Puglia in Spring

Naturetrek Tour Report 13 - 20 April 2019

Early Spider Orchid by Ron Brown Southern Festoon by Susan Wilsher

Eurasian Hoopoe by Ron Brown Italian Pool Frog by Ron Brown

Report compiled by Jessica Turner and Paul Harmes Images by Ron Brown & Susan Wilsher

Naturetrek Wolf’s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Puglia in Spring

Tour Participants: Jessica Turner and Paul Harmes (leaders) with 15 Naturetrek clients

Summary

Our third Naturetrek visit to Puglia was very enjoyable. In terms of flowers, it was a later season, and there was less visible migration this year. However, we still saw a fair number of Marsh and Hen Harriers (the latter possibly all male), plus a couple of Montagu’s Harriers. We also had at least one dark-phase Booted Eagle and a Bonelli’s Eagle flying overhead. The Lesser Kestrels were a delight, as was the Lanner Falcon seen by Ron, and the more distant one out over the sea. The Hoopoes were rather elusive, but we had some good views, especially on the last afternoon. The sheer abundance, together with the range and diversity of orchids was breath-taking, and we also enjoyed a good range of other Mediterranean spring flowers, many localised to Puglia or with a peri -Adriatic distribution such as the maroon-flowered Figwort Scrophularia lucida and the blue spikes of the bellflower Asyneuma limonifolium by Capo d’Otranto. The Risso’s Dolphins and Audouin’s Gulls added interest, and we enjoyed too, the range of architecture from cave dwellings via trulli to cathedrals, with Matera being especially fascinating. While it was unsettled at first, we were fortunate to be able to dodge most of the rain, and for most of the time we were able to enjoy sun, and pleasant temperatures. The exceptionally vivid rainbow over the sea will remain in our memories a long while. Jessica and Paul would like to thank the group members for their parts in making a very successful week.

Day 1 Saturday 13th April

Gatwick to Bari; transfer to Otranto The group flew from Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal on an Easyjet 8.40am flight to Bari, where they met with Jessica and Paul, who were already in Italy. The luggage was stowed in the minibuses, and we were soon on our way south-east along the coast. Our route followed the ‘Adriatic highway’ past Brindisi, and we enjoyed the Crown Daisies (Glebionis coronarium) along the route. As well as the common Magpies and Collared Doves, we noted a couple of migrating Marsh Harriers and a grey one, not seen well enough to identify, but which probably would have been Hen or Montagu’s – a good start. We drove through some extremely heavy rain, but showers were localised. As we drove through the extensive Olive groves, we could see how many have succumbed to the devastating bacterial infection Xylella fastidiosa that is destroying the area’s Olives.

We took a break at service just north of Lecce, where we saw a fine male Marsh Harrier, and enjoyed the Italian Sparrows. It was dry here, but cloudy, so we explored the Olive grove nearby. Plants included Sand Catchfly (Silene conica), on which we could see how the calyx inflates after flowering, a Childing Pink (Petrorhagia dubia), Field Marigold (Calendula arvensis), and a fine stand of Early Spider Orchids (Ophrys sphegodes), a very variable species, with these showing a relatively broad lip. A Painted Lady, Small Heath and an unidentified white butterfly were seen, plus some Pollen Chafers (Oxythyrea funesta) and a Scarce Tortoise Sheildbug.

Moving on, we skirted Lecce and Otranto, following the road along the coast past the lighthouse at Capo d’Otranto. We were soon at the Masseria Panareo, our base for the first three nights, where we received a very warm welcome and settled into our rooms. This delightful hotel is a converted fortified farmhouse, with views across to the sea. After a short break, we met in the bar while Jessica outlined some of the plans for the

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

week, before enjoying a delicious dinner. As we retired to bed, Scops Owl was calling from the surrounding trees.

Day 2 Sunday 14th April

Capo d’Otranto; Otranto area The morning was grey and still, and some of the group were up early to explore the environs of the hotel, accompanied by the cheerful chirping of the many Italian Sparrows that inhabit the palm trees near the rooms. We admired Field Gladiolus (Gladiolus italicus) and Honeywort (Cerinthe major) at a field edge. Birds, apart from the sparrows, were rather quiet, but we heard, and had brief views of, a Hoopoe. A rocky area had some Sawfly Orchids (Ophrys tenthredinifera) and Pyramidal Orchids (Anacamptis pyramidalis), the latter mainly still in bud. Other plants included the very aromatic Shrubby Thyme (Thymbra capitata) and the narrow-leaved endemic Rock-rose Helianthemum jonium.

After an excellent breakfast, we set off to explore the local area, retracing our route of the previous evening. A small flock of Lesser Kestrels was feeding over one of the fields. We stopped on top of a small limestone ridge, with views over the sea, near the Capo d’Otranto. Corn Buntings were singing, with their characteristic ‘jangling keys’ song, and we could also hear Skylark. Just by the minibuses were some plants of the bellflower Asyneuma limonifolium, which is special to Puglia within Italy, but which also occurs across the Adriatic. Large numbers of Pyramidal Orchids were in flower here, in various shades of pink, amidst the yellow Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa) and pink Hawk’s-beard (Crepis rubra). Shrubby Thyme was extremely fragrant, as was Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis), the latter with small pink flowers. As we explored the area, we also found Small-flowered Tongue Orchid (Serapias parviflora), Pink Butterfly Orchids (Anacamptis papilionacea), more Sawfly Orchids and Early Spider Orchids, and the smaller-flowered Yellow Bee Orchids Ophrys lutea subsp. galilea. Other plants included the Lupin Lupinus gussonei, dark blue Tassel Hyacinth (Leopoldia comosa), tiny rosettes of Evax (Filago pygmaea), and numerous vetches, including the beautiful dark-red Asparagus Pea (Lotus tetragonolobus). A Woodchat Shrike was feeding round a fence-line, and perching up on bushes, showing well. Numerous Swallows and House Martins were hawking overhead, and Bee-eaters were heard. Italian Wall Lizards were numerous, and one was very confiding, basking on an old tyre. Giant Centipedes were sheltering under a boulder, while butterflies included Painted Lady, Orange Tip and Small Heath, and we also saw Ragusa’s Nine-spotted moth.

Eventually, we moved on, but only as far as the lighthouse at Capo d’Otranto. This is the most easterly point of mainland Italy, closer to the Albanian coast and Corfu than Naples, and is the point where the Adriatic Sea is said to join the Ionian Sea. It was noted that some mobile phones welcomed us to Greece! We could see the mountains of Albania on the horizon. We started to walk down the path towards the lighthouse, noting the fragrant leaves of Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Lentisk, also known as Mastic Bush (Pistacia lentiscus), and also the tiny holly-leaved Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera). Another Adriatic speciality was Swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum hirundinaria subsp. adriatica), while the striking Figwort Scrophularia lucida was growing on rocks, together with Prasium (Prasium majus) and Common Sideritis (Sideritis romana). On these sheltered banks, butterflies were active, with numbers of Eastern Bath White, a Green Hairstreak, a probable Common Blue, Painted Ladies and Wall Browns. We also saw the Carpenter Bee Xylocopa iris, while Black Mining Bees were on the path. Out to sea, as well as Yellow-legged Gulls, we saw a group of Audouin’s Gulls round the cliffs,

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Puglia in Spring Tour Report

and then a Lanner Falcon flew past. We also had extended views of a pod of Risso’s Dolphins in the calm water, their backs and fins catching the sun.

Eventually, we returned to the hotel for our picnic, opting to eat it inside: a wise choice as during the meal there was a heavy shower. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, including local cheeses and wine. Suitably refreshed and after a break, we then drove north to Otranto, having amazing views of a Montagu’s Harrier, probably fresh off the sea, flying right past us, so we could see all the details. We took the road to the port, parking on the edge of the old town and taking time to explore its narrow streets, Aragonese castle and ramparts, and Cathedral with a fascinating twelfth-century mosaic floor representing the tree of life. Some of the group also enjoyed genuine ‘gelati’. A couple of Swifts were overhead, and a Cetti’s Warbler was seen as well as heard by the car park.

As we were about to leave there was another shower, mainly out to sea. The sun soon came out, and there was a most magnificent rainbow, one of the brightest we’d ever seen. It persisted, and we were able to enjoy it over the sea for the whole of our journey home. We met later to do our lists, before another delicious meal, and after an excellent day, which had proved much finer than the weather forecast predicted! After dinner, some of the group looked for the Scops Owl, which was calling from a tree by the hotel terrace, eventually seeing it fly out.

Day 3 Monday 15th April Le Cesine, San Foca Most of us were woken in the night by a massive thunderclap right overhead, and torrential rain. However, the morning dawned still and grey, and the light rain soon stopped.

Today we visited the area of Le Cesine, with its Olive groves, lakes, evergreen woodland and sand dunes. This lies further up the coast, so we retraced our steps past Capo d’Otranto. Shortly after we left the hotel, we saw three White Storks, resting on top of a stone building in a field, and we then learnt that they had been seen on an adjacent wall the previous evening, presumably resting up on their journey north.

Our route took us past the Laghi Alimini, two adjacent lakes joined by a channel, the northern one being brackish, the southern one fresh, but they were very quiet. We continued along the coast, seeing some Cormorants on a rock which showed the paler plumage of Mediterranean birds. We reached Le Cesine and parked on a closed-off section of road, admiring the swathes of the endemic Stork’s-bill Erodium nervulosum, with its showy pink flowers. The shrubs included pink Cistus creticus, white Sage-leaved Cistus (Cistus salvifolius), Mediterranean Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) and Lentisk, while the yellow-flowered Blue Wattles (Acacia saligna), although not native, were magnificent. A couple of Adonis Blues were seen, and Eastern Bath Whites were numerous. Other insects included a male Large Yellow-headed Wasp, black with bright golden-yellow antennae – only the females have yellow heads. Hoopoes were calling but remained elusive, and a flock of Bee-eaters flew overhead. Goldfinches were numerous, and Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Great Tit and Sardinian Warbler were seen, and Blackcap heard. The swathes of Crown Daisy (Glebionis coronarium), golden Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) and scarlet Common Poppies (Papaver rhoeas) under the Olive trees were magnificent.

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

We paused at a marshy area to listen to frogs calling, finding Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus). The path then went through the WWF reserve, where entry was not permitted on either side but allowed access through to the sea. We followed the path through dense woodland of Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis), Eucalyptus and Evergreen Oak (Quercus ilex). Here we also noted Ivy (Hedera helix) and Smilax (Smilax aspera) among the tangled undergrowth. We also found the strange and beautiful Red Box Fungus (Clathrus ruber). Further on, the path went between two lakes, where we saw Little and Great Crested Grebes, Coot, Mallard and Gadwall. We started to find orchids by the path, including some magnificent specimens of Lax-flowered Orchid (Anacamptis laxiflora), Early Spider Orchid (Ophrys sphegodes) and Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora). Other plants included Seaside Centaury (Centaurium maritimum), in bud, and Reversed Clover (Trifolium resupinatum). A Western Whip Snake of the Italian ‘carbonarius’ form was glimpsed, while we spent some time watching an Italian Pool Frog in a puddle, and some saw a European Pond Terrapin on a branch in the water. A further lake held two Grey Herons and a group of a dozen Little Egrets, and a Marsh Harrier circled overhead. At this point the path became deeply submerged, so we retraced our steps for lunch. Having had a forecast for heavy rain for most of the day, we were delighted to picnic in the sun! The cheese today came from the farm next door to the Panareo, so was very local. A Hoopoe flew past but continued out of sight. We spent some time exploring the Olive groves further, finding a very fresh Apulian Ophrys (Ophrys fuciflora subsp. apulica), beautiful blue Large Venus’ Looking-glass (Legousia speculum-veneris) Branched Broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) and an Italian Tree Frog, among the other delights.

We then drove up to the small resort of San Cataldo, where we had refreshments. Returning south, we made a stop at and area of beach north of San Foca. Here, we explored the road verge and the shore. On the sandy beach edge, we recorded White-tailed Bumblebee on Silene colorata, Cottonweed (Otanthus maritimus), Woolly Chamomile (Anthemis tomentosa), Sea Medick (Medicago maritima) and Sea Stock (Matthiola sinuata) and some fine and sturdy spikes of Common Broomrape (Orobanche minor). We also noted the strange balls (egagropili) which are composed of the compressed leaf-bases of the Neptune-grass (Posidonia oceanica).

The Scops Owls continued their chorus at night, and again, one was seen in flight.

Day 4 Tuesday 16th April Transfer to near Martina Franca Today we had to say goodbye to the Masseria Panareo and the Salento region of Puglia. We woke to a beautiful morning of blue skies and sun. After breakfast, we said goodbye and thank you to Delia on reception and to Matar, who had looked after us so well at table. We loaded the vehicles, seeing our first Scarce Swallowtail just before we left, and set off, stopping briefly at the top of the rise to photograph the bellflower Asyneuma limonifolium. We then stopped at the Capo d’Otranto in the morning sun, but a cool breeze was blowing. It was more sheltered on the slope, and butterflies included Common Swallowtail, Painted Lady and Wall Brown, together with a Purple Marbled moth, and European Paper Wasp was at a nest.

After a final chance to enjoy the sea, we continued our journey north. Our route took us to Brindisi and down to Taranto, with a break for coffee. We skirted the edge of Taranto, taking the road north towards Martina Franca, and then cutting across minor roads to our second hotel, the Masseria Chiancone Torricella. We noted how the scenery changed to become more undulating and wooded, with a lot of golden-yellow

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Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Spiny Broom (Calycotome infesta) on the hillsides. On the last section of roads, we could see many orchids on the road verges, especially Naked Man Orchid (Orchis italica). We soon reached the hotel, where we received a warm welcome from Laura, and settled in to our rooms. The hotel is another converted farmhouse, but this time incorporates ‘trulli’, the conical buildings so characteristic of this part of Puglia. We ate our picnic in the sun (or shade) on the terrace, before having some time to explore the grounds or take a short siesta. We then met in the car park to go just a little further. We started, though, with the southern form of Green-winged Orchids (Anacamptis morio subsp. picta with sparse, folded-back flowers), on the grass near the entrance. A cry of ‘raptor’ alerted us to a migrating dark-phase Booted Eagle overhead. Other plants included Anchusa (Anchusa hybrid subsp. undulata), and a Clouded Yellow flew past. We then drove for barely half a mile to our first, which turned out to be our only, stop, a pull-in off the road.

The verges were a treasure-trove of plants, especially orchids, and we were soon getting our eyes in for them. The immediately obvious were carpets of Green-winged Orchids (subsp. picta) and Pink Butterfly Orchids (Anacamptis papilionacea), plus Naked Man Orchids, but there were also good numbers of Small Yellow Bee Orchid (Ophrys lutea subsp. galilaea) showing obvious ‘bunny-ears’, Apulian Orchids (Ophrys fuciflora subsp. apulica), Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora), Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera), Early Spider Orchid (Ophrys sphegodes), Dark Ophrys (Ophrys sphegodes subsp. atrata) with a shaggier edge to the lip and ‘pointy elbows’, and Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid (Ophrys bertolonii), with its ski-slope lip and large mirror. While we were able to identify many species, many of the specimens of Ophrys showed considerable variation and signs of hybridisation; the genus is an example of evolution in action as many will hybridise readily, showing intermediate characteristics. We also found the Pink Butterfly x Green-winged Orchid hybrid Anacamptis x gennarii, and a Sawfly x Apulian Orchid hybrid, named Ophrys x salentina, after the Salento region of Puglia.

Sated for a while with orchids, we also admired the numerous Anemone hortensis, while in an adjacent arable field were a few mauve Crown Anemones (Anemone coronaria), the first time either Paul or Jessica had seen the species in Italy. Also recorded Dark Grape Hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) and Bifid Dead-nettle (Lamium bifidum) – another flower with ‘bunny ears’. Looking upwards for a while, we saw a magnificent male Hen Harrier, while two very distant raptors looked like more Booted Eagles, but we couldn’t be certain. Lots of Swallows and House Martins and a few Swifts were hawking overhead, and more Bee-eaters were distant. A Great Tit called, together with a slightly unexpected Cetti’s Warbler – unexpected because in the UK we associate them with reed beds. We met later to update our lists, followed by a welcome-drink of rossato wine from a local vineyard, and an excellent meal of regional dishes.

Day 5 Wednesday 17th April

Matera Today dawned fine and sunny. Today our destination was Matera, just over the Province border in Basilicata. This ancient town has the longest record of recorded habitation after Petra in Jordan, and one can see the layers of dwellings from the ancient caves, some of which were occupied until the 1950’s, and some now being done up as hotel accommodation, with more modern houses on top. After an early breakfast, we left at 8.30am, cutting cross-country towards Mottola, and enjoying the flowers along the verges.

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Our first roadside stop was to admire some Giant Orchids (Himantoglossum robertianum) and later we made another for a spike of Iris pseudopumila, yellow with purple on the falls. Both of these are very early flowerers, so we were pleased to see them looking fresh. (Eastern) Subalpine Warbler was calling from the scrub, nearby. (There is still a debate about the classification of Subalpine Warblers, with the Eastern / Western split not accepted by all.) As we drove, we also saw several male Hen Harriers, one very well, Common Buzzard and Black Kite, as well as our first Lesser Kestrels of the day. On the outskirts of Matera, we turned up the steep road onto the steppe plateau that borders the main gorge or gravina, stopping at the Belvedere. Here we had stunning views of the ancient part of the city. Plants here included the colourful mauve Stock (Matthiola fruticulosa), bright blue flax Linum austriacum subsp. tommasinii, Golden Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis) which scented the air, a Sombre Bee Orchid (Ophrys fusca), and among the Early Spider Orchids, there was a good Dark Ophrys (Ophrys sphegodes subsp. atrata). Near a couple of small caves, there was the endemic Basil Thyme Clinopodium suaveolens, with fragrant leaves, Rock Buckthorn (Rhamnus saxatilis) and the Golden Drops Onosma echioides. Lots of Swallows and House Martins were swooping low, and some were collecting mud from a puddle. Higher, the Black Kite gave good views, and Crested Larks were singing their short snatches of song. A good number of very fresh Swallowtail butterflies were on the wing.

We then moved down to the Visitor Centre, where it was more sheltered. We walked from here towards the Neolithic village remains, finding more Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid, Apulian Bee Orchid, Sawfly Orchid and Small Yellow Bee Orchids. We also found Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophora), and the nominate Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio subsp. morio), with more flowers and a wide lip, among the picta form. Some of the Lesser Kestrels perched, allowing good views, and a Common Kestrel was also present. Butterflies were active, with many Swallowtails plus Eastern Dappled White, Painted Lady, Small Heath, Orange Tip and Wall Brown being noted. We also found several ‘nests’ of the caterpillars of Franconian Lackey moth, mainly on the leaves of Giant Fennel (Ferula communis), a bright metallic-blue-green Forester Moth, and a large metallic- green Rose Chafer.

After a look round the Visitor Centre, we drove in to the city of Matera. Having parked near the railway station, we found a café in a square for our lunch before the group had time to explore at leisure. Most headed for the maze of narrow streets and steps which make up the sassi, the old area of town. Some visited one of the cave churches, while others visited the Cathedral and marvelled at the architecture, hidden corners and views across to where we had been earlier, and several of us sampled a genuine gelato. Lesser Kestrels were everywhere, overhead and perched on the buildings. All too soon, it was time to reconvene for our journey back home.

Some of the group opted to leave after lunch and stopped to look at a wall with several species of Stonecrop, including Red Stonecrop (Sedum rubens) and Broad-leaved Stonecrop (Sedum cespitosum), a tiny plant with pink- and-white flowers. En route they also saw a Montagu’s Harrier, and as they entered the hotel drive, a Hoopoe was feeding on the grass.

After a break, we met for another delicious dinner. A Scops Owl had been heard in the afternoon, and two were calling later, one from trees just behind our rooms.

Day 6 Thursday 18th April

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Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Laterza Today, we visited the gravina at Laterza, run as a LIPU reserve (the Italian equivalent of our RSPB).

We woke to another beautiful morning and, after breakfast, we left at 8.30am and retraced out route of the previous day. A Northern Wheatear took off from a wall – surprisingly, the only one noted so far in the trip. We turned off just before the Basilicata border, and skirted the town of Laterza to reach the visitor centre. Having used the picnic table to prepare our own lunches, we were welcomed by Manuel, one of the naturalists based at the reserve. He gave us some maps of the area and information about its key species. Sadly, after not breeding since 2014, the single pair of Egyptian Vultures for which the reserve was known, are no longer present, and a pair of young birds reintroduced to a nearby gorge were both killed on migration.

We set off to walk along the edge of the gorge, enjoying the stunning scenery. As we reached the first viewpoint, we saw a magnificent Black Stork, which nests in the gorge. It soared round, allowing us to see all its features, before dropping down out of sight – a wonderful start! An Eastern Subalpine Warbler was singing from deep scrub and allowed a few glimpses.

The taller vegetation included Macedonian Oak (Quercus trojana), False Senna (Hippocrepis emerus), Montpellier Maple (Acer monspessulanus) and Prickly Juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), with the Narrow-leaved Cistus (Cistus monspessulanus) starting to show its small white flowers. Italian Wall Lizards were everywhere (one even approached Ron and licked his finger!). Butterflies today included good numbers of both Brimstone and the brighter Cleopatra, Green Hairstreak, Swallowtail, Scarce Swallowtail, Painted Lady, Holly Blue, Clouded Yellow, Small Heath, Wall Brown, very fresh Adonis Blues and a Southern Grizzled Skipper. There was also a Cream-spot Tiger and several Hummingbird Hawk-moths, plus the large Egyptian Grasshoppers. A grey- and-black-mottled beetle was Capnodis cariosa, an Italian wood-boring Jewel Beetle which favours Lentisk. We started finding orchids, including the species we had seen previously, with some particularly fine Sawfly Orchids (Ophrys tenthredinifera), the hybrid with Apulian Orchid, Ophrys x salentina, and Pink Butterfly Orchids (Anacamptis papilionacea). We also noted the feathery structure of the endemic Feather Grass Stipa austroitalica. Some of the group saw a female Wild Boar with about five tiny ginger-striped piglets, and we could hear frogs, probably of the Italian Hybrid Frog complex, calling from the river below.

We had our lunch overlooking the gorge, with Ravens and Common Swifts overhead. Ron had an excellent view of Lanner Falcon, while a very distant falcon seen by the others might have been Lanner or Peregrine. Black Kite and Marsh Harrier were also seen. Eventually we started to retrace our steps, back to the vehicles. Those who had returned earlier found a freshly-emerged Poplar Hawk-moth and two were noted – the centre encourages invertebrates by having a pile of rotten wood as habitat.

Following some refreshments, we had a good journey home, with a male Montagu’s Harrier and a Red Fox seen. We agreed it had been another fascinating day. The Scops Owls were again calling in the evening.

Day 7 Friday 19th April

Bosco delle Pianelle; local trulli, Parco delle Querce

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

We woke to another beautiful morning, with the weather hot and sunny for the day, although with a chilly wind. Our final day in the field was spent more locally, exploring the wooded collapsed cavern or doline, that is Bosco delle Pianelle. After another excellent breakfast we drove the short distance to the wood, finding the Visitor Centre shut, probably because it was Good Friday, although the maintenance men there assured us it would be open at 9.30am. We then drove a little further to park at the start of our path, down a rough track. We walked along the path into the wood, noting among the plants, Bifid Deadnettle (Lamium bifidum), while Blackbird and Great Tit sang, and a Common Buzzard was seen. As we entered the wood, the predominant trees were Holm Oak (Quercus ilex), and there was little bird life other than Jays. We took the path upwards to the Trullo Grande, and abandoned cottage consisting mainly of a trullo with its conical roof. It was interesting to see its construction up close. Italian Wall Lizards were abundant, enjoying the morning warmth on the stones, and Paul found a tiny Scorpion under a boulder. The open meadow around is being encroached by scrub, mainly Narrow-leaved Cistus (Cistus monspeliensis), but we found a good number of Green-winged Orchids (Anacamptis morio, mainly subsp. picta), and Pink Butterfly Orchids, and several spikes of Early Spider Orchid. Lepidoptera included Large White, Holly Blue butterflies and a Lunar Double-stripe moth.

We then followed the path gently down into the bottom of the doline, through Holm Oak and then, as we got deeper and the air more humid, Eastern Hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis). There were many Cyclamen leaves, but they were all of the autumn-flowering Cyclamen hederifolium. Here, where it was damper, we started noting ferns and mosses, especially Rustyback (Ceterach officinarum), and Irish and Maidenhair Spleenworts (Asplenium onopteris and A. trichomanes). Some of the group reached a venerable old Holm Oak tree in a bit of a clearing, before returning. Those who had gone back earlier watched a Western Green Lizard in a Bramble clump, while another had also been seen on a wall near the trullo. Birds seen included Marsh Harrier, a glimpse of a Hen Harrier, Raven and, unexpectedly, a Bonelli’s Eagle. We had our last delicious picnic in the shade of the trees. There were many butterflies on the sunny bank near the vehicles, including Scarce Swallowtail, Swallowtail, Common Blue and Brown Argus. A Nightingale started to sing from the wood above, and we glimpsed the bird moving through the trees. We also found an unusual variant of Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid, a robust specimen with green sepals but pink petals. We found the visitor centre still closed, and then took the opportunity to admire and photograph some of the local trulli.

After a short break back at the hotel, we then had the opportunity to visit the grounds of Parco delle Querce, the hotel we have stayed in previously, but currently closed for refurbishment. The new owner met us at the gates and welcomed us to his property, leading us through a room that was a series of trulli to access the grounds behind. Here, we immediately had excellent views of a pair of Hoopoes. As we started to wander through the scrubby grassland, we found masses of orchids, many now familiar, but a few that were new. We had to be very careful where we trod! New for the trip was a magnificent specimen of the Gargano Ophrys (Ophrys sphegodes subsp. passionis) with very large dark red-brown petals looking like bushy eyebrows against the green sepals. Also new were true Late Spider Orchid (Ophrys fuciflora), with a more trapezoid lip than apulica, the green, small-lipped Ophrys fuciflora subsp. parvimaculata, and Tongue Orchid (Serapias lingua). We also found the hybrid between Early Spider Orchid and Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid, Ophrys x flavicans, growing beside the parent plants, and several other hybrid variants or ‘odd-looking’ flowers. Eastern Subalpine Warbler was singing but remained elusive, and many Swallows and House Martins were overhead.

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Puglia in Spring Tour Report

We eventually thanked Egidio, and returned to the hotel, with time to relax and pack for the morrow. We met to complete the lists and have a group photo, before our last excellent meal together. The local Scops Owl, which starts calling in the late afternoon, was again vocal, with another more distant.

Day 8 Saturday 21st April

Bari to Gatwick and home After breakfast, with a Hoopoe calling nearby, we loaded the vehicles and said our goodbyes to Alison, who was being collected later by friends. We had a good journey up to Bari, with Northern Wheatear, Greenfinch, Lesser and Common Kestrel and Hen Harrier and many Jays, among the birds seen en route. After a break for a coffee and to buy fuel, we arrived at the airport and checked in. Our flight was slightly delayed, but we made good time and arrived ahead of schedule. After we had collected our luggage, we said our farewells, and the third trip to Puglia in Spring reached its conclusion, leaving us with many memories and photos of this beautiful and fascinating area.

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Ragusa's Nine-spotted moth by Ron Brown

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (* + a species is endemic)

This list has been updated according to 'The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) based on DNA analysis Scientific name Common name Location

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns Aspleniaceae Spleenwort family Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Near Capo d'Otranto Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Bosco della Pianella Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Bosco della Pianella

Dennstaeditiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Roadsides

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium interjectum Intermediate Polypody Bosco della Pianella

Pteridaceae Ribbon Fern Family Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Belvedere di Murgia

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS Cupressaceae Juniper Family Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Belvedere di Murgia

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Near Otranto Pinus pinea Stone or Umbrella Pine Roadsides

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS Eu-dicots True Dicotyledons Acanthaceae Bear's-breech Family Acanthus mollis Bear's-breech Gravina di Laterza

Aizoaceae Dew-plant Family Carpobrotus acinaciformis Sally-my-handsome Beach N of Otranto

Amaranthaceae Amaranth Family Chenopodium murale Maple-leaved Goosefoot Lecce Service Area Suaeda vera Shrubby Sea-blite Reserva Le Cesine

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Bush Near Capo d'Otranto Pistacia terebinthus Turpentine Tree Gravina di Laterza

Apiaceae Carrot Family Daucus carota Wild Carrot Near Capo d'Otranto Elaeoselinum asclepium Elaeoselinum Gravina di Laterza (leaves) Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Near Capo d'Otranto (leaves) Eryngium maritimum Sea Holly Near San Foca Ferrula communis Giant Fennel Roadsides Foeniculum vulgare Common Fennel Near Capo d'Otranto (leaves) Opoponax chironium Hercules Heal-all Masseria Panareo (in bud)

10 © Naturetrek April 2019

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Orlaya daucoides - Parco della Querce Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd’s Needles Lecce Service Area Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Otranto Tordylium apulum Tordylium Lecce Service Area

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Nerium oleander Oleander Roadsides Vincetoxicum hirundinaria subsp. a Swallow-wort Capo d'Otranto adriaticum

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy Reserva Le Cesine

Betulaceae Birch Family Carpinus orientalis Eastern Hornbeam Gravina di Laterza

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Alkanna tinctoria Dyer’s Alkanet Near Capo d'Otranto Anchusa undulata subsp. hybrida - Belvedere di Murgia Borago officinalis Borage Near Capo d'Otranto Buglossoides arvensis Corn Gromwell Reserva Le Cesine Buglossoides purpurocaerulea Purple Gromwell Belvedere di Murgia Cerinthe major Honeywort Masseria Panareo Echium platagineum Purple Viper's-bugloss Lecce Service Area Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss E of Mottola Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Onosma (lucana*) echioides Pale Goldendrops Belvedere di Murgia

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Aurinia (Alyssum) saxatile Yellow Alyssum Belvedere di Murgia Arabis verna Spring Rock-cress Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Biscutella didyma Biscutella Masseria Panareo Bunias erucago Bunias Reserva Le Cesine Cakile maritima Sea Rocket San Cataldo Camalina sativa Gold of Pleasure Gravina di Laterza Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse Masseria Panareo Isatis tinctoria Woad Roadsides Matthiola incana Hoary Stock Otranto Matthiola fruticulosa - Belvedere di Murgia Matthiola sinuata Sea Stock Near San Foca Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish Masseria Panareo Rapistrum rugosum Bastard Cabbage Masseria Panareo Turritis (Arabis) glabra Tower mustard Near Capo d'Otranto

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Asyneuma limonifolium - Near Capo d'Otranto Campanula erinus Annual Bellflower Lecce Service Area Large Venus’s Looking Legousia speculum-veneris Reserva Le Cesine Glass

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Knautia integrifolia a Scabious Lecce Service Area Valeriana tuberosa Tuberous Valarian Gravina di Laterza Valerianella agg. Cornsalad Near Capo d'Otanto

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort Gravina di Laterza Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Masseria Panareo Petrorhagia dubia A Childing Pink Lecce Service Area Silene colorata - Near San Foca Silene conica Sand Catchfly Lecce Service Area Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Near Capo d'Otranto Silene italica Italian Catchfly Reserva Le Cesine Silene latifolia White Campion Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Capo d'Otranto Stellaria media Common Chickweed Reserva Le Cesine

Celastraceae Spindle Family Euonymus europaeus Spindle Planted

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Cistus creticus Pink Cistus Reserva Le Cesine Cistus monspeliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus Gravina di Laterza Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Near Capo d'Otranto Fumana thymifolia Thyme-leaved Fumana Masseria Panareo Helianthemum jonium* An endemic Rock-rose Masseria Panareo Helianthemum oelandicum subsp Hoary Rockrose Belvedere di Murgia incanum Helianthemum salicifolium Willow-leaved Rock-rose Belvedere di Murgia

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Anthemis arvensis Corn Chamomile Parco della Querce Anthemis chia - Lecce Service Area Anthemis cotula Stinking Mayweed Reserva Le Cesine Anthemis tomentosa Woolly Chamomile Near San Foca Bellis annua Annual Daisy Near Capo d'Otranto Bellis perennis Daisy Masseria Chiancone Torricella Calendula arvensis Field Marigold Lecce Service Area Carduus chrysacanthus Apennine Thistle Belvedere di Murgia Carduus pycnocephalus Plymouth Thistle Gravina di Laterza Carduus tenuifolius Slender Thistle Reserva Le Cesine Centaurea calcitrapa Red Star-thistle Bosco della Pianella Conyza bonariensis Argentine Fleabane Reserva Le Cesine Crepis rubra Pink Hawk's-beard Near Capo d'Otranto Dittrichia viscosa Woody Fleabane Capo d'Otranto Filago (Evax) pygmaea Evax Near Capo d'Otranto Galactites tomentosa Galactites Lecce Service Area Glebionis coronarium var. coronarium Crown Daisy (yellow) Lecce Service Area Glebionis coronarium var. discolor Crown Daisy (yellow and white) Lecce Service Area Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold Near Capo d'Otranto Helichrysum italicum A Curry Plant Belvedere di Murgia Jurinea mollis a 'soft' Thistle Belvedere di Murgia (in bud) Otanthus maritimus Cottonweed Near San Foca Pallenis spinosa Pallenis Near Capo d'Oranto Phagnalon saxatile Phagnalon Belvedere di Murgia Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Ox-tongue Masseria Panareo Scorzonera villosa Hairy Viper’s-grass Gravina di Laterza

12 © Naturetrek April 2019

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Lecce Service Area Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Masseria Chiancone Torricella Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle Masseria Panareo Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Near Capo d'Otranto Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum Near Capo d'Otranto Urospermum picroides - Lecce Service Area

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Calystegia soldanella Sea Bindweed Near San Foca (leaves) Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Belvedere di Murgia Convolvulus althaeoides subsp. a Mallow-leaved Bindweed Near Capo d'Otranto tenuissimus Ipomoea purpurea Purple Morning Glory Near Masseria Panareo

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum cespitosum - E of Mottola Sedum forsterianum Rock Stonecrop E of Mottola Sedum rubens - E of Mottola Sedum stellatum Starry Stonecrop E of Mottola

Ericaceae Heather Family Erica multiflora - Reserva Le Cesine

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia characias subsp.characias Mediterranean Spurge Belvedere di Murgia Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Lecce Service Area Euphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge Near Capo d'Otranto Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Lecce Service Area Euphorbia peolis Purple Spurge Near San Foca Euphorbia spinosa - Masseria Panareo Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury Lecce Service Area

Fagaceae Beech Family Quercus coccifera Kermes Oak Capo d'Otranto Quercus ilex Holm Oak Reserva Le Cesine Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Roadsides Quercus trojana Macedonian Oak Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Centaurium maritimum Sea Centaury Reserva Le Cesine Centaurium pulchellum Lesser Centaury Belvedere di Murgia

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Lecce Service Area Erodium moschatum Musk Stork's-bill Belvedere di Murgia Erodium nervulosum* a Stork's-bill Reserva Le Cesine Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Crane's-bill Reserva Le Cesine Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Near Brindisi Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Bosco della Pianella Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Reserva Le Cesine Geranium purpureum Little Robin Near Capo d'Otranto Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane's-bill Masseria Panareo Geranium sanguineum Bloody Crane’s-bill Gravina di Laterza

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Ajuga chamaepitys Ground-pine Lecce Service Area Clinopodium sauveolens* a Basil Thyme Belvedere di Murgia Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Masserio Panareo Lamium bifidum Bifid Dead-nettle Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Belvedere di Murgia Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal Masseria Panareo Origanum vulgare Oregano Capo d'Otranto Phlomis fruticosa Jerusalem Sage Near Capo d'Otranto Prasium majus Prasium Capo d'Otranto Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Otranto Salvia argentea Silver Sage Belvedere di Murgia Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Near Capo d'Otranto Satureja hortensis Summer Savory Lecce Service Area Sideritis romana Common Sideritis Capo d'Otranto Stachys germanica Downy Woundwort Gravina di Laterza Teucrium polium agg. Felty Germander Near Capo d'Otranto Thymbra capitata A Thyme Belvedere di Murgia

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Acacia saligna Blue Wattle Naturalised Mediterranean Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. rubriflora (Pink) Masseria Panareo Astragalus glycyphyllus Wild Liqorice Reserva Le Cesine Astragalus hamosus a Milk-vetch Masseria Panareo (in fruit) Bitumaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Capo d'Otranto Calycotome infesta Spiny Broom Capo d'Otranto Ceratonia siliqua Carob Planted Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree Planted Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion Vetch Reserva Le Cesine Coronilla valentina - Gravina di Laterza Cytisus spinescens Spiny Hairy Broom Belvedere di Murgia Dorycnium hirsutum Dorycnium Near Capo d'Otranto Hedysarum coronarium Italian Sainfoin Roadside E of Mottola Hedysarum spinosissimum - Masseria Panareo Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Belvedere di Murgia Hippocrepis emerus subsp. emeroides False Senna Gravina di Laterza Hippocrepis glauca a Horseshoe Vetch Masseria Panareo Hippocrepis unisiliquosa - Gravina di Laterza Hymenocarpus circinatus Disk Trefoil Near Capo d'Otranto Lathyrus aphaca Yellow Vetchling Near Capo d'Otranto Lathyrus cicera a Vetchling Masseria Panareo Lathyrus ochrus Winged Vetchling (cream) Masseria Panareo Lotus creticus Southern Bird's-foot Trefoil Capo d'Otranto Lotus cytisoides a Trefoil Near San Foca Lotus edulis Edible Lotus Lecce Service Area Lotus ornithopodioides - Lecce Service Area Lotus tetragonolobus (T. purpureus) Winged or Asparagus Pea Near Capo d'Otranto Lupinus gussoneanus Near Capo d'Otranto Medicago lupulina Black Medick Capo d'Otranto Medicago marina Sea Medick Near San Foca Medicago minima Bur Medick Lecce Service Area Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Lecce Service Area

14 © Naturetrek April 2019

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Melilotus albus Whiten Mellilot Near Brindisi Melilotus indicus Small Mellilot San Cotaldo Melilotus italicus a Melilot Reserva Le Cesine Onobrychis alba subsp. echinata* a Sainfoin Reserva Le Cesine Onobrychis caput-galli Cock's-comb Sainfoin Masseria Panareo Ornithopus compressus - Reserva Le Cesine Pisum sativum subsp. elatius Wild Pea Near capo d'Otranto Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Roadsides Scorpiurus muricatus a Scorpiurus Reserva Le Cesine Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Roadsides Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaved Clover Reserva Le Cesine Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Capo d'Otranto Trifolium nigrescens A white clover Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Trifolium repens White Clover Otranto Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover Reserva Le Cesine Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Lecce Service Area Trifolium striatum Knotted Clover Near Capo d'Otranto Trifolium subterraneum Burrowing Clover Near Capo d'Otranto Trifolium tomentosum Woolly Trefoil Reserva Le Cesine Trigonella balansae (T. corniculata) A Fenugreek Lecce Service Area Tripodion (Anthyllis) tetraphyllum Bladder Vetch Gravina di Laterza Vicia benghalensis Bengal Vetch Lecce Service Area Vicia bithynica Bithynian Vetch Near Capo d'Otranto Vicia hybrida a Yellow Vetch Lecce Service Area Vicia sativa subsp. sativa a Fodder Vetch Reserva Le Cesine Vicia tetrasperma Smooth Tare Near Capo d'Otranto Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch Masseria Chiancone Torricella

Linaceae Flax Family Linum austriacum subsp. tommasinii Masseria Panareo Linum bienne Pale Flax Near Capo d'Otranto Linum catharticum Fairy (Purging) Flax Near Capo d'Otranto

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva cretica Cretan Mallow Lecce Service Area Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Lecce Service Area

Moraceae Mulberry Family Ficus carica Fig Capo d'Otranto

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family Myrtus communis Myrtle Near Capo d'Otranto

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Bosco della Pianella Olea europaea Olive Near Capo d'Otanto Phillyrea angustifolia Narrow-leaved Phillyrea Reserva Le Cesine Phillyrea latifolia Broad-leaved Phillyrea Gravina di Laterza

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Bartsia (Bellardia) trixago Bellardia Lecce Service Area Orobanche caryophyllacea Clove-scented Broomrape Reserva Le Cesine Orobanche minor Common Broomrape Near San Foca

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Reserva Le Cesine Parentucella latifolia Southern Red Bartsia Belvedere di Murgia Parentucella viscosa Yellow Bartsia Reserva Le Cesine

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow Sorrel Masseria Chiancone Torricella Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda Buttercup Lecce Service Area

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Fumaria capreolata White Ramping Fumitory Masseria Chiancone Torricella Fumaria muralis Common Ramping Fumitory Reserva Le Cesine Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Masseria Panaero Fumaria parviflora Smal-flowered Fumitory Masseria Panaero Papaver hybridum Rough Poppy Reserva Le Cesine Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Field margins

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Linaria pelisseriana Jersey Toadflax Near Capo d'Otranto Linaria reflexa - Parco della Querce Plantago arenaria Branched Plantain Lecce Service Area Plantago holosteum Masseria Panareo Plantago lagopus Hare’s-foot Plantain Lecce Service Area Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Bosco della Pianella Plantago maritima Sea Plantain Reserva Le Cesine Plantago serraria - Reserva Le Cesine Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Lecce Service Area Cymbalaria-leaved Veronica cymbalaria Capo d'Otranto Speedwell Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Near Brindisi

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Limonium oleifolium a Rock Sea-lavender Reserva Le Cesine Limonium sp. a Sea-lavender Reserva Le Cesine

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala niceaaensis Nice Milkwort Parco della Querce

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Rumex bucephalophorus Horned Dock Lecce Service Area

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Near Brindisi Anagallia arvensis var. caerulea Blue Scarlet Pimpernel Lecce Service Area Anagallia arvensis subsp. foemina Blue Pimpernel Gravina di Laterza Cyclamen hederifolium Ivy-leaved Cyclamen Bosco della Pianella (leaves)

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Anemone coronaria Crown Anemone Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Anemone hortensis - Near Capo d'Otranto Ficaria verna agg. Lesser Celandine Masseria Panareo Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Near Capo d'Otranto Ranunculus millefoliatus Million-leaved Buttercup' Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup Reserva Le Cesine

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda alba White Mignonette Lecce Service Area Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Masseria Panareo Reseda phyteuma Corn Mignonette Belvedere di Murgia

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn Reserva Le Cesine Rhamnus saxatilis Rock Buckthorn Belvedere di Murgia

Rosaceae Rose Family Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Bosco della Pianella Prunus dulcis Almond Planted Pyrus amygdaliformis Almond-leaved Pear Parco della Querce Rubus fruticosus agg Bramble Near Capo d'Otranto Sanguisorba minor (Poterium Salad Burnet Lecce Service Area sanguisorba)

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Galium aparine Cleavers Otranto Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Reserva Le Cesine Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Lecce Service Area Valantia hispida Valantia Near Capo d'Otranto

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Osyris alba Osyris Gravina di Laterza

Sapindaceae Maple Family Acer monspessulanus Montpellier Maple Gravina di Laterza

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia lucida a Figwort Capo d'Otranto Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Roadsides Verbascum sinuatum a Mullein Lecce Service Area (leaves)

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Hyoscyamus alba White Henbane Otranto Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Lecce Service Area (leaves)

Tamaricaceae Tamarisk Family Tamarix gallica Tamarisk Reserva Le Cesine

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family Daphne gnidium Flax-leaved Daphne Near Capo d'Otranto (leaves)

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus canescens Mediterranean Elm Reserva Le Cesine

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parientaria judaica Pellitory of the Wall Lecce Service Area

Vitaceae Grape-vine Family Vitis vinifera Grape Planted

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Monocots Monocotyledons Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Capo d'Otranto Allium subhirsutum Hairy Garlic Capo d'Otranto

Araceae Arum Family Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Roadsides Arum italicum subsp. neglectum - Reserva Le Cesine Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint Bosco della Pianella

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family Agave americana Century Plant Naturalised Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Capo d'Otranto Drimia (Urginea) maritima Sea Squill Capo d'Otranto (leaves) Leopoldia (Muscari) comosa Tassel Hyacinth Lecce Service Area Muscari neglectum Dark Grape Hyacinth Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Ornithogalum exscapum A Star of Bethlehem Near Capo d'Otranto Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star of Bethlehem Gravia di Laterza Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom Reserva Le Cesine Ruscus hypoglossum - Reserva Le Cesine

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella

Iridaceae Iris Family Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Masseria Panareo Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella (in Hermodactylus tuberosus Widow or Snake’s-head Iris fruit) Iris pseudopumila* - Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Moraea sisyrinchium Barbary Nut Gravina di Laterza

Juncaceae Rush Family Bolboschoenus maritimus Sea Clubrush Reserva Le Cesine Juncus acutus Sharp Rush Reserva Le Cesine Luzula forsteri Southern Wood-rush Bosco della Pianella

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Note: The Orchidaceae are an evolving group, and subject to debate between 'splitters' (eg. Delforge) and 'lumpers' (eg The Pant List - Kew). This follows the latter. Lax-flowered or Jersey Anacamptis laxiflora Reserva Le Cesine Orchid Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Belvedere di Murgia Anacamptis morio subsp. picta a Green-winged Orchid Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Anacamptis papilionacea Pink Butterfly Orchid Near Capo d'Otranto Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Near Capo d'Otranto Anacamptis x gennarii (A. papilionacea x Hybrid Anacamptis Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella morio) Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Gravina di Laterza Himantoglossum robertianum Giant Orchid Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Ophrys bertolonii Bertoloni’s Bee Orchid Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Ophrys bombyliflora Bumblebee Ophrys Reserva Le Cesine Ophrys fuciflora Late Spider Orchid Parco della Querce Ophrys fuciflora subsp. apulica* Apulian Ophrys Reserva Le Cesine Ophrys fuciflora subsp. parvimaculata - Parco della Querce

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Ophrys fusca subsp. fusca Sombre Bee Orchid Belvedere di Murgia Ophrys lutea subsp. galilea (formerly sicula)- Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Ophrys lutea subsp. lutea Yellow Ophrys Belvedere di Murgia Ophrys sphegodes subsp. passionis Gargano Ophrys Parco della Querce (garganica) Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider Orchid Lecce Service Area O. sphegodes subsp. atrata (O. incubacea) Dark Ophrys Parco della Querce Ophrys tenthredinifera Sawfly Ophrys Near Capo d'Otranto Ophrys x flavicans Parco della Querce Ophrys x lyrata (O. bertolonii x sphegodes subsp atrata) Parco della Querce Ophrys x salentina (O.fuciflora subsp. apulica x tenthredinifera) Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Belvedere di Murgia Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid Parco della Querce Serapias parviflora Small-flowered Tongue Orchid Near Capo d'Otranto

Poaceae Grass Family Aegilops geniculata Aegilops Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Arundo donax Giant Reed Roadside ditches Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Near Masseria Chiancone Torricella Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Gravina di Laterza Avena barbata Bristle Oat Lecce Service Area Avena sterilis Barren Oat Near Capo d'Otranto Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome Reserva Le Cesine Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Reserva Le Cesine Briza minor Small Quaking Grass Reserva Le Cesine Catapodium rigidum Fern Grass Lecce Service Area Cortaderia selloana Pampus Grass Reserva Le Cesine Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Lecce Service Area Imperata cylindrica - Near Capo d'Otranto Lagurus ovatus Hare’s-foot Grass Lecce Service Area Rostraria cristata Mediterranean Hair-grass Lecce Service Area Stipa austroitalica* a Feather Grass Gravina di Laterza Stipa capensis a Feather Grass Lecce Service Area

Posidoniaceae Posidonia family Posidonia oceanica Posidonia or Neptune grass Near San Foca

Smilaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Common Smilax Reserva Le Cesine

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodeline lutea Yellow Asphodel Belvedere di Murgia Asphodelus ramosus Common Asphodel Near Capo d'Otranto Asphodelus fistulosus Hollow-leaved Asphodel Gravina di Laterza

FUNGI: Red Box Fungus Clathrus ruber Reserva Le Cesine Earth Star Geastrales sp. Reserva Le Cesine Turkey Tail Fungus Trametes versicolor Reserva Le Cesine

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

Birds (✓=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO = Leader only)

April Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 Gadwall Mareca strepera ✓ 2 Mallard Anas platyrhyncos ✓ 3 Common Swift Apus apus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4 Rock Dove [Feral] Columba livia feral ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 6 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra ✓ 8 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis ✓ 9 Great Crested Grebe Pociceps cristatus ✓ 10 Audouin's Gull Ichthyaetus audouinii ✓ 11 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 12 Black Stork Cioconia nigra ✓ 13 White Stork Ciconia ciconia ✓ ✓ 14 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ✓ 15 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis ✓ ✓ 16 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea ✓ ✓ 17 Little Egret Egretta garzetta ✓ ✓ 18 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus ✓ 19 Bonelli's Eagle Aquilla fasciata ✓ 20 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus ✓ 21 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 22 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus ✓ ✓ ✓ 23 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus ✓ ✓ ✓ 24 Black Kite Milvus migrans ✓ ✓ ✓ 25 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 26 Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops H ✓ ✓ H H H H 27 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H 28 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops LO ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ H 29 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 30 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major ✓ 31 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 32 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 33 Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus ✓ ✓ 34 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator ✓ 35 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 36 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 37 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 38 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 39 Northern Raven Corvus corax ✓ ✓ 40 Coal Tit Periparus ater H 41 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 42 Great Tit Parus major ✓ H ✓ ✓ ✓ 43 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis ✓ ✓ 44 Crested Lark Galerida cristata ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 45 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 46 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 47 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti ✓ ✓ ✓ 48 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus ✓ 49 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus ✓

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 50 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita ✓ H H 51 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis ✓ ✓ 52 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H ✓ H H 53 (Eastern) Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans ✓ ✓ H 54 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala H ✓ ✓ H 55 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H 56 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 57 Common Blackbird Turdus merula H ✓ 58 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos ✓ 59 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius H 60 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra ✓ 61 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe ✓ 62 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 63 White Wagtail Motacilla alba ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 64 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs ✓ H ✓ H H H 65 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris H ✓ H H 66 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina ✓ ✓ ✓ 67 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 68 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 69 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus H

Mammals (D = Dead; S = Signs Of)

1 Risso's Dolphin Grampus griseus ✓ 2 Western Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus D 3 Roman Mole Talpa romana S S 4 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes ✓ 5 Stone Marten Martes foina D 6 Wild Boar Sus scrofa S ✓ S 7 Vole sp. Clethrionomys glareolus ✓

Reptiles & Amphibians

1 Italian Tree Frog Hyla intermedia ✓ 2 Italian Pool Frog Pelophylax (Rana) bergeri ✓ 3 Italian Hybrid Frog Pelophylax (Rana) kl hispanica H 4 European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis ✓ 5 Western Green Lizard Lacerta bilineata ✓ 6 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Western Whip Snake Coluber viridiflavus var. carbonarius ✓

Butterflies

1 Scarce Swallowtail Iphicides podalirius ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 Swallowtail Papilio machaon ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 Southern Festoon Zerynthia polyxena ✓ 4 Large White Pieris brassicae ✓ 5 Small White Pieris rapae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 6 Eastern Bath White Pontia edusa ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Eastern Dappled White Euchloe ausonia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 8 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 9 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea ✓ ✓ ✓ 10 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni ✓ ✓

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra ✓ ✓ 12 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi ✓ ✓ ✓ 13 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas ✓ 14 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus ✓ ✓ ✓ 15 Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis ✓ 16 Brown Argus Aricia agestis ✓ 17 Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus ✓ ✓ 18 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus ✓ ✓ 19 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta ✓ 20 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 21 Speckled Wood Parage aegeria aegeria ✓ 22 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 23 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 24 Southern Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvoides ✓ ✓

Micros Moths

1 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Macros Moths (C = Caterpillar)

1 Dock Forester Adscita mannii (early flyer) ✓ 2 5-Spot Burnet Zygaena trifolii ✓ 3 Franconian Lackey Malacosoma franconica C 4 Geometrid Cataclysme riguata ✓ 5 Geometrid Ceonotephria ablutaria ✓ 6 Brassy Waved Umber Menophra japygiaria ✓ 7 Barred Red Gerenia honoraria ✓ 8 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria ✓ 9 Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi ✓ 10 Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatum ✓ 11 Cream-spot Tiger Epicallia villica ✓ 12 Ragusa's Nine-spotted Amata kruegeri ✓ 13 Noctuid ✓ 14 Silver Y Autographa gamma ✓ 15 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera ✓ 16 Purple Marbled Eublemma ostrina ✓ 17 Lunar Double-stripe Minucia lunaris ✓

Other Invertebrates (O = Ootheca)

1 Common Bluetail Ischnura elegans ✓ 2 Stone Grasshopper sp. Pamphagidae sp. ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 Egyptian Grasshopper Anacridium aegyptium LO ✓ 4 Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa O O O 5 Shield Bug Staganomus amoenus ✓ 6 Scarce Tortoise Shield Bug Eurygaster maura ✓ 7 Shield Bug Eurydema dominulus ✓ 8 Shield Bug Plinachlus imitator ✓ 9 Ground Bug Spilostethus pandurus ✓ 10 Ground Bug Spilostethus furcula ✓ 11 Mirid Bug (red & black) Dionconotus neglectus ✓ 12 Mirid Bug (black with white lines) ✓

Puglia in Spring Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 13 Mirid Bug (red & black) ✓ 14 Froghopper (Black & red) Cercopis vulnerata ✓ 15 Lacewing ✓ 16 Crane-fly ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 17 Bee Fly Bombylius major ✓ ✓ ✓ 18 A Bee Fly Bombylius sp. ✓ 19 Hover-fly Heliophilus pendulus ✓ 20 Ichneumon Wasp Ophion luteus ✓ 21 European Paper Wasp Polistes gallicus ✓ ✓ 22 Large Yellow-headed Wasp Megascolia bidens ✓ 23 Longhorn Bee Eucera longicornis ✓ 24 A black Mining Bee Adrena pilipes ✓ 25 Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violacea ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 26 A Carpenter Bee (smaller) Xylocopa iris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 27 Honey Bee Apis mellifera ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 28 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris ✓ 29 White-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lucorum ✓ 30 Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata. ✓ 31 A Chafer beetle Oxythyria funesta ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 32 Yellow-haired Barbary Bug Tropinota squalida ✓ ✓ ✓ 33 Green Tiger Beetle Cicindela campestris ✓ ✓ 34 False Blister Beetle Oedemeridae sp. ✓ 35 A grey & black Jewel Beetle Capnodis cariosa ✓ 36 Long-horn Beetle Agapanthia cardui ✓ 37 Leaf Beetle Labidostomis taxicornis ✓ 38 Green Leaf Beetle Chrysomelidae sp. ✓ ✓ ✓ 39 Giant Centipede Scolopendra cingulatus ✓ ✓ 40 Black Millipede Tachypodoiulus niger LO 41 Pill Woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 42 Common Woodlouse Oniscus asellus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 43 Scorpion Buthus occitanicus ✓ 44 Napoleon Spider Synema globosum ✓

Gastropod Molluscs:

1 Garden Snail Cornu aspersum ✓ 2 Clusilid Snail sp. Clusilidae sp. ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemoralis ✓ 4 White-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea hortensis ✓ ✓

Iris pseudopumila by Ron Brown