armeria alpina, Saxifraga seguieri, Pinguicula leptoceras, and Aster alpinus continued the variety. Snowdon Lilies were in fine form and Gentiana nivalis was in bloom. At the pass itself, at 2650m, a marsh had fine Gentiana bavarica, although closed up in the late afternoon.

Having driven down the northern slopes of the pass we reached our hotel in the settlement of Santa Caterina Valfurva. Fabiana and I had found this hotel on the recce, after some searching and checking many possibilities in the area. Within the Stelvio National Park boundary, it was an ideal location for visiting Gavia Pass, the Forni valley, Stelvio Pass itself, other sites in Stelvio NP, Val Viola, and the Livigno area passes. A family run hotel with beautiful rooms, the food was also superb in a dining room with a great atmosphere and good service.

Days 15 to 18 Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th July Rhaetian Alps

The first morning saw us returning to the Gavia Pass, the weather superb. The morning was cloudless, and although a few clouds gathered later, the day remained superb. We spent the whole day exploring in more detail the fine acidic habitats either side of the pass, and the pass itself.

Eriophorum scheuchzeri was a feature of boggy flushes, where the beautiful Gentiana bavarica we’d seen yesterday was now open in the sunshine. Cardamine alpina bloomed around a small chapel. Salix herbacea was in attractive bloom, and Cerastium cerastoides and Veronica bellidioides were here. Several Transparent Burnets were already on the wing, Dewy Ringlets and Glandon Blue flew over the slopes, and Alpine Grayling was a highlight.

A walk along a remarkable old military road, dating from the First World War, led us up to fine habitat. All around was stunning scenery, and much remaining snow. Saxifraga seguieri was in fine flower and cushions of Minuartia sedoides were covered in green flowers. Soldanella pusilla was in good numbers. Ranunculus glacialis surprised us by growing in profusion in a wet flush. Trifolium alpinum was ridiculously common. Sibbaldia procumbens was numerous, in fine form. Arenaria biflora was a good addition to the list, and Primula glutinosa and Primula daonensis were both in fine flower. The diminutive Gnapthalium supinum grew on trampled ground. Hilary found pink flowered Androsace alpina, those we had seen in the Dolomites being white. Saxifraga seguieri was locally common. Glandon Blue was typical of the habitat. On our previous visit here we had had close views of Ibex here, but none were seen this year.

Birds typical of the habitat were Snow Finches, Alpine Choughs, and Northern Wheatear.

Lunch was eaten to the south of the pass where Hilary spotted much of the tiny Gentiana tenella growing in the short turf.

Damp hollows had several Shepherd’s Fritillaries, all sitting in the the dull weather, and Large Grizzled Skipper was seen. Sempervivum montanum and Gentiana brachyphylla were in impressive flower.

Back towards Santa Caterina was one of the finds of the tour as I stopped at what looked like a promising cliff face beside the river. This proved to be a superb site. There were many saxifrages here, such as Saxifraga caesia, with Saxifraga muscoides, new for the tour, most notable. Daphne cneorum was in bloom. There were many interesting bryophytes, including Orthothecium rufescens, Tortella tortuosa, and Rhytidium rugosum (JB). The streamside had a lush showy flora.

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We spent the next full day exploring the heart of the national park, driving the exciting road up to Stelvio Pass, at 2758m. It was an amazing area. We enjoyed superb fine weather, although higher up there was still much snow, and indeed there is all year skiing here.

No fewer than forty five bends took us up through a transect of altitudinal vegetation zones with many fine views all the way up, the pass itself close to the Swiss border, and on the border with Bolzano Province. Here we were at an altitude that I can also reach by road in the valley I live in, but that is something unusual in the Alps where such heights are usually reached on foot, or by chair lifts and cable cars.

A short first stop had the only Ranunculus kuepferi of the tour, and stunning Gentiana orbicularis. Peak White flew over the slopes. From the pass with its hulks of ski hotels, frankfurter stalls, and kitsch souvenirs on offer, we took a cable car, sharing it with well dressed Italian skiers. At the top the sun shone. We soon got away from everyone else and found some exposed rocks just below 3,000m where the flora was limited but everything was of interest. It was rather like the flora we see high on Marmolada in the Dolomites, but it is rather more floriferous here. There was fine Saxifraga oppositifolia, much Saxifraga exarata, many fine Alpine Poppies, the pale blue Arabis caerulea, Arabis alpina, and much Pritzelago alpina. Draba tomentosa was new for the tour. Alpine Choughs were much in evidence.

Back down in the crowded cable car, near the vehicle were many more superb poppies. I was delighted to finally locate Saxifraga aphylla, a species I’d been scouring the upper slopes for as I’d seen it there in the past. This one was in fine flower and was a fine end to the morning.

A little below the pass I set out the lunch. This was a fine flowery spot, with many butterflies. Here Pulsatilla alpina apiifolia was still in flower. Mountain Clouded Yellows, Marsh Fritillary, and Mountain Fritillary were typical of the upper grassy slopes. Common Brassy Ringlet and Dewy Ringlet were here, and a little higher up Roy had found Cynthia’s Fritillary and Grisons Frittilary. Epilobium anagallidifolium and Epilobium alsinifolium were both in flower. Small Apollo drifted over slopes where its foodplant Saxifraga aizoides bloomed.

Next was a productive but quite demanding walk on calcareous substrate, along one of the many trails inside the park. On the recce a highlight here had been a Lammergeier that flew remarkably close over my head, later both it and me causing the Marmots to whistle alarms calls.

Today, Silky and Sooty Ringlets flew over screes. Ranunculus glacialis was again abundant, and we were very pleased to find the very special Ranunculus parnassifolius heterocarpus, although in fruit this year. Papaver aurantiacum was again in fine bloom. Astragalus alpinus and Crepis pygmaea were seen, and Crepis kerneri was in bud. Hieracium glaucum was identified. There was much Saxifraga caesia, and the endemic Moehringia concarenae bloomed on one cliff. Pedicularis rostratocapitata was a new lousewort, and Artemisia umbelliformis was a pleasing find.

Back in the vehicle, and reunited with Elizabeth and Celia, we spotted Jacob’s Ladder as we drove, the only place we saw this species.

Lower down was Rhododendron hirsutum and much wolfsbane. In forest we saw Epipactis atrorubens, Epipactis helleborine, Thalictrum foetidum, Saponaria ocymoides, and Potentilla caulescens, and Wood Pink was in flower. Here some goats inside a small car were thankfully not left alone in the heat for long,

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 16 as their guardian appeared through the trees carrying another goat. But we did wonder at how that car must have smelt inside, a hot car full of goats! Knapweed Fritillary nectared, and Red- underwing Skipper settled on the track.

After a fine day in the field an ice cream stop on the return drive was very welcome.

The next day we explored the Val Viola, to the west of Bormio. This was a beautiful place where again the sun shone and we saw many butterflies. Previously accessed via a toll road, when we were allocated a parking space at the end of the road, this system had been abandoned, and surprisingly there were many fewer vehicles today. We parked and walked some way up a gently climbing path, the higher reaches of which lead to the Viola refuge, and eventually the pass, the border with Switzerland.

An early highlight was fine Sempervivum wulfenii, together with much Sempervivum montanum, and probable hybrids between the two. The distinctive pale Hieracium intybaceum was new to us, Gentiana bavarica flowered in wet flushes, Saxifraga stellaris was common, Potentilla grandiflora was attractive, and Polygala chamaebuxus flowered in the shade.

Purple-edged Copper and Sooty Copper were both admired. Among the blues Cranberry Blue was the highlight, with several today. Also here were Large, Idas, Mazarine, and Chalkhill Blues. Arran Browns and Large Ringlets were again very numerous, Alpine Heath was common, and Asian Fritillary was a highlight, although the only one seen was spooked by a car before Roy could see one of his target species. Swiss Brassy Ringlet was here too. Senecio abrotanifolius was new for us, but with only one or two plants here. Fine wet flushes had Pinguicula leptoceras and Cirsium helenoides was in bud. Moorland Clouded Yellow was a highlight, and Swallowtail flew over the slopes.

At the lunch site were a number of Alpine Newts in a large pond.

Heading back through Bormio, I drove through ever smaller villages to Oja Bog, hidden in the forest, where was an interesting acidic bog flora. Among plants seen here were Parnassia palustris, Sanguisorba officinalis, and Drosera rotundifolia in bud. Sedges were a feature, among them Carex paniculata, dominant Carex rostrata, Carex brunnescens, Carex echinata, and Trichophorum alpinum as well as Trichophorum caespitosum. Dactylorhiza cruenta was in bloom and Vaccinium gaultherioides was distinctive. John was delighted to find Sphagnum fuscum among the common red-tinged Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fuscum being a northern species with only a few known sites this far south. This was indeed a new site for it, and in a new area. Bog Rosemary and Vaccinium microcarpum were in leaf. Aeschna juncea patrolled over the bog, and Four-spotted Chaser was perched. Chequered Skipper was a great find.

A grassy slope had many Field Gentians. Herb Paris and Viola palustris grew at the forest edge. Crested Tits and Coal Tits were peripatetic in the spruces, and Nutcrackers were much in evidence as at many sites during the tour, here making a variety of calls. At the cafe, ice creams were on John, to celebrate the Sphagnum find.

The last full day saw us visiting four passes, the furthest in Switzerland. Locally was much Loiseluria procumbens in flower. Three species of primula were added to the list, all calcifuges, Primula latifolia, Primula integrifolia, and Primula hirsuta were all in flower, and we saw several hybrids, probably all three that occur between these species. Juncus jacquinii is one of my favourite plants of the Alps, and

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 17 was in fine form here. Alpine Clubmoss and Lycopodium clavatum were both at the first pass, and Pyrola minor was in flower. This was another site for Small Apollo.

Saxifraga bryoides and Saxifraga seguieri were in flower, and Mountain Crowberry was a characteristic plant of acidic slopes. The glaceigenita form of Marsh Fritillary, beautiful Cynthia’s Fritillary, and the burnet Zygaena exulans were on the wing. Soldanella pusilla was still in abundant flower by snowmelt. Meadows around Livigno were full of abundant bistort.

We made a lengthy excursion into Switzerland in search of the very local endemic Little Fritillary, and some special plants. Our destination was a pass above the Inn Valley, where fine alpine pasture was towered over by scree slopes and snow capped peaks.

No sooner than we were out of the vehicle the foodplant of our target butterfly, Plantago alpina, was immediately common. I set up the lunch in this rather windy spot. The fritillary took more finding than on my last visit, as any butterfly flying soon got carried away by the wind. In the end we saw some four of this very special species, certainly the butterfly highlight of a very productive tour. Also here were Mountain Fritillaries, Alpine Blue, Eros Blue, and Dewy Ringlets.

Ranunculus alpestris was very common, Viola calcarata was in flower, and there was much Androsace chamaejasme. There was also Primula integrifolia. It was great to find Chamorchis alpina, a species for which we have a growing list of localities in the Alps. Also here were Dactylorhiza majalis, Pinguicula alpina, Empetrum nigrum, Oxytropis campestris tyroliensis, Oxytropis jacquinii, and Primula farinosa.

Of note today was a vintage and classic car rally, of quality cars, smaller than that met last year on the same day, but still with a selection of Jaguars, Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Austin-Healeys, and Aston Martins.

On the drive here I’d spotted a lone spike of Campanula thyrsoides, and on the way back we stopped to admire this fine example, a great last new plant for the tour.

We enjoyed a good farewell dinner, but it was dampened somewhat by Elizabeth’s empty chair. She had opted for an easy day around the hotel and village, instead of coming with us on our long drive over four passes. Ironically she had ended up in hospital with a broken ankle.

After dinner John gave a fine appreciation speech.

Day 19 Sunday 9th July Departure

We departed after an early breakfast for the long drive to Malpensa. This being Sunday there was much traffic heading into the mountains in the opposite direction, but we had a clear journey all the way. It was amazing just how many tunnels there were, we seemed to spend at least half the journey before our rest stop inside tunnels.

At the rest stop, with views of Lake Como, Diplotaxis tenuifolia was added to the list.

We said our fond farewells at Malpensa and I continued west to the Valle di Lanzo.

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Dolomites Systematic Lists 2017 Compiled by Paul Cardy

Itinerary Day 1. Thursday 22nd June. Arrival. Venice to Barcis via Vajont. Day 2. Friday 23rd June. Cimoliana. Day 3. Saturday 24th June. Cellina Gorge, San Osvaldo, Dont, Passo Duran, Rocca Pietore. Day 4. Sunday 25th June. Selva di Cadore museum, Staulanza, Fontanafredda. Day 5. Monday 26th June. Passo di Giau. Posalz. Day 6. Tuesday 27th June. Fedaia. Day 7. Wednesday 28th June. Gares, San Lucano. Day 8. Thursday 29th June. Falzarego, Valparola, Andraz, Belvedere. Day 9. Friday 30th June. Marmolada, Fedaia, Sottoguda. Day 10. Saturday 1st July. Departure.

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Systematic List Number 1 Plants (Dolomites)

Nomenclature and systematic order follow ‘Flora Alpina’, by Aeschimann et al., 2004. Species recorded in previous years but not 2017 are annotated with the year in which they were last seen. Species added this year are annotated 2017, and indeed quite a number of new species were added this year, some seventeen years into the tour!

A. PTERIDOPHYTA Ferns and their allies

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia selago Fir Clubmoss Fedaia. Lycopodium annotinum Interrupted Clubmoss Cimoliana and San Osvaldo. Lycopodium clavatum Stag’s-horn Clubmoss Cimoliana 2015. Diphasiastrum alpinum Alpine Clubmoss Fedaia 2016.

Selaginellaceae Selaginella selaginoides Lesser Clubmoss Moist limey turf and rocks, Passo di Giau, Cimoliana, and Serrai di Sottoguda. Selaginella helvetica Swiss Clubmoss Moist mossy rocks/walls in Serrai di Sottoguda, Cimoliana, and Gares.

Equisetaceae Equisetum hyemale Dutch Rush San Lucano 2012. Equisetum variegatum Variegated Horsetail Scattered records, e.g. San Lucano. Equisetum fluviatile Water Horsetail Cimoliana, Duran, Fontanafredda, etc. Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail Settimana 2016. Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Scattered records, e.g. Cimolian, Gares. Equisetum telmateia Giant Horsetail Barcis, Marsh Helleborine site, Venezia area.

Ophioglossaceae Botrychium lunaria Moonwort Giau, Fedaia, Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, etc., often numerous. Polypodiaceae Adiantum capillis-veneris Maidenhair Fern Sottoguda Gorge. Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody Cimoliana, San Lucano, Sottoguda, Giau, etc. Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Fontanafredda, Barcis area, Gares, Duran, etc. Oreopteris limbosperma Lemon-scented Fern San Osvaldo 2013. Phegopteris connectilis Beech Fern Common at Gares, Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, San Osvaldo, etc. Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Rocks at San Lucano, Gares, Giau, Friulani, etc. Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Limestone ledges and boulders on Passo di Giau, Fontanafredda, Serrai di Sottoguda, Settimana, Cimoliana, San Osvaldo, and at Gares. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Dolomiti Friulani. Asplenium onopteris Western Black Spleenwort Serrai di Sottaguda and Gares, 2010. Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort Belvedere. Asplenium seelosii a spleenwort Cimoliana. Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall-rue Rocks at Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, Barcis, Giau, Gares, and Sottoguda. Asplenium scolopendrium Hart’s-tongue Fern Barcis 2017. Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Forest at Settimana, Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, and Gares.

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Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Sheltered rocks at Barcis, Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, Serrai di Sottoguda, Gares, foot of Marmolada chairlift, etc. Cystopteris alpina Alpine Bladder-fern Recorded in the past. Cystopteris montana Mountain Bladder-fern Sottoguda Gorge 2017. Cystopteris sudetica a bladder-fern Some fine examples at Gares. Woodsia pulchella a woodsia Calcareous rocks below Passo di Giau. Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern Rocky forest at Cimoliana, Gares etc. Gymnocarpium robertianum Limestone Fern Cimoliana etc., locally common. Matteucia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern San Lucano, Gares valley. Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern Cimoliana and Sottoguda Gorge. Polystichum aculeatum Hard Shield Fern Barcis. Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield Fern Cimoliana. Dryopteris filix-mas Male Fern Cimoliana etc. Dryopteris affinis Scaly Male Fern Scattered records, e.g. Sottoguda. Dryopteris villarii Mountain Fern Cimoliana. Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern Gares. Dryopteris expansa Northern Buckler-fern

B. CONIFEROPSIDA Conifer trees and their allies

Pinaceae Abies alba Silver Fir Cimoliana. Picea abies Norway Spruce Widespread – main forest dominant at mid-altitudes. Larix decidua European Larch Frequent in middle altitudes, locally dominant just below treeline. Pinus nigra Austrian Pine Dolomiti Friulani. Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Forest at middle altitudes, e.g. Friulani. Pinus mugo Dwarf Mountain Pine Often dominant 1800-2100m (higher on Marmolada), and locally down to middle levels in the understorey. Pinus cembra Arolla Pine Scattered, mostly at high altitude, often with latter e.g. Passo di Giau.

Cupressaceae Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Roadsides lower down. Juniperus communis communis Juniper Dolomiti Friulani etc. Juniperus communis alpina Passo di Giau etc. Juniperus sabina Savin Belvedere, Andraz, and Rocca Pietore.

C. ANGIOSPERMS - DICOTYLEDONES

Aristolochiaceae Asarum europaeum Asarabacca In leaf at Barcis.

Ranunculaceae Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore Leaves at San Boldo 2010. Callianthemum coriandrifolium In fruit on rocks at Valparola, 2017. Trollius europaeus Globeflower Widespread, common in meadows at all levels e.g.Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Duran, Cimoliana, Fedaia, and Passo Staulanza. Actaea spicata Baneberry Leaves Cimoliana 2016. Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold Common at Fontanafredda, Duran, and Passo di Giau. Aconitum lycoctonum Wolfsbane Widespread, e.g. Claut, Cimoliana, Duran.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 21 ssp. neapolitanum Aconitum anthora A monk’s-hood Leaves noted 2014. Aconitum variegatum A monk’s-hood Sottoguda 2017. ssp? Aconitum napellus Monk’s-hood Sottoguda. ssp.tauricum? Delphinium dubium Leaves noted. Anemone trifolia a wood-anemone Locally common, mostly over this year, e.g. Duran, Fontanafredda, and Cimoliana. Anemone baldensis Monte Baldo Anemone A few at Fedaia. Hepatica nobilis Hepatica Forest at Fontanafredda, Posalz and in Serrai di Sottoguda. All in leaf. Also Dolomiti Friulani and Gares. Pulsatilla alpina Alpine Pasque Flower Widespread and common above 1500m e.g. Fontanafredda (in fruit), Fedaia, and Passo di Giau. Pulsatilla vernalis Spring Pasque Flower Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Not seen 2017. Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy In flower on lower roadsides. Clematis recta Ground Clematis Barcis 2017. Clematis alpina Alpine Clematis Forest margins and boulder-scree at Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, foot of Marmolada chairlift, Cimoliana, Fedaia, and Gares. Clematis viticella a clematis Near Venice 2017. Ranunculus tuberosus a buttercup Cimoliana, Fontanafredda, etc. Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Sottoguda. Ranunculus lanuginosus a buttercup Friulani woods. Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Scattered. Ranunculus carinthiacus a buttercup Fontanafredda grassy slope, Duran, etc. Ranunculus montanus a buttercup Widespread at higher altitudes. Ranunculus venetus a buttercup Ranunculus breyninus a buttercup Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup Cimoliana 2010. Ranunculus auricomus Goldilocks Fontanafredda 2009. Ranunculus hybridus Hybrid Buttercup In flower at Giau. Ranunculus platanifolius a buttercup Common in woods at mid levels e.g. Fontanafredda, Gares, San Lucano, below Fedaia, and below Giau. Ranunculus glacialis Glacier Crowfoot Several in flower at Fedaia. Ranunculus kuepferi a buttercup Passo di Giau and Fedaia Aquilegia vulgaris Common Columbine San Lucano. Aquilegia atrata Dark Columbine Scattered records, e.g. Cimoliana. Aquilegia einseleana a columbine Val Cimoliana. Thalictrum aquilegifolium Great Meadow-Rue Cimoliana, Gares, Sottoguda, and Fedaia (white flowers). Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow-rue Scrubby ground in Serrai di Sottoguda, and Cimoliana. Locally common Dolomiti Friulani.

Berberidaceae Berberis vulgaris Barberry Cimoliana, and Gares.

Papaveraceae Papaver rhoeas Corn Poppy Lower altitude roadsides, and Cimoliana. Papaver aurantiacum Alpine Poppy Valparola, Gares, and Fedaia. Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Caprile. Eschscholtzia californica California Poppy Naturalised locally on roadsides, 2014.

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Ulmaceae Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Dolomiti Friulani. Ulmus minor an elm Dolomiti Friulani. Ulmus laevis Large-leaved Elm Near Venice 2017. Celtis australis Nettle-tree Venice area.

Moraceae Ficus carica Fig Roadsides near Venice.

Urticaceae Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle Widespread. Urtica urens Annual Nettle Cimoliana upper rocks (eutrophied!). Parietaria officinalis Common Pellitory

Juglandaceae Juglans regia Walnut Cimolais.

Fagaceae Fagus sylvatica Beech The typical forest dominant below 1500m.

Betulaceae Betula pendula Silver Birch Dolomiti Friulani. Alnus viridis Green Alder Often forming low scrub on the treeline, but also on forest edges lower down e.g. Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, below Passo di Giau, and Passo di Fedaia. Alnus incana Grey Alder San Lucano, Gares, Vajont, etc. Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Local, e.g. Cimoliana. Ostrya carpinifolia Hop Hornbeam Locally common in Dolomiti Friulani and Longarone area. Corylus avellana Hazel Widespread.

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good King Henry Cattle-frequented margins at Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, and by car- parks at Passo di Giau etc. Chenopodium album Fat Hen Cimoliana. Atriplex patula Common Orache Cimoliana 2012.

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria huteri a sandwort Cimoliana, endemic. In fine flower on lower cliffs and river gravels. Arenaria biflora a sandwort Fedaia p.m., 2012. Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort Sottoguda Gorge. Moehringia trinervia Three-veined Sandwort Forest at Fontanafredda, 2010. Moehringia muscosa Mossy Sandwort Mossy boulders etc., in forest at Gares, Fontanafredda, Barcis, and Cimoliana etc. Moehringia ciliata a sandwort Valparola. Moehringia bavarica a sandwort Fedaia 2012. Minuartia recurva Sickle-leaved Sandwort Locally common on acid rocks, e.g. Fedaia. Minuartia austriaca a sandwort Valparola. Minuartia verna verna Spring Sandwort Foot of Marmolada chairlift, Fedaia, and Giau rocks, etc. Minuartia verna collina Apparently this subspecies at Fedaia. Minuartia sedoides Mossy Cyphel Passo di Giau and Fedaia.

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Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort Fontanafredda and Gares. Stellaria media Common Chickweed Sottoguda. Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort Duran 2014. Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Dry meadows at Fontanafredda, Settimana, San Osvaldo, and Cimoliana. Cerastium cerastoides Starwort Mouse-ear Giau. Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Naturalised at Andraz. Not seen 2017. Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Widespread. Cerastium alpinum Alpine Mouse-ear Cimoliana 2016. Cerastium uniflorum a mouse-ear Fedaia, in leaf. Cerastium latifolium a mouse-ear Marmolada, in flower. Cerastium carinthiacum ssp.austroalpinum Passo di Giau, in leaf this year. Cerastium subtriflorum a mouse-ear Cimoliana gravels. Cerastium sylvaticum a mouse-ear Andraz 2017. Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Barcis. Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed San Lucano. Sagina saginoides Alpine Pearlwort Fedaia and Giau. Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Caprile. Scleranthus annuus Annual Knawel Fontanafredda. Silene coronaria Caprile 2010. 2012 near Vajont. Silene flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Duran etc. Silene italica Italian Catchfly In fruit at Cimoliana. Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Scattered records. Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Widespread. Silene saxifraga a catchfly Cimoliana and Barcis. Silene acaulis Moss Campion Limestone boulders and ledges on Passo Giau. Silene exscapa a moss campion On acidic substrates, e.g. Fedaia. Silene rupestris Rock Campion Rocks and ledges e.g. Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Feadaia, and Dolomiti Friulani. Silene pusilla Alpine Catchfly Foot of Marmolada chairlift, Sottoguda, Dolomiti Friulani. Silene veselskyi a catchfly Cimoliana. Silene dioica Red Campion Widespread. Gypsophila repens Alpine Gypsophila Widespread and locally common, e.g. Gares, Claut, and Posalz. Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Fontanafredda. Saponaria officinalis Soapwort Roadsides. Petrorhagia saxifraga Tunic Flower San Lucano, Sottoguda, Dolomiti Friulani. Dianthus barbatus Sweet William San Lucano. Dianthus sternbergii a fringed pink Val Cimoliana. Dianthus sylvestris Wood Pink Andraz, Belvedere, and Vajont. Dianthus superbus Fringed Pink Fedaia meadows.

Polygonaceae Polygonum aviculare Common Knotgrass Marco Polo airport. Polygonum bistorta Bistort Polygonum viviparum Alpine Bistort Grassland at Fontanafredda, Staulanza, Passo di Giau, Fedaia, Duran, and Dolomiti Friulani. Fallopia convolvulus Black Bindweed Val Cimoliana 2010. Oxyria digyna Mountain Sorrel Fedaia. Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel Fedaia. Rumex scutatus French Sorrel Passo di Fedaia, and Dolomiti Friulani. Rumex alpestris Mountain Dock Fontanafredda and Giau. Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Widespread.

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Rumex alpinus Monk’s Rhubarb Frequent in eutrophied pasture, etc., e.g. Fontanafredda and Passo di Fedaia. Rumex crispus Curled Dock Recorded. Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock San Lucano. Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock Recorded.

Plumbaginaceae Armeria alpina Mountain Thrift Falzarego and Marmolada.

Hypericaceae Hypericum montanum Pale St.John’s-wort Dolomiti Friulani, in bud. Hypericum maculatum Imperforate St. John’s-wort In leaf. Hypericum perforatum Common St John’s-wort Dolomiti Friulani.

Tiliaceae Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime

Malvaceae Malva alcea Hollyhock Mallow Vajont 2012. Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Roadsides lower down.

Cistaceae Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose Dolomiti Friulani, Fontanafredda etc. Helianthemum alpestre Alpine Rockrose Passo di Giau. Helianthemum canum canum Hoary Rockrose Limestone rocks at Fontanafredda, 2016.

Violaceae Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Fontanafredda 2016. Viola canina Heath Dog Violet Fontanafredda 2010. Viola palustris Bog Violet In flower at Fontanafredda, 2016. Viola biflora Yellow Wood Violet Widespread in shade and among rocks e.g. at Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Fedaia, Gares, Cimoliana. Viola tricolor Heartsease Rocca Pietore. Viola arvensis Field Pansy Belvedere 2016. Viola kitaibeliana Dwarf Pansy Cimolais 2011.

Tamaricaceae Myricaria germanica German Tamarisk River gravels at Caprile, 2012.

Salicaceae Salix pentandra Bay Willow Gares. Salix alba White Willow San Lucano and roadsides lower down. Salix reticulata Net-leaved Willow Frequent on limestone rocks and screes on Passo di Giau, Fedaia, Valparola, and foot of Marmolada chairlift. Salix herbacea Least Willow Drier exposed acidic ridges Fedaia, Passo di Giau, and Valparola. Salix retusa Retuse-leaved Willow Limestone, Passo di Giau, and Fedaia. Salix serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Willow Passo di Giau, Fedaia. Salix breviserrata Finely-toothed Willow Limestone boulder waste and scree on Passo di Giau. Salix alpina a willow Scree and rocks high on Fedaia, Giau,and Marmolada. Salix glaucosericea Silky Willow Grassy slopes below Refugio Fredarola, 2010.

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Salix myrsinifolia Dark-leaved Willow Scattered records at mid-altitudes, e.g. Cimoliana. Salix mielichhoferi a willow Marmolada, Giau. Salix glabra Alpine Willow Salix appendiculata an alpine willow Scattered records, e.g. Cimoliana and Vajont. Salix cinerea Grey Willow San Lucano. Salix caprea Goat Willow Forest edge at Fontanafredda, San Lucano, Dolomiti Friulani. Salix foetida Fishy Willow Salix waldsteiniana a willow Dolomiti Friulani, locally common. Salix hastata Large-stipuled Willow Vajont. Salix elaeagnos a willow River gravels of San Lucano, and Dolomiti Friulani. Salix purpurea Purple Osier Scattered, e.g. San Lucano, Vajont, and Dolomiti Friulani. Populus alba White Poplar Towards Venice. Populus tremula Aspen Forest edges San Lucano, Dolomiti Friulani, etc. Populus nigra Black Poplar

Brassicaceae Descurainia sophia Flixweed Gares 2014. Erysimum rhaeticum a Treacle Mustard Andraz, Fedaia, Sottoguda. Not seen 2017. Barbarea vulgaris Common Winter-cress A few records. Armoracia rusticana Horse-radish Caprile 2010. Cardamine pentaphyllos Five-leaflet Bittercress In fruit, Sottoguda. Cardamine enneaphyllos Drooping Bittercress In fruit, Sottoguda. Cardamine amara Large Bittercress Spring marsh at Fontanafredda, Gares, and Passo di Giau, etc. Cardamine resedifolia Mignonette-leaved Bittercress Giau and Fedaia. Cardamine impatiens Fine-leaved Bittercress Posalz, Gares, and Sottoguda. Cardaminopsis halleri Fontanafredda 2009. Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Cimoliana etc. Arabis turrita Tower Cress Above Longarone, and Barcis, in fruit. Arabis caerulea Blue Arabis Marmolada, in flower and fruit. Arabis bellidifolia a rockcress Marmolada, Sottoguda, Falzarego, Giau. Arabis subcoriacea a rockcress Below Giau 2015. Arabis alpina Alpine Rockcress Fedaia, Marmolada, Gares. Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow Grass Fedaia 2016. Draba hoppeana a whitlow grass This was the species in flower on Marmolada, 2015. Draba dolomitica a whitlow grass Sella Cable Car 2008. Draba siliquosa Carinthian Whitlow Grass Several at Fedaia. Draba dubia Austrian Whitlow Grass Passo di Giau, and Fedaia. Draba fladnizensis Arctic Draba 1 at Fedaia, 2014. Kernera saxatilis Kernera Barcis, Andraz, and Giau. Rhizobotrya alpina 2 fine plants on Gares gravels, where first found three years ago. Central Alps endemic. Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse Scattered records. Pritzelago alpina Chamois Cress Cimoliana, Fedaia, Passo di Giau, and Gares river gravels. Hymenolobus pauciflorus Cimoliana, at two sites at base of cliffs. Thlaspi arvense Field Pennycress Recorded 2012. Thlaspi rotundifolium Round-leaved Pennycress Many in flower Marmolada, also Fedaia, and Gares gravels. Aethionema saxatile Burnt Candytuft Claut dinosaur footprint site 2016.

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Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard Rocky meadows e.g. Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Fedaia, and Friulani. Diplotaxis muralis Annual Wall-rocket Caprile gravels 2012.

Resedaceae Reseda lutea Yellow Mignonette Cimoliana.

Ericaceae Erica carnea Spring Heath Widespread in open forest at Fontanafredda, in boulder waste on Passo di Giau, and Dolomiti Friulani. Locally dominant. Calluna vulgaris Heather or Ling Fontanafredda. Rhododendron ferrugineum Alpenrose Patches on more leached grassland at Passo di Giau, where numerous, Fedaia, and Fontanafredda. Rhododendron hirsutum Hairy Alpenrose Local on limestone e.g. Passo di Giau, Marmolada, Serrai di Sottoguda, and common in Dolomiti Friulani. Rhodothamnus chamaecistus Dwarf Alpenrose Boulder waste on Passo di Giau, but unusually none in flower this year, and Falzarego. Loiseleuria procumbens Creeping Azalea Passo di Giau, but none in flower this year. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry In leaf Cimoliana. Arctostaphylos alpina Alpine Bearberry Giau, 2017. Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry Scattered in forest at Fontanafredda Cimoliana, Giau, Fedaia, and Gares etc. Vaccinium uliginosum Bog Whortleberry Scattered on leached grassland on Passo di Giau, Valparola, and Fontanafredda. Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Forest at Fontanafredda and among boulders on Passo di Giau. Also Dolomiti Friulani.

Pyrolaceae Pyrola minor Lesser Wintergreen Giau, in flower. Pyrola media Intermediate Wintergreen Noted in fruit 2014. Pyrola rotundifolia Round-leaved Wintergreen Cimoliana and lower Marmolada. Orthilia secunda Nodding Wintergreen Below Staulanza. Moneses uniflora One-flowered Wintergreen Below Staulanza and Gares. Monotropa hypopitys Yellow Bird’s-nest San Osvaldo 2011.

Primulaceae Primula elatior Oxlip 1 in flower at Giau 2016. Primula veris Cowslip Gone over this year. Primula farinosa Bird’s-eye Primrose Cimoliana, Passo di Giau, Fontanafredda, Duran, etc. Several still in flower. Primula halleri Long-flowered Primrose 1 on Fedaia. Primula glutinosa a primrose Many in fine flower at S.Pellegrino in 2014. Primula minima Least Primrose In leaf and fruit Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Primula auricula Bear’s-ear 1 just still in flower below Passo di Giau, others in fruit. Androsace vitaliana Vitaliana In flower at Fedaia. Androsace obtusifolia Blunt-leaved Rock-jasmine Common on Fedaia, also Giau. Androsace villosa a rock-jasmine This species at Fedaia, but apparently on acidic substrate? 2014.

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Androsace alpina Alpine Rock-jasmine Several at Fedaia, in fine flower. Soldanella pusilla Dwarf Snowbell 2 in flower Passo di Giau, several at Fedaia. Soldanella minima Least Snowbell Falzarego and in leaf at Sottoguda. Soldanella alpina Alpine Snowbell Falzarego, Passo di Giau, and Fedaia. None in flower this year. Cyclamen purpurascens Sowbread Dolomiti Friulani etc. Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife Near Venice 2017. Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny At the service station on the last day, 2016. Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel San Osvaldo lunch site. Samolus valerandi Brookweed Sottoguda Gorge 2017.

Crassulaceae Sempervivum wulfenii Many fine examples at Fedaia. Sempervivum arachnoideum Cobweb Houseleek Fedaia. Sempervivum montanum Mountain Houseleek Fedaia. Sempervivum dolomiticum Dolomitic Houseleek Ledges on Passo di Giau in the past. Sedum telephium Orpine Belvedere and Rocca Pietore, in leaf. Sedum montanum a stonecrop Rocca Pietore and Belvedere. Sedum rupestre Rock Stonecrop In leaf. Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Scattered, e.g. Cimoliana and Vajont. Sedum alpestre a stonecrop Giau 2016. Sedum sexangulare a stonecrop In flower at Vajont. Sedum album White Stonecrop Rocca Pietore and Belvedere. Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop Rocca Pietore and Belvedere. Sedum atratum Dark Stonecrop Both nominate (Fontanafredda) and ssp. carinthiacum (Fedaia). Rhodiola rosea Roseroot Locally common, e.g. Passo di Giau, Fedaia.

Saxifragaceae Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Rocky forest at Fontanafredda, Gares, and Cimoliana. Saxifraga caesia Blue Saxifrage Sottoguda gorge, Marmolada, and Valparola, mostly in bud this year, some in flower. Saxifraga squarrosa a saxifrage Cimoliana river gravels, in fine flower. Saxifraga oppositifolia Purple Saxifrage In flower Marmolada, over at Fedaia. Saxifraga crustata Encrusted Saxifrage Sottoguda gorge, Gares, etc. Saxifraga hostii a saxifrage 2010, many fine examples on Monte Grappa. 2017 1 rosette near Avoscan. Saxifraga paniculata Livelong Saxifrage Widespread and locally very common. Saxifraga bryoides Mossy Saxifrage A few at Fedaia, in flower. Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Mountain Saxifrage By stream below Passo di Giau, and scattered elsewhere, e.g. Falzarego, and Gares. Saxifraga exarata Musky Saxifrage Common on ledges on Passo di Giau, and Fedaia. [sspp. exarata and moschata] Saxifraga androsacea Scree Saxifrage Marmolada, in flower (HB). Saxifraga depressa a saxifrage A few in flower at Fedaia. Saxifraga facchini a saxifrage Crevices and scree high on Marmolada 2012. Saxifraga sedoides a saxifrage Marmolada, several in flower. Chrysosplenium alternifolium Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage Gares and Sottoguda. Parnassia palustris Grass-of-Parnassus Gares gravels, Duran, Fontanafredda, and Fedaia. Ribes petraeum Rock Redcurrant Serrai di Sottoguda, Andraz, Gares, and below Fedaia.

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Rosaceae Spiraea decumbens a spiraea sspp.decumbens and hacquetii at Cimoliana, and Barcis. Aruncus dioicus Goatsbeard Spiraea Widespread. Filipendula vulgaris Dropwort Cimoliana. Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Venice roadsides. Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Scattered records. Rubus saxatilis Rock Bramble Cimoliana and San Lucano. Rubus idaeus Raspberry Dolomiti Friulani and Fontanafredda. Rubus phoenicolasius a bramble San Lucano 2010. Rubus caesius Dewberry Cimoliana. Rosa glauca Blue-leaved Rose Cimoliana, Rocca Pietore, Belvedere. Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Gares. Rosa montana Mountain Rose Scattered, e.g. Posalz, Cimoliana, and Gares. Rosa canina Dog Rose Belvedere. Rosa tomentosa Harsh Downy-rose Sottoguda. Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Drier verges at lower altitudes. Aremonia agrimonoides Bastard Agrimony Settimana 2013. Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Vajont. Dryas octopetala Mountain Avens Widespread on limestone. Passo di Giau, Staulanza, Fedaia, Falzarego, Valles, Marmolada, and Dolomiti Friulani. Geum reptans Creeping Avens Fedaia in fine flower. Geum montanum Mountain Avens Numerous on Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Also Fontanafredda. Abundant this year. Geum rivale Water Avens Scattered records, e.g. Duran. Geum urbanum Herb Bennet Rocca Pietore. Potentilla anserina Silverweed Gares valley. Potentilla recta Sulphur Cinquefoil San Lucano 2010. Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil Limestone grassland at Fontanafredda, Giau, etc. Potentilla aurea Golden Cinquefoil Widespread and common in more acid grassland and margins of forest, e.g. Fontanafredda, Giau, Fedaia. Potentilla neumanniana a cinquefoil Potentilla erecta Tormentil Widespread, e.g. Cimoliana. Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil Posalz. Potentilla caulescens Lax Potentilla Rocks in Serrai di Sottoguda, Barcis, and Cimoliana, in leaf. Potentilla nitida Pink Cinquefoil Quite common on limestone boulders on and below Passo di Giau, in fine flower. Also Valparola. Sibbaldia procumbens Sibbaldia Fedaia. Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Shade at mid-levels. Fragaria moschata a strawberry Fragaria viridis a strawberry Gares. Alchemilla alpina Alpine Lady’s-mantle Passo di Giau. Alchemilla splendens a lady’s-mantle Cimoliana. Alchemilla hybrida a lady’s-mantle Passo di Giau. Alchemilla xanthochlora a lady’s-mantle Scattered, e.g. Passo di Giau. Alchemilla glabra a lady’s-mantle Scattered records, e.g. Duran. Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash Widespread. Sorbus chamaemespilus Dwarf Medlar Cimoliana. Sorbus aria Whitebeam Cimoliana. Sorbus austriaca a whitebeam Belvedere. Amelanchier ovalis Snowy Mespilus In fruit at Cimoliana.

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Cotoneaster horizontalis Wall Cotoneaster Naturalised at Vajont, 2016. Cotoneaster integerrimus Wild Cotoneaster Giau 2014. Cotoneaster tomentosus Brickberry Cotoneaster In flower at Cimoliana, 2017. Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Venice area. Prunus avium Wild Cherry Barcis.

Fabaceae Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Scattered records. Cytisus nigricans Black Broom Dolomiti Friulani. Chamaecytisus purpureus Purple Broom All over this year in Val Cimoliana. Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom Fontanafredda, locally common. Gone over this year. Genista tinctoria Dyer’s Greenweed San Osvaldo and Dolomiti Friulani. Genista radiata Southern Greenweed Vajont, and en route to Dont. Robinia pseudoacacia False Acacia Numerous on roadsides. Galega officinalis Goat’s-rue West of Longarone. Astragalus cicer Wild Lentil In bud. Astragalus hypoglottis gremlii Andraz. Astragalus penduliflorus Mountain Lentil Locally very common at Fedaia. Astragalus alpinus Alpine Milk-Vetch Fedaia. Astragalus australis Southern Milk-Vetch Gares gravels 2016. Astragalus glycyphyllos Wild Liquorice San Lucano in flower. Oxytropis jacquinii Mountain Milk-Vetch In flower at Giau etc. Oxytropis neglecta a milk-vetch Passo di Giau 2012. Oxytropis campestris Yellow Milk-Vetch Scattered, e.g. below Passo di Giau, Fedaia (abundant), and Andraz. Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Widespread on roadsides. Vicia sylvatica Wood Vetch Passo Duran. Vicia sepium Bush Vetch Scattered records e.g.Andraz. Lathyrus vernus Spring Vetchling In fruit Fontanafredda. Lathyrus ochraceus Duran. Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Scattered in meadows e.g. DolomitiFriulani, and San Lucano. Lathyrus sylvestris Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Belvedere. Lathyrus latifolius Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus heterophyllus San Lucano last stop. Ononis spinosa Spiny Restharrow Dolomiti Friulani, San Lucano, and below Duran. Ononis repens Common Restharrow San Lucano 2012. Melilotus altissimus Tall Melilot Scattered records. Melilotus officinalis Ribbed Melilot Recorded. Melilotus albus White Melilot Roadsides. Medicago lupulina Black Medick Dolomiti Friulani etc. Medicago sativa Lucerne Belvedere. Medicago falcata Sickle Medick Vajont. Trifolium alpinum Alpine Clover Fontanafredda and Passo di Fedaia. Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Meadows at Fontanafredda and Dolomiti Friulani, Giau, and below Fedaia. Trifolium repens White Clover Common. Trifolium pallescens Giau. Trifolium thallii Thale Cress Giau. Trifolium hybridum Alsike Clover Giau. Trifolium badium Brown Clover Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Duran. Trifolium aureum Large Trefoil San Lucano. Trifolium pratense Red Clover Common. Trifolium medium Zigzag Clover San Lucano. Trifolium alpestre Trifolium rubens Roadsides, Dont, 2016.

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Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil Widespread in grassland. Lotus alpinus Alpine Bird’s-foot-trefoil Widespread above 2000m e.g. Passo di Giau. Lotus maritimus Dragon’s-teeth At the Epipactis palustris site. (Tetragonolobus maritimus). Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney-vetch Widespread, various subspecies present. Coronilla vaginalis In leaf. Securigera varia Crown-vetch Cimoliana etc. Hippocrepis emerus False Senna San Lucano, not in flower. Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe-vetch Widespread and locally common. Hedysarum hedysaroides Alpine Sainfoin Fedaia. Onobrychis montana Mountain Sainfoin Giau. Onobryychis arenaria Hungarian Sainfoin Recorded 2015. Onobrychis viciifolia Common Sainfoin Dolomiti Friulani etc.

Elaeagnaceae Hippophaë rhamnoides Sea-buckthorn

Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Roadsides near Venice.

Thymelaeaceae Daphne laureola Spurge-laurel Daphne mezereum Mezereon In fruit at San Lucano and Dolomiti Friulani. Daphne cneorum Garland Flower Giau, Fedaia, 2016. Daphne striata a garland flower Passo di Giau in fine flower.

Onagraceae Circaea alpina Alpine Enchanter’s Nightshade Gares. Oenothera glazioviana Large-flowered Evening Primrose Lower roadsides. Oenothera sp. an evening primrose East of Longarone 2015. Epilobium angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Widespread. Epilobium dodonaei a willowherb Dolomiti Friulani, in leaf, 2016. Epilobium hirsutum Greater Willowherb Roadsides lower down. Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb Friulani, etc. Epilobium alpestre Whorled-leaved Willowherb Forest margins at Fontanafredda, Serrai di Sottaguda, and Duran. Epilobium obscurum Short-fruited Willowherb River gravel at Gares, 2016. Epilobium roseum Pale Willowherb Gares 2017. Epilobium anagallidifolium Pimpernel-leaved Willowherb Giau lunch site marsh, 2012. Epilobium alsinifolium Chickweed Willowherb Fontanafredda 2011.

Cornaceae Cornus sanguinea Dogwood

Santalaceae Thesium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Bastard Toadflax Recorded 2013. Thesium alpinum Alpine Bastard Toadflax Dry grassland at Fontanafredda, Posalz, Gares, Giau, Fedaia, etc. Thesium rostratum a bastard toadflax Cimoliana and Vajont

Celastraceae Euonymus europaeus Spindle

Euphorbiaceae Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury Scattered records in leaf. Euphorbia dulcis Sweet Spurge San Lucano 2014.

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Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Sottoguda. Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Cimolais 2012. Euphorbia triflora ssp.kerneri a spurge Cimoliana and Vajont. Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Cimoliana. Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Monte Grappa lunch site 2010.

Rhamnaceae Rhamnus saxatilis Rock Buckthorn Vajont. Rhamnus cathartica Buckthorn Cimoliana. Rhamnus alpina ssp.fallax Alpine Buckthorn Dolomiti Friulani. Rhamnus pumila Dwarf Buckthorn Cimoliana, Giau, Rocca Pietore,and Sottoguda. Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn Sottoguda.

Vitaceae Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper This species Longarone cliffs? And San Lucano.

Linaceae Linum viscosum Sticky Flax Epipactis palustris site, and between Duran and Agordo. Linum tenuifolium a flax A few at Vajont. Linum catharticum Purging Flax Scattered records, locally common.

Polygalaceae Polygala chamaebuxus Shrubby Milkwort Fontanafredda, Cimoliana, and Staulanza. Not seen 2017. Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Cimoliana, ssp.forojulensis. Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort Scattered records. ssp.oxyptera on Gares gravels. Polygala alpestris Mountain Milkwort Fontanafredda. Polygala amarella Dingy Milkwort Rocky grassland at Fontanafredda and Passo di Giau, etc. Polygala alpina Alpine Milkwort Apparently this Fedaia, but out of range, 2016 and 2017?

Aceraceae Acer platanoides Norway Maple Acer campestre Field Maple Vajont. Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Cimoliana. Acer opalus Italian Maple Apparently this species at Gares, but out of range? Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow-sorrel Venice area 2017. Oxalis stricta a sorrel ‘Closed road’ cliffs 2015. Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel Scattered in leaf.

Geraniaceae Geranium macrorrhizum Rock Cranesbill Barcis 2017. Geranium sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill Vajont. Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill Dolomiti Friulani, Staulanza, Duran, Fontanafredda, Giau, etc. Locally very common. Geranium nodosum Knotted Cranesbill Recorded. Geranium phaeum Dusky Cranesbill Common in meadows and margins e.g. Dolomiti Friulani, Fontanafredda, Pecol, Posalz and in Serrai di Sottoguda. Plants were all of var.

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lividum, much paler than further west in Europe. Geranium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Cranesbill Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Cranesbill Andraz. Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Cranesbill Vajont 2017. Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Scattered records.

Balsaminaceae Impatiens parviflora Small Balsam Saxifraga hostii site. Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan Balsam Below Agordo, 2015.

Apiaceae Sanicula europaea Sanicle Settimana 2015. Chaerophyllum hirsutum Hairy Chervil Cimoliana, Giau, etc. Chaerophyllum villarsii a chervil Scattered, e.g. Friulani. Chaerophyllum aureum a chervil Cimoliana 2016. Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Scattered records, e.g. Duran. Anthriscus nitida a cow parsley Fontanafredda. Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd’s Needle Andraz 2017 (JB). Myrrhis odorata Sweet Cicely San Lucano, by the memorial. Pimpinella major Great Burnet-saxifrage Meadows and forest edge at Fedaia, Fontanafredda, Posalz, and below Giau. Pimpinella saxifraga Burnet-saxifrage Dolomiti Friulani. Aegopodium podagraria Ground-elder Rough meadow and forest edges at low-middle altitudes. Seseli libanotis Moon Carrot Rocca Pietore boulders. Seseli kochii a moon carrot Locally common, e.g. Cimoliana. Athamanta cretensis Athamanta Barcis, Cimoliana, Sottoguda Gorge. Grafia golaka Grafia Grassland on Passo di Fedaia 2006. Bupleurum ranunculoides Thorow-wax Vajont 2015. ssp.caricinum Trinia glauca Honewort Cimoliana. Carum carvi Caraway Cimoliana, Settimana, etc. Ligusticum mutellinoides Unbranched Lovage Stony exposed grassland on Passo Fedaia and Duran. Ligusticum mutellina Alpine Lovage Quite common above 1800m, e.g. Passo di Giau, Staulanza, Duran, and Fontanafredda. Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Cimoliana, Duran, Gares, etc., in leaf. Peucedanum venetum a masterwort Cimoliana and Vajont. Peucedanum cervaria Broad-leaved Spignel In leaf. Peucedanum ostruthium Masterwort Scattered in flower, e.g. base of Marmolada and Fedaia. Peucedanum verticillare a masterwort Roadsides. Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip San Lucano and Vajont 2011. Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Widespread. Laserpitium siler a sermountain Cimoliana. Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Frequent in open forests and rough stoney ground e.g. San Lucano, Dont, Passo di Giau, Belvedere, and Passo di Fedaia. Laserpitium peucedanoides a sermountain Cimoliana and Andraz. Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley Near Venice 2017. Daucus carota Wild Carrot Venice roadsides and Belvedere.

Gentianaceae Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Cimoliana. Gentiana lutea Yellow Gentian In leaf below Passo di Giau, 2009. Gentiana punctata Spotted Gentian Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Gentiana asclepiadea Willow Gentian Val Cimoliana and San Lucano, in leaf.

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Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian In leaf at Cimoliana. Gentiana prostrata a gentian One at Fontanafredda 2010 was a new record for this tour, but not seen there since. Gentiana clusii Clusius’s Gentian Cimoliana (over), Marmolada, Valparola. Gentiana acaulis Trumpet Gentian Locally common, Fedaia, Passo di Giau, and Fontanafredda. Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Giau and Fontanafredda. Gentiana brachyphylla a gentian Fedaia, several in good flower. Gentiana orbicularis a gentian Marmolada, a few seen from the chair- lift. Gentiana bavarica Bavarian Gentian Wet flushes at Giau and Valparola. Gentiana terglouensis Triglav Gentian Valparola (BR). Gentiana nivalis Snow Gentian Cimoliana. Gentiana utriculosa Bladder Gentian Moister turf at Cimoliana and Fontanafredda. Gentiana nana 4 petals. Recorded 2012. Gentiana pilosa a gentian Below Giau. Gentiana germanica German (or Chiltern!) Gentian Fontanafredda.

Apocynaceae Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle In leaf at San Boldo 2010.

Aslepiadaceae Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Dolomiti Friulani etc., locally common.

Solanaceae Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade Monte Grappa 2010. Scopolia carniolica San Osvaldo, in fruit, 2008. 2010 in fruit at Epipactis palustris site below Passo Duran. Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet San Lucano 2016. Solanum tuberosum Potato San Lucano gravels 2014!

Convolvulaceae Cuscuta europaea Greater Dodder San Lucano, parasitising Urtica dioica, 2014. Cuscuta epithymum Dodder Cimolais 2014. Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Roadsides lower down. Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Lower roadsides.

Polemoniaceae Polemonium caeruleum Jacob’s Ladder Gares 2009.

Boraginaceae Echium vulgare Viper’s Bugloss Widespread. Pulmonaria officinalis Lungwort Gares valley, in leaf. Pulmonaria australis a Lungwort Fedaia. Symphytum officinale Common Comfrey Cortina area roadsides 2013. Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Cimoliana and Fontanafredda. Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-me-not Fontanfredda. Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not Scattered, e.g. Fontanafredda and San Osvaldo. Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood Forget-me-not Scattered records at higher altitudes, e.g. Giau, Fedaia, Fontanafredda, locally very common. Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not Epipactis helleborine site. Eritrichium nanum King of the Alps Very many fine examples at Fedaia. Abundantly in flower!

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Lappula deflexa In flower and fruit in Sottoguda gorge.

Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Vervain Recorded 2017.

Lamiaceae Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle Belvedere. Ajuga pyramidalis Pyramidal Bugle Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau and Passo di Fedaia. Teucrium montanum Mountain Germander Vajont and Cimoliana. Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm A white flowered form at Epipactis palustris site. Galeopsis ladanum Broad-leaved Hemp-nettle San Osvaldo and Belvedere. Galeopsis speciosa Large-flowered Hemp-nettle Fontanafredda, very common after logging disturbance. Galeopsis tetrahit Common Hemp-nettle San Lucano 2009. Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Widespread and common. Lamium orvala a dead-nettle Monte Grappa 2010. Lamium album White Dead-nettle Andraz. Lamium galeobdolon Yellow Archangel Cimoliana etc. [ssp. flavidum] Stachys alopecuros Yellow Betony Widespread. Stachys officinalis Betony Vajont 2014. Stachys alpina Limestone Woundwort Epipactis palustris site and Gares valley. Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort Gares valley. Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort Sottoguda gorge. Prunella grandiflora Large Self-heal Dolomiti Friulani. Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Widespread. Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint Cimoliana etc. Acinos arvensis Basil Thyme Sottoguda. Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil San Lucano. Origanum vulgare Marjoram Gares valley. Thymus praecox Hairy Thyme Thymus pulegioides Large-flowered Thyme Cimoliana etc. Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort In leaf at Vajont 2011. Mentha longifolia Horse Mint Spring marsh at Fontanafredda, San Osvaldo, and San Lucano, in leaf. Horminum pyrenaicum Dragonmouth Widespread in limey grassland at Cimoliana, Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Staulanza, and Passo di Fedaia, etc. Salvia glutinosa Sticky Sage In leaf in Dolomiti Friulani, and SanLucano. Salvia saccardiana a sage Vajont.

Plantaginaceae Plantago major Great Plantain Widespread. Plantago maritima serpentina a plantain Cimoliana. Not recorded for Pordenone province in Flora Alpina. Plantago media Hoary Plantain Widespread. Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Recorded.

Buddlejaceae Buddleja davidii Buddleia Occasionally naturalised on lower Roadsides, and in Cellina gorge. Oleaceae Fraxinus ornus Manna Ash Fraxinus excelsior Ash Widespread. Ligustrum vulgare Privet Dolomiti Friulani.

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Scrophulariaceae Verbascum thapsus Aaron’s-rod Scattered records. Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Belvedere. Verbascum chaixii a mullein ssp.austraicum in Dolomiti Friulani. Verbascum nigrum Dark Mullein Scattered records, e.g. San Lucano. Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort Cimoliana. Scrophularia canina Alpine Figwort Either this or the following species in fruit on San Lucano gravels. Scrophularia juratensis a figwort Chaenorrhinum minus Small Toadflax Vajont. Linaria angustissima a Toadflax Belvedere. Linaria alpina Alpine Toadflax Fedaia. Digitalis grandiflora Large Yellow Foxglove Scattered, e.g. Rocca Pietore and Barcis. Veronica bellidioides Violet Speedwell Fedaia and Giau. Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Scattered records, e.g. Giau and Fedaia. [ssp.humifusa and ssp.serpyllifolia] Veronica alpina Alpine Speedwell Giau marsh. Veronica fruticans Rock Speedwell Locally common at Fontanafredda, also Fedaia and lower Marmolada. Veronica fruticulosa a speedwell Fontanafredda, Andraz, and Belvedere. Veronica urticifolia Nettle-leaved Speedwell Dolomiti Friulani, Gares, etc. Veronica teucrium a speedwell Dolomiti Friulani 2011. Veronica aphylla Leafless-stemmed Speedwell Ledges at foot of Marmolada chairlift. Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell Fontanafredda. Veronica chamaedrys Bird’s-eye Speedwell Meadow margins at Fontanafredda, Duran, Cimolaiana, etc. Veronica montana Wood Speedwell Gares 2015. Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Fontanafredda spring marsh etc., 2016. Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Rocca Pietore. Paederota bonarota Bluish Paederota Frequent on limestone cliffs and boulders e.g.. Passo di Giau (and below), Serrai di Sottoguda, Cimoliana, and Andraz. Melampyrum velebiticum a cow-wheat San Lucano. Melampyrum sylvaticum Wood Cow-wheat Cimoliana and Gares. Melampyrum pratense Common Cow-wheat Dolomiti Friulani and Fontanafredda, 2017. Euphrasia rostkoviana an eyebright Cimoliana. Euphrasia picta an eyebright Fontanafredda. Euphrasia salisburgensis Irish Eyebright Sottoguda gorge 2017, very small flowers. Euphrasia spp. Eyebright Various species not identified. Bartsia alpina Alpine Bartsia Boggy flushes at Passo di Giau, Duran, Fedaia, Fontanafredda, and Valparola. Pedicularis recutita a lousewort Passo di Giau 2015. Pedicularis rosea a lousewort A few at Valparola. Pedicularis verticillata Verticillate Lousewort Widespread and common e.g. Cimoliana, Fedaia, Fontanafredda, and Passo di Giau. Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort Fontanafredda 2015. Pedicularis tuberosa Long-beaked Yellow Lousewort Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Numerous this year. Pedicularis elongata a lousewort Fontanafredda. Pedicularis rostratospicata a lousewort Passo di Giau 2010. Pedicularis rostratocapitata Beaked Lousewort Rather common at Valparola. Pedicularis elongata x Several of this hybrid at Valparola. rostratocapitata Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Fontanafredda etc. Rhinanthus glacialis Aristate Yellow-rattle

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Rhinanthus pampaninii a yellow-rattle A subendemic, Val Cimoliana. Rhinanthus freynii a yellow-rattle Cimoliana and Fontanafredda. Rhinanthus alectorolophus Greater Yellow-rattle Gares meadows.

Globulariaceae Globularia bisnagarica a globularia Vajont and Dolomiti Friulani, gone over Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia Dolomiti Friulani and Sottoguda, gone over

Orobanchaceae Orobanche purpurea Yarrow Broomrape On Achillea at Belvedere, 2017. c.6 plants. Orobanche alba Thyme Broomrape Fontanafredda. Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove-scented Broomrape Passo Pordoi 2009. Orobanche teucrii Germander Broomrape Claut 2015, an interesting record. Parasitising Teucrium montanum. Orobanche flava Butterbur Broomrape 2 at Claut 2015. Orobanche gracilis Slender Broomrape Dolomiti Friulani etc.

Lentibulariaceae Pinguicula alpina Alpine Butterwort All in fruit this year, at Passo di Giau, Marmolada at foot of chairlift, Gares, and Fedaia. Pinguicula leptoceras a butterwort One fine patch in Giau marsh, 2017. Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Streamsides, e.g. Cimoliana and Dont.

Campanulaceae Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower Below Passo Duran 2010. Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower Vajont and Dolomiti Friulani. Campanula barbata Bearded Bellflower Fedaia and Fontanafredda. Campanula glomerata Clustered Bellflower Widespread, e.g. Cimoliana and Posalz. Campanula cervicaria a clustered bellflower Cimoliana 2016. Campanula spicata Spiked Bellflower Roadsides west of Longarone, Vajont, Belvedere, etc. Campanula latifolia Giant Bellflower Gares valley, with very large flowers, and Cellina gorge. Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower Scattered records, e.g. Rocca Pietore (white flowers). Campanula rapunculoides Creeping Bellflower Cimoliana 2015. Campanula carnica a bellflower San Lucano and Gares 2015. Campanula cochlearifolia Fairy’s Thimble Gares gravels, in flower. Campanula cespitosa Tufted Harebell Marmolada, on dam, seen from vehicle! Campanula scheuchzeri a bellflower Meadows and rocks e.g. Cimoliana. Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Cimoliana, Rocca Pietore, etc. Phyteuma spicatum Spiked Rampion Duran. Phyteuma ovatum Dark Rampion Gares valley. Phyteuma zahlbruckneri a rampion Fontanafredda. Phyteuma betonicifolium Betony-leaved Rampion Gares valley and Fedaia. Phyteuma orbiculare Round-headed Rampion Locally common in meadows etc. Phyteuma sieberi a rampion Rocks: Passo di Giau and lower Marmolada. Phyteuma hemisphaericum Globe-headed Rampion Fedaia, Passo di Giau etc., locallyabundant. Phyteuma globulariifolium Rosette-leaved Rampion Fedaia in fine flower. Physoplexis comosa Devil’s Claw Cimoliana in fine flower. Serrai di Sottoguda in bud this year.

Rubiaceae Asperula aristata a squinancywort Cimoliana 2017.

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Asperula cynanchica Squinancywort Claut 2016. Galium odoratum Woodruff Forest floors in the past. Galium palustre Common Marsh Bedstraw Vajont 2011. Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw Dolomiti Friulani. Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Scattered records. Galium album Upright Bedstraw Belvedere. Galium lucidum Shining Bedstraw Scattered records. Galium aristatum a bedstraw Settimana 2012. Galium laevigatum a bedstraw Dolomiti Friulani. Galium rubrum a bedstraw San Martino 2013. Galium pumilum Slender Bedstraw Cimoliana etc. Galium anisophyllon a bedstraw Recorded. Galium margaritaceum a bedstraw Cimoliana gravels on all previous visits, not seen 2017. Galium aparine Cleavers Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Fontanafredda. Cruciata glabra a Crosswort Gares 2016.

Caprifoliaceae Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder Belvedere. Sambucus nigra Common Elder Cimoliana. Sambucus racemosa Red-berried Elder Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Cimoliana. Viburnum lantana Wayfaring Tree Cellina gorge. Lonicera caerulea Blue-berried Honeysuckle Giau 2015. Lonicera alpigena Alpine Honeysuckle In fruit at San Lucano. Lonicera nigra Black-berried Honeysuckle San Lucano in fruit, and Gares, many in flower. Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Gares.

Adoxaceae Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel In flower at Gares, 2014.

Valerianaceae Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Dolomiti Friulani and Andraz. Valeriana wallrothii a valerian Scattered records, e.g. Dolomiti Friulani. Valeriana dioica Marsh Valerian Boggy flushes, Fontanafredda and Duran. Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian Scattered records, e.g. Fontanafredda. Valeriana montana a valerian Widespread and reasonably common, e.g. Cimoliana, Fontanafredda, and Giau. Valeriana saxatilis Rock Valerian Dolomiti Friulani, Passo di Giau, Andraz, etc. Valeriana elongata a valerian Several on one cliff at Falzarego.

Dipsacaceae Having the Knautia and Scabiosa keys from Flora Europaea with me this year did nothing to clarify the identification of the species present! Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Near Venice. Dipsacus laciniatus Cut-leaved Teasel Apparently this species, very robust, on Venice roadsides. Knautia drymeia Dolomiti Friulani. Knautia dipsacifolia Wood Scabious Scattered woodland edge records. Knautia ressmannii Dolomiti Friulani. Knautia longifolia Scattered records. Knautia arvensis Field Scabious Gares meadow. Scabiosa triandra a scabious Cimoliana and San Lucano. Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious Recorded.

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Lomelosia graminifolia a scabious Near Claut, mostly in bud this year, but 2 flowers seen, 2016. 2017 on roadside between Barcis and Cimolais.

Asteraceae Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp-agrimony Scattered, e.g. Cimoliana. Solidago virgaurea Goldrenrod Local, e.g. Fedaia. Bellis perennis Daisy Aster alpinus Alpine Aster Fontanafredda and Belvedere. Aster bellidiastrum False Aster Cimoliana. Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane Widespread and often numerous. Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane Belvedere. Erigeron atticus Greek Fleabane Fedaia? Erigeron alpinus Alpine Fleabane Rocks on Passo di Giau, and Fedaia. Erigeron neglectus Neglected Fleabane Giau. Erigeron glabratus Variable Fleabane Giau. Antennaria dioica Mountain Everlasting Local in drier unshaded places at Cimoliana, Fontanafredda etc. Antennaria carpatica Carpathian Catsfoot Fedaia 2016. Leontopodium alpinum Edelweiss Limestone boulders below Passo di Giau, a few plants. Several at Valparola. Buphthalmum salicifolium Yellow Ox-eye Verges and meadows, widespread, e.g. Dolomiti Friulani. Galinsoga ciliata a gallant soldier Pavement weed. Achillea oxyloba Alpine Sneezewort Near the Marmolada dam, and Valparola. Achillea erba-rotta ssp.moschata a milfoil Fedaia lower rocks. Achillea atrata Dark-stemmed Sneezewort Low on Marmolada, and at Valparola and Falzarego. Achillea clavennae Silvery Milfoil Rocks on Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Achillea macrophylla Large-leaved Sneezewort Dolomiti Friulani roadsides. Achillea millefolium Yarrow Widespread. Achillea roseaoalba a yarrow Dolomiti Friulani. Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed In leaf. Matricaria discoidea Pineapple-weed Gares valley. Leucanthemopsis alpina Alpine Moon Daisy Fedaia. Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Dolomiti Friulani. Leucanthemum heterophyllum an ox-eye daisy Cimoliana. Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Cimoliana and Claut. Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Belvedere. Artemisia genipi a wormwood Rather common in flower at Fedaia. Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot In leaf. Petasites albus White Butterbur Still in flower in Sottoguda Gorge 2014! Over this year. Petasites hybridus Butterbur Similar habitats to latter but at lower altitudes, in leaf and fruit. Petasites paradoxus Alpine Butterbur In leaf and fruit, Marmolada. Homogyne alpina Alpine Coltsfoot Common in shade and among rocks e.g. Passo di Giau, Cimoliana, Fedaia, and Fontanafredda. Locally very common. Homogyne discolor an alpine coltsfoot Valparola. Adenostyles alliariae Adenostyles Forests, margins and meadows, e.g. Giau. Adenostyles glabra Scattered, e.g. Dolomiti Friulani and Andraz. Arnica montana Arnica Scattered in meadows at Fontanafredda, and below Passo di Giau. Doronicum columnae Heart-leaved Leopard’s-bane Grassy parts of boulder waste at Passo di Giau, and Falzarego.

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Doronicum glaciale a leopard’s-bane Fedaia 2015. Senecio incanus Grey Alpine Groundsel Leached grassland, Passo di Giau, Fedaia. [ssp.carniolicus] Senecio inaequidens Narrow-leaved Ragwort Longarone roadsides, native to South Africa. Senecio germanicus ssp.glabratus Wood Ragwort Fontanafredda. Senecio cacaliaster a ragwort Fedaia roadsides. Senecio doronicum Chamois Ragwort Rocky grassland on Passo Pordoi 2009. Senecio alpinus Alpine Ragwort Meadows and moist flushes at Fontanafredda, and at Passo Duran. Senecio erraticus a ragwort By the stream at Pecol, 2007. Senecio rupestris Rock (Oxford) Ragwort Roadsides. Senecio abrotanifolius a ragwort A few in Settimana 2015. Senecio vulgaris Common Groundsel Belvedere. Tephroseris tenuifolia a ragwort Gares. Carlina acaulis Stemless Carline Thistle Old fruiting heads. Arctium lappa Greater Burdock Posalz. Arctium minus Lesser Burdock Carduus nutans Musk Thistle Cimoliana 2014. Carduus personata Great Marsh Thistle Widespread in moist forest edges, e.g. Gares. Locally common. Carduus defloratus Alpine Thistle Widespread. More than one subspecies present. Cirsium eriophorum Woolly-headed Thistle Cimoliana 2014. Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Venice Airport. Cirsium montanum a thistle Recorded. Cirsium erisithales Yellow Melancholy Thistle Cimoliana etc. Cirsium carniolicum a thistle San Lucano. Cirsium oleraceum Cabbage Thistle Dont. Cirsium spinosissimum Spiniest Thistle Grassland on Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Cirsium helenoides Melancholy Thistle Fontanafredda, in bud this year. Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle San Lucano. Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Belvedere. Centaurea dichroantha a knapweed Yellow and purple forms in Cimoliana. Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed Vajont. Centaurea jacea Brown Knapweed Vajont, ssp.angustifolia? Centaurea nigrescens a knapweed Scattered records, e.g. San Osvaldo and Cimoliana. Centaurea nervosa Plume Knapweed Passo di Giau and Fedaia. Centaurea montana Perennial Cornflower Vajont 2016. Centaurea triumfetti a mountain cornflower Probably this species at Cimoliana, 2012. Centaurea sp. a knapweed Near Venice 2017. Cichorium intybus Chicory Verges lower down. Aposeris foetida Aposeris Common under spruce e.g. Fontanafredda, Staulanza, and Cimoliana. Hypochoeris uniflora Giant Cat’s-ear Fedaia and Valparola. Hypochoeris facchiniana a cat’s-ear Posalz. Hypochoeris radicata Cat’s-ear Recorded. Leontodon helveticus a hawkbit Fontanafredda. Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit Cimoliana. Leontodon incanus incanus Cimoliana. Leontodon incanus tenuiflorus a hawkbit Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue Venice area. Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Oxtongue Scattered records, e.g. Posalz. Scorzonera aristata Bearded Viper’s-grass Fontanafredda. Tragopogon pratensis Goatsbeard Gares. Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Belvedere. Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle

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Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Roadsides lower down. Cicerbita alpina Alpine Sow-thistle Gares valley and Fedaia roadsides. Prenanthes purpurea Purple Lettuce San Lucano and Gares, in leaf. Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Scattered records. Taraxacum palustre Marsh Dandelion Giau marsh, in leaf this year. Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Widespread. Taraxacum spp. Dandelions Verges at Passo di Giau and screes/crevices high on Marmolada. Chondrilla chondrilloides a lettuce Vajont and Cimoliana, locally very common. Lapsana communis Nipplewort Cimoliana. Crepis paludosa Marsh Hawksbeard Widespread, e.g. Fontanafredda. Crepis aurea Golden Hawksbeard Locally common, e.g. Passo di Giau, Duran, and Fontanafredda. Crepis bocconei a hawksbeard Valparola 2015. Crepis alpestris a hawksbeard Cimoliana 2015. Crepis froelichiana dinarica a hawksbeard Pink flowers. Several in Cimoliana. Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk’s-beard Near Venice 2017. Hieracium staticifolium a hawkweed Cimoliana. Hieracium hoppeanum a hawkweed Fontanafredda. Hieracium pilosella Mouse-ear Hawkweed Fontanafredda. Hieracium lactucella a hawkweed Fontanafredda 2017. Hieracium piloselloides a hawkweed Recorded in leaf. Hieracium cymosum a hawkweed Passo Fedaia. Hieracium aurantiacum Fox-and-Cubs Passo Fedaia. Hieracium bifidum a hawkweed Recorded. Hieracium villosum a hawkweed Passo di Giau 2015. Hieracium pilosum a hawkweed Giau and Fedaia 2017. Hieracium piliferum a hawkweed Hieracium humile a hawkweed 1 at the Saxifraga hostii site, 2017.

D. ANGIOSPERMS – MONOCOTYLEDONES

Butomaceae Butomus umbellatus Flowering-rush Roadside ditches near Marco Polo airport. Not seen 2015, 2016, or 2017.

Juncaginaceae Triglochin palustris Marsh Arrow-grass Flushes at Fontanafredda.

Araceae Arum italicum Italian Lords and Ladies Near Venice 2017.

Juncaceae Juncus jacquinii a rush Giau and Fedaia, on acidic substrate. Juncus filiformis Thread Rush Andraz 2016. Juncus trifidus Three-leaved Rush Acid grassland on Passo di Giau and Passo Fedaia. Juncus monanthus a rush On calcareous substrates, Fedaia and low on Marmolada. Juncus compressus Round-fruited Rush Andraz. Juncus tenuis Slender Rush Dolomiti Friulani. Juncus subnodulosus Blunt-flowered Rush Recorded 2012. Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush Wet flushes, Dolomiti Friulani. Juncus triglumis Three-flowered Rush Several in wet flushes at Andraz and Giau. Luzula campestris Field Woodrush Fontanafredda and Giau etc. Luzula multiflora Many-flowered Woodrush Cimoliana etc.

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Luzula pallidula Fen Wood-rush Fen at Gares 2015 and 2017. New for Belluno province? Luzula sudetica a woodrush More acid grassland at Passo di Giau, Fontanafredda, etc. Luzula alpina Alpine Woodrush Fontanafredda. Luzula spicata mutabilis a woodrush Acid sward at Giau 2016. Luzula sylvatica Great Woodrush Giau 2014. Luzula sieberi a woodrush At ‘north of Cortina’ lunch site, 2016. Luzula nivea a woodrush Dolomiti Friulani. Luzula luzuloides White Woodrush Forests at Fontanafredda etc. ssp.rubella at Fontanafredda. Luzula alpinopilosa a woodrush Locally common on acidic substrates. Luzula glabrata a woodrush Deep acid soils at Giau. Luzula pilosa Hairy Woodrush Gares.

Cyperaceae Trichophorum alpinum Cotton Deer-grass Fontanafredda. Trichophorum caespitosum Deer-grass Valparola and Giau bogs. Blysmus compressus Flat-headed Sedge Cimoliana and Fontanafredda. Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cotton-grass Wet flushes at Fontanafredda and Passo di Giau. Eriophorum latifolium Broad-leaved Cotton-grass Dont. Eriophorum vaginatum Hare’s-tail Cotton-grass Bog near Passo do Giau. Eleocharis quinqueflora Few-flowered Spike-rush Valparola 2015. Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush Fontanafredda 2012. Schoenus nigricans Black Bog-rush Passo di Giau 2012. Schoenus ferrugineus Brown Bog-rush Passo Pordoi 2010. Elyna myosuroides Fedaia 2015. Carex paniculata Tussock Sedge Fontanafredda and Duran. Carex spicata Spiked Sedge Cimoliana. Carex pairae a sedge Vajont 2014. Carex divulsa Grey Sedge Venice area 2017. Carex stenophylla a sedge Apparently this rather obscure species at Andraz, 2017. This would be a new record for Belluno province. Carex leporina Oval Sedge Fontanafredda. Carex echinata Star Sedge Dolomiti Friulani. Carex dioica Dioecious Sedge Carex davalliana Davall’s Sedge Duran and Fontanafredda. Carex lachenalii Hare’s-foot Sedge Giau bog 2015. Carex curvula Curved Sedge Carex hirta Hairy Sedge Fontanafredda and Duran. Carex lasiocarpa Slender Sedge Santa Croce lake shore 2014. Carex pseudocyperus Cyperus Sedge San Lucano 2012. Carex rostrata Bottle Sedge San Lucano lake and Duran. Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge Venice area 2017. Carex sylvatica Wood Sedge Cimoliana 2016. Carex capillaris Hair Sedge Fontanafredda and Duran. Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Widespread and very common. Often very tall. Carex panicea Carnation Sedge Marshes: Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Duran, and Dolomiti Friulani. Carex pilosa a sedge Fontanafredda 2008. Carex distans Distant Sedge Recorded 2011? Carex flava Great Yellow-sedge Dolomiti Friulani. Carex lepidocarpa Long-stalked Yellow Sedge Dolomiti Friulani. Carex demissa a yellow sedge Fedaia. Carex viridula a yellow sedge Carex pallescens Pale Sedge Grassland and wood edges at Fontanafredda and Duran.

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Carex halleriana a sedge Carex digitata Fingered Sedge Gares. Carex ornithopoda Bird’s-foot Sedge Fontanafredda. Carex ornithopodioides a bird’s-foot sedge Fontanafredda. Carex humilis Dwarf Sedge Passo di Giau rocks 2012. Carex montana Soft-leaved Sedge Andraz. Carex pilulifera Pill Sedge Cimoliana 2012. Carex alba White-flowered Sedge Cimoliana, San Lucano and San Osvaldo. Locally very common. Carex sempervirens Evergreen Sedge Widespread and common. Carex firma a sedge Cimoliana etc. Locally common. Carex mucronata a sedge Cellina gorge. Carex ferruginea a sedge Widespread, e.g. Dolomiti Friulani. ssp.ferruginea and austroalpina. Carex brachystachys a sedge Giau 2015. Carex frigida a sedge Gares 2014. Carex limosa Bog Sedge Andraz. Carex atrata Jet Sedge Valparola. [ssp. aterrima] Carex nigra Common Sedge Marshy ground at Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Duran, etc. Carex rupestris Rock Sedge Passo di Giau. Carex pulicaris Flea Sedge Fontanafredda.

Poaceae Festuca paniculata a fescue Festuca spectabilis a fescue Cimoliana. Festuca gigantea Giant Fescue Sottoguda 2016. Festuca pratensis Meadow Fescue Festuca alpestris a fescue This in Dolomiti Friulani? Festuca valesiaca a fescue Common in grassland on Passo di Fedaia. Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Scattered records. Lolium multiflorum Italian Rye-grass Pecol 2012. Catapodium rigidum Fern Grass 1 at Fontanafredda was a surprise, 2009. Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Widespread. Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Recorded. Poa pratensis Smooth Meadow-grass Recorded. Poa minor/Poa cenisia an alpine meadow-grass One or both species present on Marmolada. Poa nemoralis Wood Meadow-grass Sottoguda. Poa bulbosa Bulbous Meadow-grass Scattered records, e.g. Fontanafredda. Poa alpina Alpine Meadow-grass Grassy knolls and rocks at Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, Fedaia,generally viviparous. Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot Widespread. Briza media Quaking Grass Locally common, e.g. Fontanafredda and Dolomiti Friulani. Sesleria sphaerocephala Rocks on Passo di Giau. Sesleria caerulea Limestone: Passo di Giau, Cimoliana, etc. Oreochloa disticha In attractive flower on acidic rocks, 2017. e.g. Fedaia. Melica nutans Mountain Melick Cimoliana and Giau. Melica ciliata Ciliate Melick Belvedere. Glyceria notata Plicate Sweet-grass In the lake at San Lucano. Bromus tectorum Drooping Brome Longarone. Bromus inermis Hungarian Brome Bromus benekenii Lesser Hairy-brome San Lucano 2017. Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood False-brome

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Brachypodium pinnatum Tor Grass Brachypodium rupestre Dolomiti Friulani etc. Elymus caninus Bearded Couch Elymus repens Common Couch Avena sp. an oat Near Venice. Helictotrichon pubescens Hairy Oat Helictotrichon pratense Meadow Oat Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Cimoliana. Koeleria pyramidata Pyramidal hair-grass Dolomiti Friulani. Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat-grass Cimoliana. Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass Moist flushed ground at Fontanafredda, and Sottoguda. Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Cimoliana etc. Anthoxanthum alpinum Alpine Vernal-grass Fedaia. Agrostis alpina a bent-grass Fedaia. Agrostis rupestris a bent-grass Passo di Giau 2012. Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent-grass Calamagrostis pseudophragmites a small-reed River gravels lower down. Calamagrostis varia a small-reed Saxifraga hostii site 2016. Phleum pratense Timothy Meadows. Phleum alpinum Alpine Cat’s-tail Fedaia. Phleum rhaeticum a cat’s-tail Fontanafredda. Phleum phleoides Purple-stem Cat’s-tail Dolomiti Friulani 2016. Phleum hirsutum a cat’s-tail Fontanafredda. Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail Meadows. Phragmites australis Common Reed Vajont. Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass Nardus stricta Mat-grass Dry turf at Fontanafredda etc. Cynodon dactylon Bermuda Grass Near Venice 2017. Setaria verticillata Rough Bristle-grass This species recorded? Sorghum halepense Roadsides lower down.

Typhaceae Typha latifolia Bulrush Roadsides lower down.

Liliaceae Tofieldia calyculata Tofield’s Asphodel Flushes at Dolomiti Friulani and Fontanafredda. Veratrum album White False-helleborine Widespread in leaf. Asphodelus albus White Asphodel In fruit San Boldo 2010. Anthericum ramosum Branched St.Bernard’s Lily A few at San Lucano, and Cimoliana. 2009. Paradisea liliastrum St. Bruno’s Lily Below Fedaia. Hemerocallis lilio-asphodelus a day lily An intriguing probable endemic, Val Cimoliana. A few in fine flower. Hemerocallis fulva a day lily Naturalised. Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron In fruit, e.g. Cimoliana meadows. Lloydia serotina Snowdon Lily A few at Fedaia. Gagea fragifera 2 in Passo di Giau marsh, 2014. Lilium martagon Martagon Lily Forest edges and meadows: Dolomiti Friulani, Fontanafredda, San Lucano, Giau, and Fedaia. Lilium bulbiferum Orange Lily Locally common. [some without bulbils: var. croceum]. Allium schoenoprasum Chives Valparola marsh and Fontanafredda. Allium victorialis Alpine Leek In bud at Fedaia 2014. Allium carinatum Keeled Garlic In bud at Epipactis palustris site. Allium vineale Crow Garlic Fontanafredda 2013. Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-valley Cimoliana. Maianthemum bifolium May-lily Cimoliana. In flower at Fontanafredda.

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Streptopus amplexifolius Gares. Polygonatum verticillatum Whorled Solomon’s-seal San Lucano in fruit. Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon’s Seal San Boldo 2010. Polygonatum odoratum Scented Solomon’s-seal In fruit at San Lucano. Paris quadrifolia Herb Paris Cimoliana, San Lucano, and Gares.

Iridaceae Crocus albiflorus White Crocus In flower by recent snowmelt at Fedaia 2016. 2017 in fruit.

Orchidaceae Cypripedium calceolus Lady’s Slipper Orchid 2016: Many in fine flower at Cimoliana, c.6 at Sottoguda, and the one below Staulanza over this year. 2017: Already over at all sites! Epipactis palustris Marsh Helleborine Dont and Vajont. Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine Vajont and Cimoliana. Epipactis atrorubens Dark Red Helleborine Vajont and San Lucano. Epipactis microphylla a helleborine 2, Cimoliana, 2017. Cephalanthera damasonium White Helleborine Several in Monte Grappa woods 2010. Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine 1 at Cimoliana 2016. Cephalanthera rubra Red Helleborine 3+ in flower at Cimoliana. Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s-nest Orchid 1 at Cimoliana. Listera ovata Twayblade Scattered records, e.g. Cimoliana. Listera cordata Lesser Twayblade 2 near Staulanza, where 9 last year. Goodyera repens Creeping Lady’s Tresses Last stop on Day 4, 2013. Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid Widespread, several in Dolomiti Friulani and at Fedaia. Platanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly Orchid Gares 2007. 2010 1 at the Monte Grappa lunch site. Chamorchis alpina False Orchid Several fine spikes at Valparola at a reliable site for the species. Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Widespread and often common. Seen daily. Gymnadenia odoratissima Short-spurred Fragrant Orchid Several at Andraz, Dolomiti Friulan etc. Pseudorchis albida Small White Orchid Grassy places e.g. Fontanafredda, Passo di Giau, and Passo di Fedaia. Nigritella rhellicani Black Vanilla Orchid Fontanafredda and Fedaia. Nigritella rubra Red Vanilla Orchid Below the Passo di Giau, and at Fedaia. Coeloglossum viride Frog Orchid Short turf, Fontanafredda, Fedaia, etc. Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid Fontanafredda, a few of both purple form and yellow form, still just in flower 2016. 2017: no sign of these plants. Dactylorhiza cruenta Flecked Marsh Orchid Possibly this species at Fontanafredda 2013. Dactylorhiza majalis Alpine Marsh Orchid Very common in wet areas over 1800m, Passo di Giau, Duran, Staulanza, and Fontanafredda etc. Dactylorhiza lapponica a marsh orchid This species gone over at Dont. Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Locally very common in woods and meadows e.g. Dolomiti Friulani and Gares. Traunsteinera globosa Round-headed Orchid Several at Fontanafredda in fine flower. Orchis ustulata Burnt Orchid Several in grassland at Fontanafredda. Orchis militaris Military Orchid One at Cimoliana 2016, the first seen on the tour since 2008!

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Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid c.5 at Fedaia. = Orchis ovalis, Orchis mascula ssp.ovalis, or Orchis mascula ssp.signifera. Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Cimoliana meadows 2016. Ophrys insectifera Fly Orchid A few at Vajont still just in flower. Over at Cimoliana. Corallorhiza trifida Coralroot Orchid In fruit below Staulanza. In flower lower Marmolada. Malaxis monophyllos Single-leaved Bog Orchid 2016: 2 at San Osvaldo, 5 at Posalz. 2017: c.8 at Posalz. Nigritella rubra x Gymnadenia conopsea Apparently this hybrid with both parents on Passo Fedaia, 2008. And 1 below Passo Giau in 2011 and 2012. Nigritella rhellicani x Gymnadenia conopsea 1 at Fedaia. Dactylorhiza majalis x Gymnadenia conopsea Apparently this hybrid at Falzarego 2011.

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Systematic List Number 2 Butterflies (Dolomites)

The nomenclature and the systematic order follow Tolman and Lewington’s Butterflies of Britain and Europe published by HarperCollins (1997). Species not seen this year are annotated with the year in which they were last seen. Species added this year are annotated 2017.

Papilionidae Swallowtail Papilio machaon Dolomiti Friulani. Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Cellina gorge. Apollo Parnassias apollo Vajont and Belvedere. Clouded Apollo Parnassius mnemosyne 1 at Gares.

Pieridae Large White Pieris brassicae Day 3. Black-veined White Aporia crataegi Numerous in Dolomiti Friulani, a few elsewhere. Small White Artogeia rapae A few records. Green-veined White Artogeia napi Scattered records. Mountain Green-veined White Artogeia bryoniae Passo Giau. Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Gares, 2016. Clouded Yellow Colias crocea 1, Fontanafredda. Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis Vajont and Day 9, 2014. Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Scattered records. Wood White Leptidea sinapis Scattered records.

Lycaenidae Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini 1 at Vajont 2016. Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi Cimoliana 2016. Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus Day 3 and Sottoguda. Purple-edged Copper Lycaena hippothoe Fontanafredda 2016. Little Blue Cupido minimus Only Cimoliana this year. Osiris Blue Cupido osiris A male at Fedaia 2016. Holly Blue Celastrina argiolas 1 at Claut 2016. Mountain Alcon Blue Maculinea rebeli Vajont 2014. Large Blue Maculinea arion Andraz. Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Day 3, 2015. Idas Blue Plebejus idas Cimoliana and San Lucano 2016. Brown Argus Aricia agestis Day 9 2016. Mountain Argus Aricia artaxerxes Cimoliana. Alpine Blue Albulina orbitulus Passo Giau 2017. Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus Widespread. Escher’s Blue Agrodiaetus escheri Sottoguda 2014. Amanda's Blue Agrodiaetus amanda Day 8 and Fedaia. Chalk-hill Blue Lysandra coridon Scattered records. Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus Dolomiti Friulani 2016. Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Dolomiti Friulani 2016.

Riodinidae Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Hamaeris lucina Several in Cimoliana.

Nymphalidae Purple Emperor Apatura iris 1 at Vajont. Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta Cimoliana 2017. White Admiral Limenitis camilla San Osvaldo. Hungarian Glider Neptis rivularis Several in Val Cimoliana, and Cellina gorge. Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta San Lucano.

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Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Numerous in 2009, none in 2008, on Only 2 days in 2010. A very worn individual at Fontanafredda 2011. Not seen 2012. 2013on 4 days. 2014 only on one day. 2015 on 4 days. 2016, seen on 6 days. Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Fontanafredda. Comma Polygonia c-album Cellina gorge. Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia Cimoliana and Cellina gorge. Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja Claut 2015. High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Vajont. Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia Cellina gorge 2017. Shepherd’s Fritillary Boloria pales Fedaia 2017. Titania's Fritillary Clossiana titania Widespread in small numbers. Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana euphrosyne A few records. Thor’s Fritillary Clossiana thore Fontanafredda, Gares, and Sottoguda, 2015. Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe Near Venice 2017. Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma Cimoliana. False Heath Fritillary Melitaea diamina Seen on 4 days. Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia Cimoliana and San Osvaldo Provencal Fritillary Mellicta deione 1 at San Lucano 2016. Asian Fritillary Hypodryas intermedia 1 in Gares valley 2016. Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia Valparola, glaceigenita.

Satyridae Marbled White Melanargia galathea Vajont, Cimoliana, and Belvedere. Common Grayling Hipparchia semele 1, Cellina gorge, 2017. Alpine Grayling Oeneis glacialis Fedaia 2015. Arran Brown Erebia ligea Widespread and locally common, especially in Dolomiti Friulani. Large Ringlet Erebia euryale Scattered records. Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron 1 at Fedaia, 2016. Blind Ringlet Erebia pharte Giau and Andraz, 2017. Woodland Ringlet Erebia medusa Widespread. Almond-eyed Ringlet Erebia alberganus Fontanafredda. Silky Ringlet Erebia gorge 1, Fedaia, 2017. Common Brassy Ringlet Erebia cassioides 4 on Day 9 2014. Styrian Ringlet Erebia stirius 1, Cellina gorge, 2017. Bright-eyed Ringlet Erebia oeme Day 8, 2016. Dewy Ringlet Erebia pandrose Scattered high altitude records. Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina 1, Cimoliana, 2014. Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Dolomiti Friulani 2016. Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania Locally numerous, as in Dolomiti Friulani. Alpine Heath Coenonympha gardetta On 4 days at higher altitudes. Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 1 at Gares. Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera Scattered records. Woodland Brown Lopinga achine Dolomiti Friulani and San Lucano, locally common.

Hesperidae Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Cimoliana 2016. Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus Giau. Oberthur’s Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus A few records, 2015. Olive Skipper Pyrgus serratulae Fedaia. Safflower Skipper Pyrgus carthami Alpine Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus andromedae Giau. Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages Scattered records 2016. Large Chequered Skipper Heteropterus morpheus Several in Dolomiti Friulani.

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Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon c.5 Cimoliana, 2016. Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Scattered records. Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Scattered records. Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus Scattered records. Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma Day 3, 2016.

Systematic List Number 3 Birds (Dolomites)

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Venice area. Great Egret Egretta alba North of Venice. Little Egret Egretta garzetta North of Venice. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis North of Venice. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Venice area. Mute Swan Cygnus olor Alleghe and Barcis. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Alleghe and Barcis. Tufted Duck Ayhthya fuligula Barcis lake. Black Kite Milvus migrans En route to Venice. Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Fontanafredda. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Scattered records. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Rocca Pietore and Passo Giau. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Peregrine Falco peregrines Fine views of an immature at the last picnic site. Corncrake Crex crex Notable was one calling in a meadow at Posalz, 2016. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Venice area. Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Venice area. Rock Dove Columba livia Towns, especially in the lowlands. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Scattered records. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Seen on the first day. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Heard at Fontanafredda. Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Heard from the hotel in Barcis. Common Swift Apus apus Scattered records. Alpine Swift Apus melba Day 4. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius Heard on three days. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Scattered records, nesting at Fontanafredda. Skylark Alauda arvensis Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Widespread and reasonably common. Swallow Hirundo rustica Scattered records. House Martin Delichon urbica Widespread. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Scattered records. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Above 2200m on four days. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Widespread near streams. White Wagtail Motacilla a. alba Widespread in small numbers. Dipper Cinclus cinclus Sottoguda. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Scattered records, often heard. Dunnock Prunella modularis Scattered records. Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris c.6 at Fedaia. Robin Erithacus rubecula Scattered records. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Common around the hotels and seen also at various other sites. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Around the Hotel Pineta. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Scattered high altitude records. Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Giau, Fedaia, and Valparola. Blackbird Turdus merula Widespread. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris A few records. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Scattered records, mostly heard. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Scattered records.

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Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Heard often. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Widespread, mostly heard. Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Often heard, especially in Dolomiti Friulani. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Widespread. Heard often. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Scattered records. Marsh Tit Parus palustris Scattered records. Crested Tit Parus cristatus Cimoliana. Coal Tit Parus ater Widespread. Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Widespread. Great Tit Parus major Scattered records. Nuthatch Sitta europaea Scattered records. Jay Garrulus glandarius Widespread. Magpie Pica pica Venice area and Dolomiti Friulani. Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Widespread in spruce forest. Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Quite common above 2000m, and often very tame. Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone Widespread. Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix Lower altitudes. Raven Corvus corax Widespread. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Venice area. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Widespread. Italian Sparrow Passer domesticus italiae in Cimolais and probably elsewhere. Snow Finch Montifringilla nivalis Fedaia, Falzarego, and Marmolada. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Widespread and common. Serin Serinus serinus Widespread. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Scattered records. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Widespread in small numbers. Linnet Carduelis cannabina Scattered records. Redpoll Carduelis flammea Numerous at Fedaia. Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 1 at Fedaia 2016. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Andraz. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Fedaia 2016. Rock Bunting Emberiza cia Cimoliana.

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Systematic List Number 4 Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians (Dolomites)

Common Mole Talpa europaea Hills noted. Alpine Marmot Marmota marmota Seen or heard on several days, such as on Passo de Fedaia and Passo di Giau. Snow Vole Chionomys nivalis 1 seen by PGC from the Marmolada chairlift, 2007. Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris A few signs of feeding. Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius One seen well, if briefly, in the middle of the day (!), at Alpine Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra 1 at Fedaia, 2017. Alpine Ibex Capra ibex A male at Fedaia 2013. Wild Boar Sus scrofa Signs only. Badger Meles meles A lower jaw found in Sottoguda gorge, 2009. Hare Lepus europaeus Feltre area 2010. Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Droppings at higher altitudes. Adder Vipera berus 1 at Posalz, and a few dead individuals. 2005. Asp Viper Vipera aspis 1 seen very well at Fedaia 2013 and 2015. Grass Snake Natrix natrix 1 in Settimana Valley, 2012. San Lucano lake 2016. Dice Snake Natrix tesselata 1 at Gares. 2005. Fontanafredda 2010. Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Dead individuals at Cimoliana and Claut, 2016. Slow Worm Anguis fragilis 2 dead near Posalz. 2005. Selva di Cadore 2011. Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara Scattered records. Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis Scattered records. Common Frog Rana temporaria Scattered records. Common Toad Bufo bufo Scattered records. Fire Salamander Salamandra salamandra Larvae Settimana, 2015. Alpine Newt Triturus alpestris A few in Settimana Valley 2013. Alpine Salamander Salamandra atra 1 in the Sottoguda Gorge, 2006.

Central Italian Alps Systematic Lists 2017

Compiled by Paul Cardy

Itinerary Summary Day 10. Saturday 1st July. Venice, Verona, to Brescia. Lake Iseo. Borno.

Day 11. Sunday 2nd July. Pizzo Arera. Day 12. Monday 3rd July. Brescian Prealps. Day 13. Tuesday 4th July. Passo Vivione. Passo Gavia. Sta.Caterina. Day 14. Wednesday 5th July. Passo Gavia. Day 15. Thursday 6th July. Stelvio National Park. Day 16. Friday 7th July. Val Viola. Oga Bog.

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Day 17. Saturday 8th July. Forcagna. Livigno. Switzerland. Day 18. Sunday 9th July. To Malpensa.

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Systematic List Number 1a Plants (Central Italian Alps)

Nomenclature and systematic order follow ‘Flora Alpina’, by Aeschimann et al., 2004. Species added this year (several!) are annotated 2017. All species with no year annotation were of course seen this year too!

A. PTERIDOPHYTA Ferns and their allies

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia selago Fir Clubmoss Woods, Rhaetian Alps. Lycopodiella inundata Marsh Clubmoss Day 3 on recce. Lycopodium annotinum Interrupted Clubmoss Vivione. Lycopodium clavatum Stag’s-horn Clubmoss Day 8, 2017. ssp.clavatum Diphasiastrum alpinum Alpine Clubmoss Forcagna.

Selaginellaceae Selaginella selaginoides Lesser Clubmoss

Equisetaceae Equisetum variegatum Variegated Horsetail Brescian Prealps. Equisetum fluviatile Water Horsetail Wetlands. Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail Brescian Prealps and Oga Bog. Equisetum sylvaticum Wood Horsetail Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Scattered records. Equisetum telmateia Giant Horsetail Scattered records.

Ophioglossaceae Botrychium lunaria Moonwort Widespread, with great variation in size, e.g. Stelvio.

Polypodiaceae Cryptogramma crispa Parsley Fern Vivione and Val Viola, 2017. Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody Widespread. Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Scattered records. Phegopteris connectilis Beech Fern Day 4, 2015. Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort On rocks at various sites. Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Limestone ledges and boulders, e.g. Arera. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Brescian Prealps 2017. Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort Vivione. Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall-rue Scattered records, locally common. Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Forests. Athyrium distentifolium Alpine Lady-fern Brescian Prealps 2017. Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Widespread. Cystopteris alpina Alpine Bladder-fern Pizza Arera. Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern Scattered records. Gymnocarpium robertianum Limestone Fern Scattered records. Matteucia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern Day 4. Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern Orobienne Alps.

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Dryopteris filix-mas Male Fern Scattered records. Dryopteris affinis Scaly Male Fern Scattered records. Dryopteris villarii Rigid Buckler Fern e.g. Arera. Dryopteris abbreviata Vivione 2017.

B. CONIFEROPSIDA Conifer trees and their allies

Pinaceae Abies alba Silver Fir Scattered records Picea abies Norway Spruce Widespread - main forest dominant at mid-altitudes. Larix decidua European Larch Frequent in middle altitudes, locally dominant just below treeline. Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Forest at middle altitudes. Pinus mugo mugo Dwarf Mountain Pine Often dominant 1800-2100m, and also at lower altitudes. Pinus mugo uncinata Mountain Pine Scattered records. Pinus cembra Arolla Pine Locally dominant, mostly at high altitude.

Cupressaceae Juniperus communis ssp.communis Juniper Above Bormio etc. Juniperus communis ssp.alpina Higher altitudes.

C. ANGIOSPERMS - DICOTYLEDONES

Ranunculaceae Helleborus niger Christmas Rose In leaf. Trollius europaeus Globeflower Arera and Brescian Prealps. Aconitum lycoctonum Wolfsbane Stelvio NP. Aconitum napellus Monk’s-hood Scattered records, several in flower. Anemone narcissiflora Narcissus Anemone Still in fine flower in Brescian Prealps. Hepatica nobilis Hepatica Scattered in leaf, not seen 2017? Pulsatilla alpina Alpine Pasque Flower Widespread, locally very common. (sspp.austroalpina and apiifolia) Pulsatilla vernalis Spring Pasque Flower Scattered in fruit. Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy Widespread in flower. Clematis alpina Alpine Clematis In fruit. Ranunculus tuberosus a buttercup Scattered records. Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Brescian Prealps 2015. Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Scattered. The following species of the montanus complex were probably all present. Generally common and widespread. Ranunculus carinthiacus a buttercup Ranunculus montanus a buttercup Ranunculus venetus a buttercup Ranunculus villarsii a buttercup

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Ranunculus breyninus a buttercup Ranunculus alpestris Alpine Crowfoot Locally common in flower in Stelvio NP (2015), and Switzerland. Ranunculus platanifolius a buttercup Brescian Prealps. Ranunculus glacialis Glacier Crowfoot Locally abundant in fine flower. Ranunculus kuepferi a buttercup A few at one site in Stelvio NP. Ranunculus parnassifolius Parnassus-leaved Buttercup In fruit in Stelvio National Park. ssp.heterocarpus In flower there on recce. Ranunculus sp. A small flowered aquatic species in pond at Viola lunch site 2015. Aquilegia atrata Dark Columbine Near Borno. Aquilegia einseleana a columbine Bergamasche Orobienne Alps, in leaf, 2015. Thalictrum aquilegifolium Great Meadow-Rue Brescian Prealps etc. Thalictrum foetidum Foetid Meadow-Rue Above Bormio. Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow-rue Scattered records.

Berberidaceae Berberis vulgaris Barberry Rhaetian Alps.

Papaveraceae Papaver rhoeas Corn Poppy Lower altitude roadsides. Papaver croceum Iceland Poppy Naturalised in Switzerland. Papaver aurantiacum Alpine Poppy Stelvio National Park, in fine flower. Locally very common. Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Borno.

Fumariaceae Corydalis lutea Yellow Corydalis Borno and Colere areas. Subendemic.

Moraceae Ficus carica Fig Lower roadsides.

Urticaceae Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle Scattered records. Urtica urens Small Nettle Recorded 2017. Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall Borno walls, etc.

Juglandaceae Juglans regia Walnut Recorded.

Fagaceae Fagus sylvatica Beech Forming forests. Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Scattered records. Quercus robur Common Oak Orobienne Alps.

Betulaceae Betula pendula Silver Birch Scattered records.

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Alnus viridis Green Alder Often forming low scrub on the treeline, but also on forest edges lower down. Locally dominant. Alnus glutinosa Alder Alnus incana Grey Alder Scattered records. Ostrya carpinifolia Hop Hornbeam Rhaetian Alps. Corylus avellana Hazel Scattered records.

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca americana Pokeberry Lower roadsides.

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good King Henry Eutrophied areas. Chenopodium album Fat Hen Scattered records.

Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane Valtellina roadsides.

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria biflora a sandwort Gavia. Arenaria multicaulis a sandwort Brescian Prealps, Croce Domini. Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort Scattered records. Arenaria marschlinsii a sandwort Stelvio NP 2015. Moehringia markgrafii a sandwort One small plant west of Borno, just inside Bergamo province. Endemic to Brescia! 2015. Moehringia ciliata a sandwort Orobienne Alps on recce. Moehringia concarenae a sandwort Apparently this in Stelvio National Park, but not known from Sondrio Province? Local endemic. Minuartia recurva Sickle-leaved Sandwort Locally common on acid rocks. Minuartia grignensis a sandwort Monte Arera. Endemic. Minuartia austriaca a sandwort Monte Arera. Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort Scattered records, e.g. Arera. Minuartia sedoides Mossy Cyphel Rhaetian Alps, e.g. Gavia. Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort Brescian Prealps. Stellaria media Common Chickweed Borno. Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Brescian Prealps. Cerastium cerastoides Starwort Mouse-ear Gavia. Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Widespread in various subspecies. Cerastium alpinum Alpine Mouse-ear Cerastium uniflorum a mouse-ear Rhaetian Alps. Cerastium latifolium a mouse-ear Monte Arera and Stelvio NP. Cerastium pedunculatum a mouse-ear Higher altitudes on acidic rocks. Alpine endemic. Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Pavement weed. Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Scattered records. Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Widespread. Silene acaulis Moss Campion Arera and Stelvio NP. Silene exscapa a moss campion On acidic substrates.

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Silene rupestris Rock Campion Rocks and ledges, widespread. Silene pusilla a catchfly Arera 2015. Silene latifolia ssp.alba White Campion Silene dioica Red Campion Widespread. Gypsophila repens Alpine Gypsophila Scattered records, locally common. Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort Above Bormio. Saponaria officinalis Soapwort Scattered records. Petrorhagia saxifraga Tunic Flower Scattered records on recce. Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Rhaetian Alps. Dianthus seguieri Seguier’s Pink Brescian Prealps on recce. Dianthus hyssopifolius a pink Arera. Dianthus sylvestris Wood Pink Stelvio NP. Dianthus superbus Fringed Pink Brescian Prealps.

Polygonaceae Polygonum aviculare Common Knotgrass Polygonum bistorta Bistort Locally very common. Polygonum viviparum Alpine Bistort Widespread and locally common. Oxyria digyna Mountain Sorrel A few records. Rumex scutatus French Sorrel Scattered records, e.g. Arera. Rumex alpestris Mountain Dock Scattered records. Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Widespread. Rumex alpinus Monk’s Rhubarb Eutrophied areas around buildings etc. Rumex crispus Curled Dock Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock

Plumbaginaceae Armeria alpina Mountain Thrift Gavia.

Hypericaceae Hypericum montanum Pale St.John’s-wort Near Borno. Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stalked St.John’s-wort Brescian Prealps on recce. Hypericum maculatum Imperforate St. John’s-wort Brescian Prealps. Hypericum perforatum Common St John’s-wort Scattered records.

Malvaceae Malva alcea Hollyhock Mallow Roadsides. Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow Day 4

Droseraceae Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew Oja Bog.

Cistaceae Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose Scattered records, locally common, as at Arera. Helianthemum alpestre Alpine Rockrose Arera etc.

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Violaceae Viola canina Heath Dog-violet In leaf at Oga 2015. Viola palustris Marsh Violet In leaf at Oga. Viola biflora Yellow Wood Violet Widespread and locally very common. Viola calcarata Spurred Violet Several at Lake Mot 2015. In Switzerland 2017. Nominate subspecies. Viola dubyana a pansy Monte Arera, in fine flower. Endemic. Viola tricolor Heartsease Day 8. Viola arvensis Field Pansy Day 4. Salicaceae Salix alba White Willow Lower altitudes. Salix reticulata Net-leaved Willow Limestone rocks at higher altitudes. Salix herbacea Least Willow Rather widespread, e.g. Gavia. Salix retusa Retuse-leaved Willow Scattered records. Salix serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Willow Scattered records. Salix breviserrata a willow Scattered records 2015. Salix glaucosericea Silky Willow Salix apennina Apennine Willow Probably present too. Salix mielichhoferi a willow Arera, 2017. Salix appendiculata Large-leaved Willow Arera etc. Salix cinerea Grey Willow Scattered records. Salix caprea Goat Willow Forest edge. Salix rosmarinifolia Rosemary-leaved Willow Brescian Prealps 2017. Salix foetida Fishy Willow Salix waldsteiniana a willow Orobienne Alps and Brescian Prealps. Salix helvetica Swiss Willow Rhaetian Alps. Salix elaeagnos a willow Scattered records. Salix purpurea Purple Willow Scattered records. Salix spp. willows Others unidentified. Populus tremula Aspen Scattered records. Populus nigra Black Poplar Lower altitudes.

Brassicaceae Sisymbrium strictissimum Perennial Rocket Locally common in Rhaetian Alps. Descurainia sophia Flixweed Above Bormio. Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Colere area on recce. Erysimum rhaeticum a treacle mustard Arera, 2017. Barbarea vulgaris Common Winter-cress Cardamine heptaphylla Seven-leaflet Bittercress In fruit, Brescian Prealps, on recce. Cardamine pentaphyllos Five-leaflet Bittercress In fruit, Vivione, 2017.

Cardamine asarifolia Asarum-leaved Bittercress Brescian Prealps, common at one site. Cardamine amara Large Bittercress Stelvio NP, 2015. Cardamine resedifolia Mignonette-leaved Bittercress Scattered records. Cardamine alpina a bittercress Gavia. Cardamine impatiens Fine-leaved Bittercress Noted in fruit on recce.

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Arabis caerulea Blue Arabis Gavia, and high in Stelvio NP, in flower. Arabis bellidifolia a rockcress Stelvio NP 2015. Arabis subcoriacea a rockcress Gavia and Stelvio NP. Arabis alpina Alpine Rockcress Widespread, e.g. Stelvio. Turritis glabra Tower Mustard Brescian Prealps, 2017. Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow Grass Monte Ferrante on recce. Draba hoppeana a whitlow grass Stelvio NP, 2015. Draba dubia a whitlow grass Stelvio 3000, 2015. Draba tomentosa Woolly Draba Stelvio 2017. Petrocallis pyrenaica Monte Ferrante on recce. Kernera saxatilis Kernera Widespread. Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse Widespread. Pritzelago alpina Chamois Cress Widespread, locally common as on Arera. Thlaspi rotundifolium Round-leaved Pennycress In fruit on Arera. Biscutella laevigata Buckler Mustard Widespread and common. Diplotaxis tenuifolia Perennial Wall Rocket At the rest stop en route to Malpensa, 2017.

Resedaceae Reseda lutea Yellow Mignonette A few records.

Empetraceae Empetrum nigrum Mountain Crowberry Oga Bog. ssp.hermaphroditum

Ericaceae Erica carnea Winter-flowering Heath Locally very common in leaf. Calluna vulgaris Heather or Ling Scattered records. Rhododendron ferrugineum Alpenrose Widespread on acidic soils. Rhododendron hirsutum Hairy Alpenrose Widespread on calcareous substrates. Rhodothamnus chamaecistus Dwarf Alpenrose Gone over at Monte Ferrante on recce. Loiseleuria procumbens Creeping Azalea Locally numerous, in flower Livigno. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry Scattered records. Andromeda polifolia Bog Rosemary In fruit in Oga Bog. Vaccinium microcarpum Small Cranberry Oja Bog. Not given for Sondrio province in Flora Alpina. Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry Scattered in forest. Vaccinium uliginosum Bog Whortleberry Scattered on leached grassland. Vaccinium gaultherioides a whortleberry Oga Bog. Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Forest.

Pyrolaceae Pyrola minor Common Wintergreen Brescian Prealps, Forcagna, and Switzerland.

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Pyrola rotundifolia Round-leaved Wintergreen In fine flower in Stelvio woods on recce. Orthilia secunda Nodding Wintergreen A few records, 2015.

Primulaceae Primula elatior Oxlip Brescian Prealps on recce. Primula veris Cowslip Noted in fruit. Primula farinosa Bird’s-eye Primrose Gavia, in flower. Also Switzerland. Primula glutinosa a primrose Locally in good flower in Rhaetian Alps. Alpine endemic. Primula glaucescens a primrose Locally in fruit this year in Brescian Prealps and Bergamasche Orobienne Alps. Primula minima Least Primrose In fruit in the Rhaetian Alps on recce. Primula integrifolia Entire-leaved Primrose In flower in Livigno area and in Switzerland. Primula latifolia Viscid Primrose Locally common in flower in Livigno area. Primula auricula Bear’s-ear In fruit on Monte Arera. Primula hirsuta a primula Livigno area. Primula daonensis a primrose Over this year in Brescian Prealps, but in good flower in Rhaetian Alps. Central Alps endemic. The following hybrids were seen. Primula x heerii = Primula hirsuta x Primula integrifolia Primula x berninae = Primula hirsuta x Primula latifolia Primula x murettiana = Primula integrifolia x Primula latifolia Androsace obtusifolia a rock-jasmine Switzerland. Androsace hausmannii a rock-jasmine c.5 plants in Bergamasche Orobienne Alps, on the recce. Androsace alpina a rock-jasmine Gavia Pass, pink flowers, 2017. Soldanella pusilla Dwarf Snowbell Widespread and locally common. Soldanella alpina Alpine Snowbell Widespread in fruit. Cyclamen purpurascens Sowbread Near Borno. Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife Orobienne Alps, etc.

Crassulaceae Sempervivum wulfenii Wulfen’s Houseleek In striking flower in Rhaetian Alps. Central and Eastern Alps endemic. Sempervivum arachnoideum Cobweb Houseleek Sempervivum montanum Mountain Houseleek In fine flower at several sites. Sempervivum tectorum Common Houseleek Brescian Prealps. Sempervivum wulfenii x montanum Apparently this hybrid growing with the parents in Val Viola. Sedum telephium Orpine

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Sedum montanum a stonecrop Scattered, e.g. Brescian Prealps. Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Scattered, e.g. Mt.Arera. Sedum alpestre a stonecrop Sedum sexangulare Tasteless Stonecrop Arera. Sedum album White Stonecrop Widespread. Sedum dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop Scattered. Sedum atratum Dark Stonecrop Scattered records. Sedum annuum a stonecrop Rhaetian Alps on recce. Rhodiola rosea Roseroot Brescian Prealps.

Saxifragaceae Saxifraga stellaris Starry Saxifrage Scattered records, locally common. Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Brescian Prealps. Saxifraga cuneifolia Spoon-leaved Saxifrage Vivione. Saxifraga caesia Blue Saxifrage Arera and Stelvio, etc., in good flower. Saxifraga vandellii Vandelli’s Saxifrage Stelvio NP, in fruit, 2015. Central Alps endemic. Saxifraga oppositifolia Purple Saxifrage A few high altitude records, a few in flower. Saxifraga hostii ssp.rhaetica a saxifrage Fine in Brescian Prealps, and Bergamasche Orobienne Alps. Endemic. Saxifraga paniculata Livelong Saxifrage Widespread and locally common. Saxifraga aspera Rough Saxifrage Brescian Prealps. Saxifraga bryoides Mossy Saxifrage Locally in fine flower. Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Mountain Saxifrage Widespread along streams, but also on dry slopes. Saxifraga exarata Musky Saxifrage Gavia, Stelvio 3000, etc. [sspp. exarata and moschata] Saxifraga androsacea Scree Saxifrage Day 8. Saxifraga seguieri a saxifrage Locally in fine flower in Rhaetian Alps. Saxifraga muscoides a saxifrage Below Gavia, 2017. Alpine endemic. Saxifraga aphylla a saxifrage Stelvio NP in fine flower. Saxifraga adscendens a saxifrage Lake Mot rocks, 2015. Parnassia palustris Grass of Parnassus Rather widespread in wet flushes, but also on dry slopes.

Rosaceae Aruncus dioicus Goatsbeard Spiraea Widespread. Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Rhaetian Alps. Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Scattered records. Rubus idaeus Raspberry Forests. Rosa glauca Glaucous Dog Rose Lower Arera, 2017. Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Widespread. Rosa montana Mountain Rose Brescian Prealps, 2017. Rosa canina s.s. Dog Rose Scattered records. Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Scattered records. Sanguisorba officinalis Great Burnet Locally very common, e.g. Oga.

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Sanguisorba dodecandra a burnet Monte Arera, one impressive patch. A very local endemic. Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Near Borno. Dryas octopetala Mountain Avens Widespread, and locally abundant. Geum reptans Creeping Avens Rhaetian Alps on recce. Geum montanum Mountain Avens Widespread at higher altitudes Geum rivale Water Avens Brescian Prealps, etc. Geum urbanum Herb Bennet Recorded on recce. Potentilla argentea Hoary Cinquefoil Recorded 2015. Potentilla grandiflora a cinquefoil Rhaetian Alps. Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil Scattered records. Potentilla aurea Golden Cinquefoil Widespread. Potentilla erecta Tormentil Widespread and common. Potentilla caulescens Lax Potentilla In bud in Stelvio NP. Potentilla nitida Pink Cinquefoil Monte Ferrante on recce. Sibbaldia procumbens Sibbaldia Locally rather common, e.g. Gavia and Stelvio. Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Scattered records. Alchemilla pentaphyllea a lady’s-mantle Locally very common in Rhaetian Alps. Alchemilla alpina Alpine Lady’s-mantle Brescian Prealps etc. Alchemilla conjuncta Silver Lady’s-mantle Arera etc. Alchemilla splendens a lady’s-mantle Alchemilla hybrida a lady’s-mantle Alchemilla xanthochlora a lady’s-mantle Alchemilla glabra a lady’s-mantle Alchemilla coriacea a lady’s-mantle Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash Woods, widespread. Sorbus chamaemespilus Dwarf Medlar Brescian Prealps. Amelanchier ovalis Snowy Mespilus Scattered records. Cotoneaster integerrimus Wild Cotoneaster Stelvio NP 2015. Cotoneaster tomentosus Brickberry Cotoneaster Recorded 2017. Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Prunus avium Wild Cherry

Fabaceae Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Orobienne Alps. Laburnum alpinum Alpine Laburnum Cytisus nigricans Black Broom Orobienne Alps and Brescian Prealps. Cytisus scoparius Broom Low on Arera. Genista tinctoria Dyer’s Greenweed Orobienne Alps and Brescian Prealps. Robinia pseudoacacia False Acacia Lower roadsides. Astragalus penduliflorus Mountain Lentil Brescian Prealps. Astragalus alpinus Alpine Milk-Vetch Stelvio NP and Day 8. Astragalus glycyphyllos Wild Liquorice Orobienne Alps and Brescian Prealps. Oxytropis lapponica a milk-vetch Stelvio NP, 2015.

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Oxytropis jacquinii Mountain Milk-Vetch Mt.Arera and Switzerland. Oxytropis campestris Yellow Milk-Vetch Stelvio NP and Switzerland. ssp.campestris and ssp.tyroliensis Oxytropis fetida a milk-vetch This species Stelvio NP, 2015? Not recorded for Sondrio province in Flora Alpina. Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Widespread. Vicia sepium Bush Vetch Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Near Borno. Lathyrus sylvestris Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Scattered records. Ononis natrix Large Yellow Restharrow Brescian Prealps on recce. Ononis spinosa Spiny Restharrow Above Bormio. Melilotus altissimus Tall Melilot Scattered records. Melilotus albus White Melilot Widespread. Medicago lupulina Black Medick Widespread. Medicago sativa Lucerne Brescian Prealps etc. Medicago falcata Sickle Medick Above Bormio. Trifolium alpinum Alpine Clover Widespread and common. Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Stelvio etc. Trifolium repens White Clover Common. Trifolium pallescens a clover Scattered records. Trifolium thallii Thale Cress Scattered records, e.g. Brescian Prealps. Trifolium hybridum Alsike Clover Scattered records. Trifolium badium Brown Clover Widespread. Trifolium spadiceum Large Brown Clover A few records. Trifolium pratense Red Clover Common. Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil Widespread in grassland. Lotus alpinus Alpine Bird’s-foot-trefoil Widespread above 2000m. Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney-vetch Widespread, various subspecies seen. Coronilla vaginalis a scorpion-vetch In fruit near Borno. Securigera varia Crown-vetch Brescian Prealps etc. Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Stelvio NP, 2017. Hedysarum hedysaroides Alpine Sainfoin ssp.hedysaroides Switzerland. ssp.exaltatum Brescian Prealps. Onobrychis montana Mountain Sainfoin Brescian Prealps. Onobrychis viciifolia Common Sainfoin Scattered records.

Elaeagnaceae Hippophaë rhamnoides Sea-buckthorn

Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Lower roadsides.

Thymelaeaceae Daphne mezereum Mezereon A few records in fruit. Daphne cneorum Garland Flower Below Gavia, 2017.

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Onagraceae Circaea lutetiana Enchanter’s Nightshade Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Lower roadsides. Oenothera glazioviana Large-flowered Evening Primrose Lower roadsides. Epilobium angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Widespread. Epilobium dodonaei a willowherb Epilobium fleischeri a willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Greater Willowherb Lower roadsides. Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb Scattered records. Epilobium collinum a willowherb Epilobium alpestre Whorled-leaved Willowherb Brescian Prealps, Arera, etc. Epilobium palustre Marsh Willowherb Oga Bog 2017. Epilobium nutans a willowherb Epilobium anagallidifolium Pimpernel-leaved Willowherb Rhaetian Alps. Epilobium alsinifolium Chickweed Willowherb Brescian Prealps and Rhaetian Alps.

Santalaceae Thesium alpinum Alpine Bastard Toadflax Rhaetian Alps.

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia prostrata Trailing Red Spurge On the arrival day 2017. Euphorbia dulcis Sweet Spurge Near Borno 2017. Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Euphorbia nicaeensis a spurge Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Gavia and Stelvio.

Rhamnaceae Rhamnus pumila Dwarf Buckthorn Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn

Linaceae Linum alpinum Mountain Flax Orobienne Alps. Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Recorded.

Polygalaceae Polygala chamaebuxus Shrubby Milkwort Val Viola. Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort Below Gavia, 2017. Polygala alpestris Mountain Milkwort Scattered records.

Aceraceae Acer campestre Field Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Simaroubaceae Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven

Oxalidaceae Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel Scattered in leaf.

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Geraniaceae Geranium sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill Recorded. Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill Widespread, locally very common. Geranium nodosum Knotted Cranesbill Monte Arera on recce. Geranium phaeum Dusky Cranesbill Scattered records, e.g. Arera. Geranium pyrenaicum Pyrenean Cranesbill Scattered records, e.g. Arera. Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Scattered records.

Balsaminaceae Impatiens noli-tangere Touch-me-not Orobienne Alps. Impatiens parviflora Small Balsam Scattered records. Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan Balsam Brescian Prealps on recce. Impatiens balfourii a balsam Brescian Prealps.

Araliaceae Hedera helix Ivy

Apiaceae Astrantia major Great Masterwort Brescian Prealps and near Borno. Astrantia minor Lesser Masterwort Widespread and locally common. Chaerophyllum hirsutum Hairy Chervil Vivione etc. Chaerophyllum villarsii a chervil Rather widespread. Chaerophyllum temulum Rough Chervil Rhaetian Alps 2015. Molopospermum peloponnesiacum Locally still in flower. Brescian Prealps and Arera. Pimpinella major Great Burnet-saxifrage Scattered records. Pimpinella saxifraga Burnet-saxifrage Above Bormio. Aegopodium podagraria Ground-elder Recorded. Seseli libanotis Moon Carrot Day 7, 2017. Seseli annuum Scattered records, e.g. Brescian Prealps, Arera, etc. Athamanta cretensis Candy Carrot Arera, Stelvio etc. Bupleurum stellatum a thorow-wax Breascian Prealps etc. Bupleurum petraeum a thorow-wax High on Arera. Bupleurum ranunculoides a thorow-wax Brescian Prealps. ssp.caricinum Bupleurum falcatum ssp.cernuum Sickle-leaved Hare’s-ear Vivione 2017. Ligusticum mutellinoides Unbranched Lovage Widespread. Ligusticum mutellina Alpine Lovage Scattered higher altitude records. Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Scattered records. Peucedanum venetum a masterwort Stelvio NP. Peucedanum austriacum Recorded 2015. ssp.rablense Peucedanum ostruthium Masterwort Scattered in flower. Peucedanum verticillare a masterwort Brescian Prealps. Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip Scattered roadside records. Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Widespread. Laserpitium siler a sermountain Scattered records. Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Scattered records.

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Laserpitium gaudinii a sermountain Brescian Prealps. Laserpitium peucedanoides Arera. Laserpitium nitidum a sermountain Laserpitium halleri a sermountain Day 7. Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley Near Borno, 2017. Daucus carota Wild Carrot Scattered records.

Gentianaceae Gentiana lutea Yellow Gentian Over in Stelvio NP. Gentiana punctata Spotted Gentian Widespread and locally very common, e.g. Brescian Prealps. Gentiana asclepiadea Willow Gentian In leaf, Brescian Prealps, 2017. Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian In leaf on Arera 2015. Gentiana clusii Clusius’s Gentian Scattered records. Gentiana acaulis Trumpet Gentian Scattered records, in flower at Gavia. Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Gavia and Switzerland. Gentiana brachyphylla a gentian Gavia. Gentiana orbicularis a gentian Stelvio National Park, in fine flower. Gentiana bavarica Bavarian Gentian Rhaetian Alps, locally very common. Gentiana nivalis Snow Gentian Rhaetian Alps. Gentiana utriculosa Bladder Gentian In flower on Arera, and Val Viola. Gentiana tenella a gentian Below Gavia 2017. Gentiana campestris Field Gentian Oga turf.

Aslepiadaceae Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Scattered records.

Solanaceae Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet Near Borno.

Convolvulaceae Cuscuta europaea Greater Dodder Day 3 on recce. Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Scattered records. Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Roadsides lower down.

Menyanthaceae Menyanthes trifoliata Bog-bean In marshes on recce.

Polemoniaceae Polemonium caeruleum Jacob’s-ladder Stelvio National Park, 2017.

Boraginaceae Echium vulgare Viper’s Bugloss Orobienne Alps. Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-me-not Day 4, 2017. Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not

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Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood Forget-me-not Widespread and locally numerous at higher altitudes. Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not Brescian Prealps on recce.

Lamiaceae Ajuga pyramidalis Pyramidal Bugle A few records. Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander Near Borno. Teucrium montanum Mountain Germander Scattered records. Galeopsis ladanum Broad-leaved Hemp-nettle Arera 2015. Galeopsis pubescens Downy Hemp-nettle Day 2. Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettled Arera 2015. Lamium album White Dead-nettle Day 7. Lamium galeobdolon Yellow Archangel Scattered records. Stachys alopecuros Yellow Betony Brescian Prealps, etc., common. Stachys pradica a betony Brescian Prealps. Stachys officinalis Betony Vivione. Stachys alpina Limestone Woundwort Orobienne Alps. Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort Widespread. Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort Prunella grandiflora Large Self-heal Scattered records. Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Scattered records. Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint Scattered records, locally common. Calamintha grandiflora Greater Calamint Brescian Prealps on recce. Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Scattered records on recce. Origanum vulgare Marjoram Scattered records. Thymus praecox Hairy Thyme Widespread. Thymus pulegioides Large-flowered Thyme Scattered records. Mentha longifolia Horse Mint Horminum pyrenaicum Dragonmouth Widespread and locally abundant, as in Brescian Prealps. Salvia glutinosa Sticky Sage In leaf. Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary Scattered records.

Plantaginaceae Plantago major Great Plantain Widespread. Plantago maritima ssp.serpentina a plantain Scattered records, e.g. Vivione. Platago alpina Alpine Plantain Locally common in Switzerland. Plantago media Hoary Plantain Scattered records. Plantago atrata Mountain Plantain Switzerland. Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Scattered records.

Buddlejaceae Buddleja davidii Buddleia Widely naturalised.

Oleaceae Fraxinus excelsior Ash

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Scrophulariaceae Verbascum thapsus Aaron’s-rod Widespread. Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Scattered records. Verbascum nigrum Dark Mullein Verbascum chaixii a mullein Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort Lower Arera etc., 2015. Scrophularia canina French Figwort Arera. Scrophularia juratensis a figwort Linaria tonzigii Tonzig’s Toadflax A trip highlight was several plants of this rare very local endemic in flower in the Bergamasche Orobienne Alps. Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax A few records, 2015. Linaria alpina Alpine Toadflax Rhaetian Alps. Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Digitalis grandiflora Large Yellow Foxglove Brescian Prealps. Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove Orobienne Alps, locally very common. Veronica bellidioides Violet Speedwell A few records. Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Scattered records. ssp.serpyllifolia and humifusa. Veronica alpina Alpine Speedwell Widespread at higher altitudes. Veronica fruticans Rock Speedwell Locally common in Rhaetian Alps. Veronica fruticulosa a speedwell Below Gavia. Veronica urticifolia Nettle-leaved Speedwell Woods. Veronica aphylla Leafless-stemmed Speedwell Brescian Alps. Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell Scattered records. Veronica chamaedrys Bird’s-eye Speedwell Widespread. Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Brescian Prealps, 2015. Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Pseudolysimachion spicatum Spiked Speedwell Orobienne Alps on recce. Melampyrum velebiticum a cow-wheat Melampyrum sylvaticum Wood Cow-wheat Forests. Melampyrum pratense Common Cow-wheat Rhaetian Alps on recce. Euphrasia rostkoviana an eyebright Day 7, 2017. ssp.montana Euphrasia picta ssp.arguta an eyebright Brescian Prealps 2017. Euphrasia alpina Alpine Eyebright Brescian Prealps 2015. Euphrasia minima an eyebright Gavia, including yellow flowered form. 2015. Euphrasia spp. eyebrights Others unidentified. Bartsia alpina Alpine Bartsia Widespread in boggy flushes. Pedicularis recutita a lousewort A few in Brescian Prealps. Pedicularis verticillata Verticillate Lousewort Widespread and common. Pedicularis tuberosa a lousewort Rhaetian Alps. Pedicularis elongata a lousewort Brescian Prealps 2015.

Pedicularis ascendens a lousewort Widespread, especially abundant in the

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Brescian Prealps. Also Arera. Pedicularis rostratospicata a lousewort Stelvio National Park on recce. ssp.helvetica Pedicularis rostratocapitata a lousewort Stelvio National Park, 2017. Pedicularis kerneri a lousewort Brescian Prealps, Gavia, Stelvio, and Day 8. Pedicularis gyroflexa a lousewort Bergamasche Orobienne Alps. Pedicularis ascendens x gyroflexa 1 of this probable hybrid on Mt.Arera, 2017. Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus antiquus a yellow rattle Rhinanthus glacialis Aristate Yellow-rattle Rhinanthus songeonii a yellow rattle Rhinanthus alectorolophus Greater Yellow-rattle

Globulariaceae Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia Scattered records, e.g. Brescian Prealps. Globularia nudicaulis Leafless-stemmed Globularia Mt.Arera.

Orobanchaceae Orobanche alba Thyme Broomrape Pizzo Arera, 2017.

Lentibulariaceae Pinguicula alpina Alpine Butterwort In flower in Switzerland. Pinguicula leptoceras a butterwort Scattered records. Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Day 4.

Campanulaceae Campanula raineri Rainer’s Bellflower One plant in fine flower in the Bergamasche Orobienne Alps on recce. Campanula patula ssp.costae Spreading Bellflower Presumably this subspecies seen, Vivione, 2015. Campanula barbata Bearded Bellflower Remarkably common in the area. Campanula spicata Spiked Bellflower Brescian Prealps. Campanula thyrsoides a bellflower 1 fine spike in Switzerland, 2017. ssp.thyrsoides Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower Widespread. Campanula rapunculoides Creeping Bellflower Vivione. Campanula cochlearifolia Fairy’s Thimble Scattered records. Campanula scheuchzeri a bellflower Widespread. Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Scattered records. Phyteuma spicatum Spiked Rampion Vivione 2015. Phyteuma ovatum Dark Rampion Vivione 2015. Phyteuma betonicifolium Betony-leaved Rampion Brescian Prealps etc. Phyteuma orbiculare Round-headed Rampion Locally very common. Phyteuma sieberi a rampion Stelvio NP 2015. Phyteuma scheuchzeri Oxford Rampion ssp.scheuchzeri Brescian Prealps.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 69 ssp.columnae Scattered records. Phyteuma hemisphaericum Globe-headed Rampion Brescian Prealps 2015. Phyteuma hedraianthifolium a rampion Scattered records. A Central Alps endemic. Phyteuma humile a rampion This was the commonest small phyteuma. Phyteuma globulariifolium Rosette-leaved Rampion Rhaetian Alps, some fine examples.

Rubiaceae Asperula aristata a squinancywort This species seen? Asperula cynanchica Squinancywort Scattered records, locally common.

Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw Scattered records. Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Scattered records. Galium album Upright Bedstraw Galium montis-arerae Monte Arera Bedstraw Fine in Bergamasche Orobienne Alps, where endemic. Galium laevigatum a bedstraw This species recorded? Galium rubrum a bedstraw Near Borno 2017. Galium pumilum Slender Bedstraw Brescian Prealps etc. Galium anisophyllon a bedstraw Recorded. Galium baldense Monte Baldo Bedstraw Monte Ferrante on recce. Central Alps endemic. Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Scattered records.

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera caerulea Blue-berried Honeysuckle Vivione, in fruit. Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Brescian Prealps. Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder Roadsides lower down. Sambucus nigra Common Elder Scrubby verges and margins. Sambucus racemosa Red-berried Elder

Valerianaceae Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Forest margins and verges. Valeriana tripteris Three-leaved Valerian Near Borno. Valeriana montana a valerian Widespread and reasonably common. Valeriana saxatilis Rock Valerian Orobienne Alps. Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Lower roadsides.

Dipsacaceae Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Knautia drymeia a scabious Knautia longifolia a scabious Knautia spp. scabious spp. Others probably present. Scabiosa triandra a scabious Scattered records.

Asteraceae Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp-agrimony Near Borno.

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Solidago virgaurea Goldrenrod Widespread. Solidago canadensis Canadian Goldenrod Lower roadsides. Bellis perennis Daisy Aster squamatus an aster Lower roadsides. Aster alpinus Alpine Aster Scattered higher altitude records. Aster bellidiastrum False Aster Scattered records. Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane Widespread and common. Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane Erigeron atticus a fleabane Val Viola 2015. Erigeron alpinus Alpine Fleabane Arera etc. Erigeron glabratus Variable Fleabane Gnapthalium norvegicum Highland Cudweed Brescian Prealps lunch site and Viola, 2015. Gnapthalium supinum Dwarf Cudweed Gavia. Antennaria dioica Mountain Everlasting Brescian Prealps and Rhaetian Alps. Antennaria carpatica Carpathian Catsfoot Orobienne Alps and Brescian Prealps. Leontopodium alpinum Edelweiss Rhaetian Alps and Arera, locally common. Buphthalmum salicifolium Yellow Ox-eye Scattered records, locally common. Telekia speciosissima a yellow oxeye Roadsides near Colere. Endemic. Galinsoga ciliata Shaggy Soldier Pavement weed in villages. Achillea erba-rotta ssp.moschata a milfoil Gavia etc., alpine endemic. Achillea atrata Dark-stemmed Sneezewort Scattered records, e.g. Stelvio NP. Achillea clavennae Silvery Milfoil Arera. Achillea distans Achillea stricta Achillea millefolium Yarrow Widespread. Achillea roseoalba Sta.Caterina Valfurva. Achillea collina Matricaria discoidea Pineapple-weed Scattered records. Tanacetum corymbosum a tansy Brescian Preaalps and Bergamasche Orobienne Alps. Leucanthemopsis alpina Alpine Moon Daisy Widespread and locally very common. Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Widespread. Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Scattered records. Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Stelvio NP etc. Artemisia umbelliformis Stelvio NP 2017. Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot Locally numerous, widespread. Still in flower in Stelvio NP. Petasites albus White Butterbur In leaf. Petasites hybridus Butterbur In leaf. Petasites paradoxus Alpine Butterbur In leaf. Homogyne alpina Alpine Coltsfoot Common and widespread. Adenostyles alliariae Adenostyles Brescian Prealps and Rhaetian Alps. Adenostyles glabra Bergamasche Orobienne Alps and Brescian Prealps. = A.alpina Arnica montana Arnica Widespread. Doronicum columnae Heart-leaved Leopard’s-bane Arera.

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Doronicum clusii a leopard’s-bane Gavia. Senecio incanus ssp.carniolicus Grey Alpine Groundsel Rather widespread. Senecio inaequidens Naturalised in Brescian Prealps, etc. A native of South Africa. Senecio germanicus ssp.glabratus a ragwort Locally very numerous, e.g. below Gavia. Senecio hercynicus Probably present too. Senecio ovatus Wood Ragwort Senecio cacalister a ragwort Brescian Prealps. Senecio doronicum Chamois Ragwort Brescian Prealps, Rhaetian Alps. Senecio alpinus Alpine Ragwort Locally common, as in Brescian Prealps. = Senecio cordatus Senecio rupestris Rock (Oxford) Ragwort Scattered records. = Senecio squalidus Senecio abrotanifolius a ragwort A few in Val Viola. Tephroseris tenuifolia Brescian Prealps. Carlina acaulis Stemless Thistle Brescian Prealps, 2017. Not confirmed for Brescia in Flora Alpina. Echinops sphaerocephalus a globe thistle Day 3 on recce. Arctium lappa Greater Burdock Arctium minus Lesser Burdock Carduus defloratus Alpine Thistle Widespread. More than one subspecies present. Cirsium eriophorum Woolly-headed Thistle Cirsium tuberosum Tuberous Thistle Cirsium montanum a thistle Widespread and locally common. Cirsium erisithales Yellow Melancholy Thistle Widespread and numerous. Cirsium spinosissimum Spiniest Thistle Widespread and locally very common. Cirsium acaule Dwarf Thistle Rhaetian Alps 2015. Cirsium helenoides Melancholy Thistle Rhaetian Alps, in bud. Cirsium pannonicum a thistle Cirsium canum a thistle Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Brescian Alps and Vivione. Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Scattered records. Stemmacantha rhapontica In fine flower in Brescian Prealps. Abundant on Arera. Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed Locally common. Centaurea nigrescens a knapweed Widespread. Centaurea nervosa Plume Knapweed Brescian Prealps and Day 7. Centaurea rhaetica Rhaetian Knapweed Brescian Prealps and Bergamasche Orobienne Alps. Centaurea montana Perennial Cornflower Brescian Prealps. Cichorium intybus Chicory Verges lower down. Aposeris foetida Aposeris Vivione woods. Hypochoeris uniflora Giant Cat’s-ear Widespread. Hypochoeris radicata Cat’s-ear Recorded. Leontodon helveticus a hawkbit Widespread and locally numerous.

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Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit Scattered records, locally common. Leontodon crispus a hawkbit Stelvio NP 2017. Leontodon incanus ssp.tenuiflorus a hawkbit Day 4. Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Oxtongue Scattered records. Scorzonera rosea a viper’s grass A fine addition to the list, Brescian Prealps 2017. Tragopogon pratensis Goatsbeard Day 7. Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Stelvio NP. Cicerbita alpina Alpine Sow-thistle Orobienne Alps. Prenanthes purpurea Purple Lettuce Vivione. Taraxacum palustre Marsh Dandelion Rhaetian Alps. Taraxacum alpinum Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Taraxacum spp. dandelions Lapsana communis Nipplewort Scattered records. Crepis paludosa Marsh Hawksbeard Widespread and locally common. Crepis pygmaea a hawksbeard Stelvio NP. Crepis kerneri Stelvio NP, in bud. Crepis aurea Golden Hawksbeard Widespread. Hieracium staticifolium a hawkweed Brescian Prealps. Hieracium hoppeanum a hawkweed Hieracium pilosella Mouse-ear Hawkweed Scattered records. Hieracium lactucella a hawkweed Brescian Prealps etc. 2017. Hieracium bifidum a hawkweed Scattered records. Hieracium villosum a hawkweed Brescian Prealps and Arera. Hieracium piliferum a hawkweed Brescian Prealps 2017. Hieracium intybaceum a hawkweed Rhaetian Alps. Hieracium glaucum a hawkweed Stelvio NP 2017.

D. ANGIOSPERMS - MONOCOTYLEDONES

Juncaginaceae Triglochin palustris Marsh Arrow-grass Oga Bog.

Juncaceae Juncus jacquinii a rush Acidic soils at higher altitudes,locally common. Juncus filiformis Thread Rush Brescian Prealps. Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush Brescian Prealps. Juncus trifidus Three-leaved Rush Acidic soils, Brescian Prealps and Rhaetian Alps. Juncus monanthus a rush On calcareous substrates. Brescian Prealps, Arera, and Rhaetian Alps. Juncus compressus Round-fruited Rush Scattered records. Juncus tenuis Slender Rush Day 4, 2017. Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered Rush Brescian Prealps. Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush Juncus triglumis Three-flowered Rush Wet flushes in Rhaetian Alps, 2015.

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Luzula campestris Field Woodrush Luzula multiflora Many-flowered Woodrush Luzula sudetica a woodrush Luzula alpina Alpine Woodrush Brescian Prealps and Rhaetian Alps. Luzula spicata Spiked Woodrush Gavia. Luzula lutea a woodrush Gavia. Luzula nivea a woodrush Scattered records. Luzula luzuloides ssp.rubella White Woodrush Forests in Rhaetian Alps and Brescian Prealps. Luzula alpinopilosa a woodrush Scattered records, locally common. Luzula glabrata a woodrush Brescian Prealps etc., locally common.

Cyperaceae Trichophorum alpinum Cotton Deer-grass Oga Bog. Trichophorum caespitosum Deer-grass Acidic wet flushes. Blysmus compressus Flat-headed Sedge Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cotton-grass Acidic wet flushes. Eriophorum latifolium Broad-leaved Cotton-grass Basic flushes. Eriophorum vaginatum Hare’s-tail Cotton-grass Acidic bogs. Eriophorum scheuchzeri a cotton-grass Acidic bogs, Rhaetian Alps. Carex paniculata Tussock Sedge Oga Bog. Carex spicata Spiked Sedge Near Borno. Carex pairae a sedge Rhaetian Alps on recce. Carex leporina Oval Sedge Scattered records. Carex echinata Star Sedge Scattered records, e.g. Oga Bog. Carex dioica Dioecious Sedge Carex davalliana Davall’s Sedge Carex lachenalii Hare’s-foot Sedge Rhaetian Alps. Carex curvula Curved Sedge More acid grassland, e.g. Gavia. Carex rostrata Bottle Sedge Dominant at Oga Bog. Carex sylvatica Wood Sedge Vivione. Carex capillaris Hair Sedge Scattered records. Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Widespread. Carex panicea Carnation Sedge Brescian Prealps. Carex hostiana Tawny Sedge Brescian Prealps. Carex flava Great Yellow-sedge Brescian Prealps. Carex lepidocarpa Long-stalked Yellow Sedge Brescian Prealps. Carex viridula a yellow sedge Day 7. Carex pallescens Pale Sedge Moister grassland and wood edges, e.g. Arera and Brescian Prealps. Carex halleriana a sedge Carex ornithopodioides a bird’s-foot sedge Brescian Prealps. Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Scattered records. Carex montana Soft-leaved Sedge Carex sempervirens Evergreen Sedge Widespread and common. Carex firma a sedge On calcareous substrates, e.g. Day 8. Carex ferruginea a sedge Widespread. Carex fimbriata a sedge Western Rhaetian Alps.

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Carex frigida a sedge Calcareous flushes, e.g. Switzerland, 2015. Carex limosa Bog Sedge Day 4. Carex atrata Jet Sedge Scattered records. Nominate and ssp.aterrima. Carex parviflora a sedge Rhaetian Alps. Carex norvegica ssp.norvegica Close-headed Alpine Sedge Gavia 2017. Carex bicolor a sedge Rhaetian Alps 2015. Carex elata Tufted Sedge Margins of Viola lunch pond. Carex nigra Common Sedge Widespread and locally common. Carex microglochin Bristle Sedge Brescian Prealps on recce. Carex pauciflora Few-flowered Sedge Vivione. Carex rupestris Rock Sedge Stelvio NP etc. Carex pulicaris Flea Sedge Brescian Prealps on recce.

Poaceae Festuca melanopsis a fescue Festuca rubra Red Fescue Festuca valesiaca a fescue Festuca spp. Fescues Many other species present. Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Lolium multiflorum Italian Rye-grass Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Poa pratensis Smooth Meadow-grass Poa nemoralis Wood Meadow-grass Poa bulbosa Bulbous Meadow-grass Poa alpina Alpine Meadow-grass Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot Briza media Quaking Grass Sesleria ovata Sesleria sphaerocephala Sesleria caerulea Oreochloa disticha Melica ciliata Ciliated Melick Bromus inermis Hungarian Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood False-brome Brachypodium pinnatum Tor Grass Brachypodium rupestre Elymus caninus Bearded Couch Elymus repens Common Couch Helictotrichon pubescens Hairy Oat Helictotrichon pratense Meadow Oat Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Koeleria pyramidata Pyramidal hair-grass Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat-grass Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum alpinum Alpine Vernal-grass Agrostis rupestris a bent-grass Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent-grass

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Polypogon viridis Water-bent Calamagrostis varia a small-reed Phleum pratense Timothy Phleum alpinum Alpine Cat’s-tail Phleum rhaeticum a cat’s-tail Phleum phleoides Purple-stem Cat’s-tail Phleum hirsutum a cat’s-tail Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-grass Achnatherum calamagrostis Phragmites australis Common Reed Danthonia decumbens Heath-grass Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass Nardus stricta Mat-grass Sorghum halepense

Sparganiaceae Sparganium angustifolium Floating Bur-reed In a pond at Vivione.

Liliaceae Tofieldia calyculata Tofield’s Asphodel Flushes, widespread. Dry slopes too! Veratrum album White False-helleborine Widespread. Anthericum liliago St.Bernard’s Lily Scattered records on recce. Anthericum ramosum Branched St.Bernard’s Lily Near Borno, and Stelvio NP. Paradisea liliastrum St. Bruno’s Lily South of Gavia. Lloydia serotina Snowdon Lily Rhaetian Alps. Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron In leaf 2017. Gagea fragifera Still in flower in Switzerland 2015. Fritillaria tubaeformis c.3+ in fruit, 2017. Lilium martagon Martagon Lily Forest edges and meadows, widespread. Lilium bulbiferum Orange Lily Brescian Prealps. [some without bulbils: var.croceum]. Ornithogalum gussonei a star-of-bethlehem Brescian Prealps on recce. Allium insubricum In fine flower on Monte Arera. Endemic. Allium schoenoprasum Chives Rhaetian Alps on recce. Allium carinatum Keeled Garlic Scattered records 2015. Maianthemum bifolium May-lily Scattered records. Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon’s Seal Polygonatum odoratum Scented Solomon’s-seal Stelvio NP. Paris quadrifolia Herb Paris Oga woods.

Iridaceae Crocus albiflorus White Crocus In leaf.

Orchidaceae Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine Stelvio NP and Borno.

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Epipactis atrorubens Dark Red Helleborine Stelvio NP. Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s-nest Orchid 2 above Bormio, 2015. Listera ovata Twayblade Brescian Prealps, 2015. Goodyera repens Creeping Lady’s Tresses Several above Bormio on recce. Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid Day 4. Platanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly Orchid Stelvio NP 2015. Chamorchis alpina Several spikes in Switzerland. Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Widespread and often common. Gymnadenia odoratissima Short-spurred Fragrant Orchid Scattered records, abundant in Brescian Prealps. Pseudorchis albida Small White Orchid Scattered records. Nigritella rhellicani Black Vanilla Orchid Widespread and locally common. Nigritella rubra a vanilla orchid Brescian Prealps and Stelvio NP. Coeloglossum viride Frog Orchid Widespread in short turf. Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid Gone over on recce. Dactylorhiza cruenta Flecked Marsh Orchid Oga Bog. Dactylorhiza majalis Alpine Marsh Orchid Brescian Prealps etc. Dactylorhiza lapponica a marsh orchid Oga Bog 2015. Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Common in woods and meadows, especially abundant in Brescian Prealps. Traunsteinera globosa Round-headed Orchid Fine in Brescian Prealps, also Monte Arera. Orchis ustulata Burnt Orchid 2, Brescian Prealps, on recce.

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Systematic List Number 2a Birds (Central Italian Alps)

The emphasis was on plants and butterflies, but the following birds were seen.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Veneto plains. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Veneto plains. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea A few records. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Switzerland 2015. Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus 1 superbly close in Stelvio on the recce. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Arera 2015. Black Kite Milvus migrans Lowlands. Buzzard Buteo buteo Scattered records. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Scattered records. Hobby Falco subbuteo Day 7 on recce. Coot Fulica atra A few records, 2015. Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Lower altitudes. Rock Dove Columba livia Towns, especially in the lowlands. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Scattered records. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Towns. Common Swift Apus apus Widespread. Alpine Swift Apus melba A few records. Green Woodpecker Picus viridus A few records. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius Near Borno, 2015. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Widespread and common. Swallow Hirundo rustica Scattered records. House Martin Delichon urbica Widespread and common. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Scattered records. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Higher altitudes, widespread. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Scattered records. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Widespread in small numbers. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Scattered records. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Common around the hotels and seen also at various other sites. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus A few records. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Scattered high altitude records. Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis Brescian Prealps and Gavia, 2015. Blackbird Turdus merula Widespread. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Scattered records. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Scattered records. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Heard often. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Widespread. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Widespread. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Scattered records. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Oga woods, 2015. Crested Tit Parus cristatus Oga woods. Coal Tit Parus ater Scattered records. Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Scattered records. Great Tit Parus major Scattered records. Nuthatch Sitta europaea Scattered records. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio A few records, e.g. near Bormio, 2015. Jay Garrulus glandarius Widespread.

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Magpie Pica pica Lower altitudes. Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Widespread in coniferous forest, locally common. Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Quite common above 2000m, and often very tame. Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone Widespread. Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix Lower altitudes. Raven Corvus corax Widespread. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Scattered records. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Widespread. Snow Finch Montifringilla nivalis A few high altitude records, e.g. Gavia. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Widespread and common. Serin Serinus serinus Widespread. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Scattered records. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Scattered records. Linnet Carduelis cannabina Pizzo Arera 2015. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula A few records.

Systematic List Number 3a Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians(Central Italian Alps)

Alpine Shrew Sorex alpinus A dead individual, Valfurva, 2015. Common Mole Talpa europaea Hills noted. Alpine Marmot Marmota marmota Locally common, seen or heard on several days Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris A few signs of feeding. Wild Boar Sus scrofa Signs only. Alpine Ibex Capra ibex A male and 3 females at Gavia, 2015. Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Droppings at higher altitudes.

Crested Newt Triturus cristatus Mt.Arera 2015. Alpine Newt Triturus alpestris Viola pond. Common Frog Rana temporaria Scattered records. Common Toad Bufo bufo Scattered records. Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara Scattered records. Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis Scattered records. Grass Snake Natrix natrix 2 on Mt.Arera 2015.

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Systematic List Number 4a Butterflies (Central Italian Alps)

The nomenclature and the systematic order follow Tolman and Lewington’s Butterflies of Britain and Europe published by HarperCollins (1997). Species not seen this year are annotated with the year in which they were last seen. Species new this year are annotated 2017. Of course all species with no year listed were seen this year.

Papilionidae Swallowtail Papilio machaon Val Viola. Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Day 4, 2015. Apollo Parnassias apollo Larva seen. Small Apollo Parnassius phoebus Stelvio NP and Forcagna Pass.

Pieridae Large White Pieris brassicae Scattered records. Black-veined White Aporia crataegi Seen on 2 days, 2015. Small White Artogeia rapae Scattered records. Green-veined White Artogeia napi Scattered records. Mountain Green-veined White Artogeia bryoniae A few at higher altitudes. Peak White Pontia callidice 2 in Stelvio NP. Mountain Clouded Yellow Colias phicomone Several in Brescian Prealps, Stelvio, and in Switzerland. Moorland Clouded Yellow Colias palaeno 3+, Val Viola, 2017. Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Scattered records. Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis A few records, 2015. Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Vivione. Wood White Leptidea sinapis Lower Stelvio and Val Viola.

Lycaenidae Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini Seen near Borno in 2015. Scarce Copper Lycaena virgaureae Day 4. Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus Scattered records, e.g. Val Viola. Purple-edged Copper Lycaena hippothoe Brescian Prealps and Val Viola. Little Blue Cupido minimus Widespread in small numbers. Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Scattered records 2015. Mountain Alcon Blue Maculinea rebeli Stelvio NP 2015. Large Blue Maculinea arion Val Viola. Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Stelvio NP. Idas Blue Plebejus idas Val Viola. Cranberry Blue Vacciniina optilete Several in Val Viola. Brown Argus Aricia agestis Arera 2015. Mountain Argus Aricia artaxerxes Arera and Val Viola. Alpine Blue Albulina orbitulus On three days at higher altitudes. Glandon Blue Agriades glandon Gavia, Stelvio NP, and Switzerland. Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus Widespread and locally common. Chalk-hill Blue Lysandra coridon Val Viola. Eros Blue Polyommatus eros 1 in Switzerland 2017.

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Riodinidae Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Hamearis lucina 2 on Pizza Arera 2015. Nymphalidae Purple Emperor Apatura iris Near Borno. White Admiral Limenitis camilla Mt.Arera 2015. Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Scattered records. Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Widespread in small numbers, 2015. Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Widespread in small numbers. Comma Polygonia c-album Seen on 2 days, 2015. Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia Brescian Prealps and Vivione, 2015. Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja Brescian Prealps, Vivione, and lower Stelvio. High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Below Vivione 2015. Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia Scattered records 2015. Shepherd’s Fritillary Boloria pales Several higher altitude records, common at Gavia. Mountain Fritillary Boloria napaea Switzerland and Gavia. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana selene Switzerland on the recce. Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana euphrosyne Below Gavia, and Val Viola. Thor’s Fritillary Clossiana thore Below Vivione 2017. Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe Lower Stelvio 2017. Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia Below Gavia, Stelvio, Val Viola, Oga Bog. Grisons Fritillary Mellicta varia Stelvio NP. Little Fritillary Mellicta asteria c.4 at one site in Switzerland was THE butterfly highlight of the tour. Asian Fritillary Hypodryas intermedia 1, Val Viola. Cynthia’s Fritillary Hypodryas cynthia Stelvio NP and Livigno Pass. Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia glaceigenita, Gavia and Livigno.

Satyridae Marbled White Melanargia galathea Widespread in small numbers. Alpine Grayling Oeneis glacialis Gavia and Stelvio NP. Arran Brown Erebia ligea Widespread and common. Large Ringlet Erebia euryale Locally very numerous. Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Stelvio NP 2015. Lesser Mountain Ringlet Erebia melampus Locally very common at higher altitudes. Woodland Ringlet Erebia medusa Brescian Prealps 2015. Almond-eyed Ringlet Erebia alberganus Scattered records, e.g. below Gavia. Sooty Ringlet Erebia pluto Stelvio NP. Silky Ringlet Erebia gorge Rather common at higher altitudes. Seen on 6 days. Form triopes. Mnestra’s Ringlet Erebia mnestra Arera 2015. Common Brassy Ringlet Erebia cassioides Brescian Prealps. Swiss Brassy Ringlet Erebia tyndarus Locally common at higher altitudes in Rhaetian Alps. Marbled Ringlet Erebia montana Below Vivione 2015. Dewy Ringlet Erebia pandrose Scattered higher altitude records. Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Stelvio woods. Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Arera.

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Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania Widespread in small numbers. Alpine Heath Coenonympha gardetta Rather common at higher altitudes. Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera Brescian Prealps. Northern Wall Brown Lasiommata petropolitana Below Vivione 2015. Woodland Brown Lopinga achine Hesperidae Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus Gavia. Oberthur’s Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus Brescian Prealps 2015. Olive Skipper Pyrgus serratulae Arera 2015. Dusky Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus cacaliae Red Underwing Skipper Spialia sertorius Stelvio woods 2017. Tufted Marbled Skipper Carcharodus flocciferus Lower Arera 2015. Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages Scattered records 2015. Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon Oga Bog 2017. Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Scattered records. Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Scattered records. Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus Scattered records. Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma Stelvio lunch site 2015.

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