Bulgaria in Summer

Naturetrek Tour Report 17 - 24 July 2017

White Stork Banded Darter Sympetrum pedemontanum female

Eastern Bath White Pontia edusa Rose Plume, Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla

Report and images by Alan Outen

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Bulgaria in Summer

Tour participants: Alan Outen (leader), Stoyan Beshkov & Yordan Kutsarov (Dancho) (local guides) and Eristo (driver), together with 16 Naturetrek clients

Summary

In the course of the week we enjoyed superb scenery and a wonderful range of wildlife. We saw an overall total of 874 identified species in addition to a few inevitably remaining unidentified. This represents the second highest total ever for this tour. This total included 400 higher plants (the highest total ever for the tour) and 314 invertebrate species, of which 87 were butterflies and 60 moths, as well as many other attractive and impressive bugs, beetles etc. We had record numbers of beetle and Arachnid species for the tour with many other groups above average. Being so late in the season it is always difficult to find birds on this tour. As such we only managed a total of 88 species. This was nonetheless still higher than for some tours where birds are a primary focus, and we had so much more besides.

Day 1 Monday 17th July

Our flight was a few minutes late taking off from the UK but, as so often with this route, we nonetheless arrived a few minutes early at 1.14pm (BST +2). At Sofia the weather was cool and cloudy following recent rain. After clearing immigration and reclaiming luggage, we quickly found Dancho and Stoyan in the arrivals hall. The remaining three members of the group were also there having travelled separately. The bus was loaded up and by 2pm we were on our way.

After travelling for 70 minutes we stopped at some meadows near Samokov, which provided a productive introduction to some of the Bulgarian flora and fauna. Plants included Field Eryngo, Crown Vetch, Skeleton Weed, Childling Pink, Viper's Bugloss, Cypress Spurge, Centaurea rutifolia, C. solstitialis, Marrubium peregrinum, Vicia hybrida and Silene roemeri. There were even two toadstool species in evidence, these being Agrocybe praecox and Suillus granulatus. In the relatively cool and damp conditions Scarce Copper, Chestnut Heath and Lesser Spotted Fritillary (as adult and a much photographed larva) were the pick of the butterflies. Some day-flying moths were also of interest including Thistle Ermine, Bright Wave and best a clearwing moth species Chamaesphecia empiformis. Among other insects noted were Banded Demoiselle and White-legged Damselflies, Southern Hawker Dragonfly, Blue-winged Grasshopper, the attractive Mirid Bug Adelphocoris vandalicus and two brightly-coloured leaf beetles from the genus Clytra. A Red-backed Shrike and Great Spotted Woodpecker provided some ornithological interest.

Amazingly we found we had been here over an hour and a quarter and it was time to move on. Attempts to carry out the briefing on the bus were thwarted by the fact that the microphone was not working. The anticipated comfort stop failed to materialise, not least as many were clearly intent on catching up on some sleep after the early start! Those who remained alert were aware of several heavy showers as well as birds that included White Stork, Common Buzzard, Raven and Bee-eater. Roadside plants were Danewort, Walnut and False Acacia, the latter an important nectar source for honey bees in the region.

We eventually arrived at our hotel in Melnik at 6.45pm, significantly earlier than usual due to the omitted comfort stop. With rooms allocated, a very welcome evening meal was followed by a rapid briefing. After a very long though interesting day, all were more than ready to retire.

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Day 2 Tuesday 18th July

Today the weather was sunny, hot and dry with a maximum temperature of 30°C. A pre-breakfast walk from the hotel was fairly well attended. Those assembling for this noted an attractive little moth on the wall of the hotel, reminiscent of our UK Marbled Beauty and its relatives. This Stoyan identified as Cryphia amasina. Birds were disappointing for a walk that had been productive in previous years, with Red-rumped Swallow, Golden Oriole, Grey-headed Woodpecker and Red-backed Shrike the most interesting. The plants seen included Soapwort, Pink Everlasting (Xeranthemum annuum), Artemisia absinthium, Erigeron annuus, Campanula scutellata, Geranium macrorrhizum, and the yellow flowered Achillea coarctata.

After a satisfying breakfast, we assembled at 9am ready for our departure for the day. Based on our itinerary and the briefing the night before, we had anticipated that our first stop was to be at Rupite. However our Bulgarian guides made a change and we first made a brief stop near the Struma River. This was productive with Oriental Marbled Skipper, Lesser Fiery Copper, Clouded Yellow and Eastern Bath White butterflies, and Southern Skimmer dragonfly. A Beautiful Marbled moth (Eublemma purpurina) was an excellent find, though seen by few. Other insects of note here were a Praying Mantis, the groundhopper Tetrix depressa, the impressive longhorn beetle Purpuricenus budensis (which we were to see a lot during the week) and several unusual bug species, among them Brassica Bug (Eurydema oleracea), Carpocoris mediterraneus, Psacasta exanthematica and Ancyrosoma leucogrammes. Bee-eaters and European Pond Tortoise were the best of the vertebrates.

At 10.15am we drove on and then stopped again after ten minutes, this time at another wet site near Kojuh, where we spent nearly two hours. Among the butterflies noted here were Mallow Skipper and Scarce Swallowtail, along with the day-flying burnet moth species Zygaena laeta. Heteropteran Bugs were again good and included the large spiny shieldbug Mustha spinosula (yet again missed by the UK leader who has been wanting to see it for years!) and the smart red and black striped shieldbug Graphosoma lineatum (widely known as the AC Milan Bug). The red and black Tachinid fly Cylindromyia sp. was another interesting find, though perhaps not so appealing to some. It also proved an excellent site for Orthoptera with bush crickets such as Rhacocleis germanica and Eupholidoptera smyrnensis, and grasshoppers including Aiolopus thalassinus and the Slant-headed Grasshopper (Acrida mediterranea). Botanically the most interesting finds were perhaps Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis), Italian Viper's Bugloss or Lady Campbell Weed (Echium italicum), Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) and Christ's-Thorn (Paliurus spina-cristi).

After a further ten minute drive we finally reached the remarkable famous hot springs at Rupite, where the water temperature can reach 74°C. Apart from it's local appeal as a spa, the site is also famous for it's rich biodiversity. In the course of our time here, the botanists were able to see Maltese Cross (Tribulus terrestris), Spanish Oyster Thistle (Scolymus hispanicus), Stranglewort (Cynanchum acutum), Cuscuta campestris, Typha domingensis, Heliotropium europeum, and Lavatera thuringiaca among many interesting species. Insects were again good, among them Freyer's Grayling, Southern White Admiral and Swallowtail butterflies, Scarlet and Banded Darters and White-tailed Skimmer dragonflies, the very attractive longhorn beetle species Chlorophorus varius, another nice bush-cricket Tylopsis lilifolia, and an Assassin Bug Rhynocoris punctiventris. Another excellent moth species, though again only seen by a couple, was The Four Spotted (Tyto luctuosa). Some of the insect species were impressively large representatives of their groups, including the ant species Cremogaster scutellaris, the Mammoth Wasp (Megascolia flavifrons) and the very large ant-lion Palpares libelluloides. The related but very rare Bubopsis andromache was an excellent find here. Galls of the aphid Tetraneura nigriabdominalis on Elm were another very good find of a species

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that is extremely rare in the UK. Marsh Frogs (Pelohylax ridibundus) were very vocal along the stream and much photographed. The Caspian Terrapins were more challenging, diving into the water as anyone approached them. Also in the water were shoals of the introduced Western Mosquito-fish (Gambusia affinis), whilst a Levant Sparrowhawk overhead was a new bird for many, whilst other birds seen here included Buzzard, White Stork, European Roller, Eastern Olivaceous and Eastern Orphean Wablers, Alpine Swift and Common Sandpiper. These various finds were either side of our picnic lunch, which was supplemented by drinks from the café.

We left here at 3.50pm and drove to our final site for the day at Marena fishponds, which we reached at 4.15pm. Several Crested Larks were seen on the journeys between sites. Here the plan was for the bus to drop us and we would then walk through to pick it up at the other end. Unfortunately whilst some made the most of what natural history the site had to offer, others were keen to get back to the bus. As such, although most saw Crested Lark, Turtle Dove, Black-headed Bunting, Greek Tortoise, Humming-bird Hawk-moth and both Blue and Pale Globe Thistles (Echinops banaticus and E.sphaerocephalus). Those who had made straight for the bus sadly missed some good finds. Among these was an impressive number of Scarlet Darters, as well as Spotted Darter and a splendid male Emperor Dragonfly, Wasp Spiders, a very large and striking Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium sp.) and two equally imposing beetles, the Buprestid Capnodis tenebricosa and the Carabid Ditomus (=Dixus) obscurus. The Bulgarian leaders took a lot of persuading to return to the bus as they were keen to find further dragonfly species, in particular Black Pennant, in which they were unsuccessful. Despite this, we were still back at the hotel on schedule at 6.30pm with dinner, also as planned, at 7.30pm. This was followed by a resumé of the main finds of the day.

Day 3 Wednesday 19th July

Today was again hot, dry and sunny with a maximum temperature of 30°C. The 7am pre-breakfast walk was taken by six of the group, who were rewarded with sightings of Cirl Bunting, Crag Martin and White Wagtail. Great Spotted and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were heard. Al fresco breakfast at 8am was followed by another prompt departure at 9am.

We then drove to Kresna Gorge, arriving at 10am. This is one of the best natural history sites in Bulgaria, though threatened by a road development, which will be a tragedy. The site is justly famous for its rich biodiversity and it is well worth spending time here, though on this occasion it was less productive than in some years. Even so there was plenty of interest. Among the plants worthy of mention were more of the shrub Christ's-thorn (Paliurus spina-cristi), Nettle Tree (Celtis australis), Dianthus gracilis, D.pinifolius, Centaurea salonitana var. macrantha, Consolida regalis, Nigella elata and the house-leek species Jovibarba heuffelii. Unfortunately Amorpha fruticosa was not yet in flower.

Butterflies seen here included Common and Hungarian Gliders, Common and Scarce Swallowtails, Southern White Admiral and Small Copper, with Southern Skimmer, Small Pincertail and Beautiful Demoiselle among the Odonata. An excellent moth find, though sadly seen by just a couple of the group, was The Geometrician Grammodes stolida (=Prodotis). In contrast, a scorpion species found under bark and subsequently identified as Euscorpius solegladi, was retained until all had seen it. Many of the leaves of nettle trees had on them galls caused by the mite Reckella celtis, whilst also on the Nettle Trees were large numbers of the bug species Arocatus longiceps, normally found on Plane trees. This species is a recent immigrant to the UK though it is spreading rapidly.

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

We left here at 12.35pm and drove to our lunch-stop above Illindentsi. Here Yellow-bellied Toads were in the water trough, as usual. Marbled White and Eastern Wood White were among the butterflies on the slopes. A neatly representative selection Orthoptera included the bush-cricket Bucephaloptera bucephala, the grasshopper Calliptamus barbarus and the groundhopper Pezotettix giornae, never previously seen on this tour. The snail Zebrina detrita also attracted the interest of several in the group, while plants of note included Scabiosa argentea, Centaurea rutifolia and fruiting Periploca graeca. A pair of Lesser Kestrels was in residence, as is often the case, and for comparison a Common Kestrel also put in an appearance.

Leaving here at 3pm and following a brief stop for fuel, drinks and ice creams, we then made a brief stop near the village of Kulata where many were pleased with the opportunity to photograph a magnificent occupied nest of White Stork. At 4.10pm we reached our final site for the day at Chuchuligovo near the Greek border. Here yet another Southern Skimmer and a Banded Darter posed well for photographers. There was also another species of Buprestid beetle in the genus Capnodis, this one being C.tenebrionis, whilst a very interesting find for anyone with mycological interest was a large number of specimens of an unusual looking species of Tulostoma sp., an interesting group of fungi, recently collectively given the common name of 'stalkballs'. What was really remarkable was that these were growing on an enormous and very dry ant hill; a very surprising habitat. Two specimens were collected and are now at the herbarium at Kew where at present the actual species remains unidentified.

Other birds seen during the course of the day included Little Egret, Long-legged Buzzard, Bee-eaters, Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher and Spanish Sparrow.

After brief delays on our way back one, the first for a Hermann's Tortoise in the road and then for a group of piglets similarly risking their lives, we returned to Melnik somewhat earlier than normal as several wanted to explore the village while others wanted to start packing for the transfer day tomorrow. We reached the bottom of the village at exactly 5.30pm, spot on target, so the group had ample time before dinner at 7pm, when were joined by another Humming-bird Hawk-moth. At last a Kotschy's Gecko (Cyrtopodion kotschyi bibroni) put in an appearance on the walls. This late addition to the day's list was again followed by a run-through of what had been seen during the day and checking off on the lists before we then spent our last night in Melnik.

Day 4 Thursday 20th July

The weather today was again hot, dry and sunny, but the maximum temperature only reached 28°C. Our imminent departure meant an even more depleted party for the pre-breakfast walk when Grey-headed Woodpecker and Golden Oriole were the best of the birds seen. The curious little Plane Lacebug (Corythucha ciliata) was found on the leaves of its host. This is another recent immigrant to the UK, which is spreading. Following the Humming-bird Hawk-moth of the night before, we were joined at breakfast by a female Stag Beetle that was photographed by many.

Despite the fact that this was the transfer day, so all bills had to be paid and the bus loaded with luggage, we nonetheless again left bang on time at 9am. An exceptionally large number of House Martins were noticeable as we drove through the village. At 9.15am we made a brief roadside stop at Khursovo, that actually kept to its 15- minute schedule. Nonetheless this was time enough for several to photograph another obliging Banded Darter, as well as a Small Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura pumilio), our only sighting of this species in the week. Other

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hoped-for species did not appear, but we were able to add Pennyroyal, Water Mint, Celery-leaved Buttercup, Brooklime and Centaurea calcitrapa to the plant list.

Driving on, we reached our first scheduled stop of Novo Hozhovo at 9.45am. Here was another fine White Stork nest with large youngsters that were much admired and photographed. Leaf mines of the micro-moth Cameraria ohridella were a conspicuous feature on the Horse Chestnut leaves, as they are now throughout most of the UK despite having only reached there in 2002. We were able to find one of the very pretty but tiny adult moths. We then walked down a track to the river and then along the riverside, with a Common Whitethroat quickly spotted. Butterflies were plentiful, among them Map, Large Copper, Marbled Skipper, Little Tiger Blue, Painted Lady and Green-veined White. The best of the Dragonflies was a Scarce Chaser, found and well photographed by Eric. Other insects were also impressive and included Praying Mantis, Rose Chafer, the large Violet Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea), the large and handsome beetle Trichodes crabroniformis, two attractive Heteropteran bug species new to the ‘all time’ list for this tour Nysius senecionis and Beosus quadrimaculatus, as well as the curious looking little bluish-colured Citrus Flatid Planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa. Plants included Cut-leaved Teasel, and a fine representative selection of the mint family.

We left her at 11.55am and made a series of brief stops, the first to purchase fresh fruit, then to replenish water supplies and twice for better views of different Short-toed Snake Eagles. Buzzards and Alpine Swifts were also noted. The scenery was impressive but as we started to climb towards the pass, the vehicle was clearly struggling and a fault meant that in order to cool the engine, hot air was being passed into the already hot interior of the bus. Understandably this was uncomfortable and certainly not very popular, though necessary. All were relieved when at 1.10pm we reached our lunch stop. Here the presence of Bracken and Birch indicated acidity, yet Beech trees also seemed to be flourishing. Galls caused by the larvae of two different host-specific fly species Hartigiola annulipes and Mikiola fagi were present on a few of the leaves. Also here was the fly species Tachina fera, Rutpela maculata, a familiar longhorn beetle from the UK, the burnet moth Zygaena ephialtes and a good number of Queen of Spain Fritillary butterflies, that seemed particularly partial to Rosebay Willowherb.

With lunch completed, we drove on for another 15 kilometres to our scheduled stop at the Popovi Livadi Pass, which we reached at 2.15pm. The walk here is always very productive and this year was no exception. Among a wealth of good plants, those which attracted particular attention were Spreading Bellflower, Creeping Jenny, Hay Rattle (Rhinanthus javorkae), Nepeta pannonica, Gentiana cruciata, Potentilla cinerea and the impressive thistle Cirsium ligulare. Our first orchid species, some nice Common Spotted Orchids, were quickly followed by a colony of some beautiful specimens of Red Helleborine. Near to this was a single plant of a puzzling Epipactis species, the location of which meant it proved as challenging to get good images, as it was to identify. Eventually back in the UK this was identified with help from the images as Small-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis microphylla). This was an addition to the all time list for the tour and for all UK members of the group. Fine specimens of the large bracket fungus Fomes fomentarius, at one time confined to Scotland in the UK but now spreading with several records from SE England, were also noteworthy. The butterflies here are always good and among a good variety this year included some that were on the target list for several of the party. Among those seen were Apollo, the curious and distinctive Nettle-tree, Meleager's Blue, Higgin's Anomalous Blue, Turquoise Blue, Great Banded Grayling, Arran Brown, Knapweed Fritillary, High Brown Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary. A pristine, recently emerged Sombre Goldenring dragonfly obligingly posed for photographs for all-comers. At the other extreme, the attractive little Blue Shieldbug and the crab spider species Thomisus onistus was also admired, whilst those who

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

were under the illusion that all aphids were either greenfly or blackfly were introduced to Pink-Tansy Aphid Metopeurum fuscoviride on its host plant. Like most of this large insect group, it is host specific.

Leaving here somewhat reluctantly for many, we returned to the bus and continued our journey. It was not long before the tall, and appropriately named Candelabra Thistle (Cirsium candelabrum), was spotted by the roadside. This often grows near where we had stopped but was not apparent there this year. As it was still very hot on the bus, we made a fifteen-minute stop at some services for complementary ice creams. Our final stop for the day should have been at the Gotse Delchev fishponds. Unfortunately this site had been wrecked by devastating floods that had surged through earlier in the year, so it was no longer safely accessible. This did undoubtedly cost us some species that we might have expected. On the other hand it did mean that we reached our base for the remainder of the week at Hotel Dumanov in the large ski resort of Bansko at 5.30pm, significantly earlier than in previous years. As it was becoming apparent that many in the group preferred shorter days in the field than has been the norm in the past, that was perhaps no bad thing! It left people plenty of time to unpack or explore before our usual evening meal time of 7pm. It was pleasantly cooler here and our excellent evening meal was eaten outside, followed as usual by the day's log.

Day 5 Friday 21st July

Today the weather was very pleasant, fine, dry and sunny with a maximum temperature of 24°C. Being in the centre of a busy town does not lend itself to a meaningful pre-breakfast walk and past experience has shown this to be of little merit. Nonetheless, for those willing to take advantage of the opportunities, there was the compensation in that it is always remarkable how many moths and other insects are attracted overnight to lit balconies. Moth species this morning included Riband Wave, Scorched Carpet, Brown-line Bright-eye, Four- spotted Footman and Pine Hawk-moth, all of which occur in the UK, as well as a bush-cricket Poecilimon thoracicus, a chafer beetle (Amphimallon sp.) and a caddis species, none of which were UK species. These were all shown to those who were interested and photographed by several before then being released.

Breakfast was at 8am and yet again we were punctual in our departure at 9am, which was good as we had quite a distance to travel. Birds seen on our journeys during the day included Little Egret, Grey Heron, Kestrel and Hoopoe, whilst Smoke Bush (Cotinus cogyria) was also noticed. Eventually passing through the village of Rila (where there were large numbers of White Stork nests) and beyond Rila Monastery, we arrived at Kirilova Polyana in the Rila National Park.

On the boundary wall of the restaurant compound was Common Polypody Fern, whilst on the wall of the building itself was another excellent moth Arctia flava, a rare species that we do not have in Britain but is related to our Garden Tiger Moth. From here we walked slowly up the ascending wooded trail, noting the species as we went. The plant diversity was impressive and included Digitalis viridiflora, Campanula moesiaca (in two colour forms), Potentilla regis-borisii, Scabiosa lucida, Senecio hercynicus, Carduus scardicus, Prenanthes purpurea, Tanacetum macrophyllum, Telekia speciosa, Wood Cow-wheat, Wood and Bloody Cranesbills, Broad-leaved Helleborine, and Common Spotted and Bird's-nest Orchids. Not all managed to see the Red Squirrel. Insects were also excellent with the pick of the butterflies being Scotch Argus, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large Ringlet and many Purple Emperors (including a fine male that posed well for the photographers). Three day-flying Burnet moths Zygaena loti, Z.ephialtes and Z.angelicae as well as a Phoenix added to the moth list. No fewer than four longhorn beetles

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were noted Rutpela maculata, Stenurella semipunctata, Stictoleptura rubra and Pachytodes cerambyciformis, as well as our only Bee Chafer of the week, this last species when we were nearly back at the restaurant.

Here most of us enjoyed a trout lunch as a change from our usual lunchtime fare, with chicken or a vegetarian option also on offer. A Dipper was in the river. We then spent a short while in the flower-rich meadows though the most noteworthy plant added was Dusky Cranesbill or Mourning Widow Geranium phaeum. Butterflies were again plentiful with Marbled White especially numerous, but with Black-veined White, Wood White, Balkan Copper, Idas and False Eros Blues, Large Wall, Marbled Fritillary and more Silver-washed Fritillary also seen. A specimen of the beautiful Macaronius Owlfly Libelloides macaronius was seen by a few, while an unusually coloured form of Woodland Grasshopper (Omocestus rufipes), a picture-wing fly Oxyna flavipennis [Tephritidae] and a sawfly Tenthredo zonula were caught and shown to those near at hand, some of whom photographed them before their release.

We then drove back to the monastery where the group had an hour and a half to explore this and the excellent museum. As always, there was another good selection of moths on the walls including on this occasion Common Footman, Light Emerald, Mottled Beauty, Snout, Small Phoenix, The Fern and Brussels Lace, the last somewhat localised in the UK and sadly rather inaccessible to photograph well here. Also on the wall was a harvestman, subsequently identified as Phalangium opilio. Wall Rue fern was prolific here. Pallid Swifts were wheeling overhead and one member of the group even managed to photograph one clinging high up on the wall.

We left here at 4.50pm and were back at the hotel at 6.30pm. As this was later than scheduled, we pushed dinner back to 7.30pm, and this was followed by checking off the list of species seen in the day, which was completed by 9.30pm.

Day 6 Saturday 22nd July

The weather was very pleasant today with a maximum temperature of 28°C, but cooler at Bezbog. Moths at light comprised a number of species that had also been seen the previous morning plus a few new ones. Least Carpet (Idaea rusticata), Small Emerald (Hemistola chrysoprasaria), Purple Marbled (Eublemma ostrina) all occur in the UK though the last is only a rare migrant, with Calymma communimacula and the micro Ephelis cruentalis both species unknown and unlikely in Britain. A longhorn beetle was eventually identified as Axinopalpis gracilis, another species new to the all time list for this tour and one that is apparently not often photographed.

Following breakfast, our departure for the day was yet again punctual at 9am. Today we only had a comparatively short distance to travel to the Gotse Delchev mountain hut (1412 metres). We were there by 9.30am and with picnic lunches distributed, we were ready for the two-stage chairlift ascent to the Bezbog Lake at 2240 metres. By 10.15am (a record for this tour!) the last of the group had reached the top and we set off to walk through in this superb mountain setting. Bezbog means 'Godforsaken' but the scenery is majestic. Some of the group just wanted to walk on up to the higher lake (with two of these later walking down all the way as well rather than taking the chairlift). Two others went back down on the chairlift fairly soon as they decided they were in need of a more substantial lunch! Others enjoyed the rich alpine flora and butterflies in particular. Among the many plants we were able to see here were Gem coccineum, Doronicum austriacum, Centaurea nervosa, Veratrum album, Bruckenthalia spiculifolia, Epilobium nutans, Campanula alpina, Gentiana pyrenaica, Saxifraga stellaris, S.rotundifolia, Scrophularia scopolii, Euphrasia minima, Viola biflora and endemics such as Jasione bulgarica, Dianthus microlepis, and

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Pinguicula balcanica (the last sadly not flowering). Among the ferns were Brittle Bladder Fern, Oak Fern, Holly Fern and Moonwort, a particularly good find. Fontinalis antipyretica, Philonotis fontana, two species of Sphagnum and several other species provided some bryological interest. Birds were few though Raven, Nutcracker, Linnet and Dunnock were among those seen, the last three of these additional sightings for the week.

A number of interesting butterfly species are to be found at this altitude and on this occasion these included Balkan Fritillary, Nicholl's Ringlet, Ottoman Brassy Ringlet, Bright-eyed Ringlet, Large Ringlet and Eastern Large Heath. Around the lake were Common Hawker, Yellow-winged Darter and Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies, as well as a large black horsefly Hybomitra caucasica. A Common Frog was clearly quite at home at this altitude (though it clearly petrified a young girl who saw it) whilst shoals of Minnows were in the water. A sadly dead Convolvulus Hawk-moth was seen near the buildings.

The group assembled at the top of the chairlift at 4pm and by 4.35pm we were all down. We then made our way to some meadows above Dobrinishte, which we reached at 4.45pm. Of the many plants noted Allium carinatum, Silene armeria and Lotus angustissimus were additions to the week's list. Butterflies were less good than in some years though Silver-spotted Skipper, Balkan, Scarce and Sooty Coppers and Small Tortoiseshell were among those seen, the last remarkably the only sighting all week. A Purple-barred Yellow was a pretty addition to the moth list for the year, while the bush-cricket Broughtonia arnoldi was another addition to the all time list for this tour. Several specimens of the attractive Oak Spider (Aculepeira ceropegia) attracted the attention of the photographers. Also attractive but significantly smaller were two plant hopper species, the sexually dimorphic Cicadella viridis and the yellow and black Evacanthus interruptus. Two larger Heteropteran bugs here were Melanocoryphus albomaculatus and Deraeocoris rutilus.

We were joined on the bus by a few horseflies, which were caught and identified as Atylotus fulvus, Tabanus bromius and T.tergestinus, then safely released. The stragglers in the group were finally back on the bus at 5.45pm and as we were therefore again a little late back at the hotel, albeit only 13 minutes, dinner was pushed back to 7.15pm. All seemed to have enjoyed the day in their own ways. With dinner and subsequent lists completed by 9.15pm, most were content to call it a day and retire.

Day 7 Sunday 23rd July

Today was mostly sunny with a maximum temperature of 27°C. New moths overnight were Dunbar, Toadflax Brocade, Rose Plume (Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla) and Codling Moth in addition to several seen previously. As usual, these were brought down at breakfast time for people to see and photograph if they wished prior to the insects being released into vegetation.

Our punctuality in departure maintained and we drove to the mountain hut at Banderitsa (1785 metres) arriving at 9.30am. From here we walked along the roadside to Vihren mountain hut at 1950 metres. A Red Squirrel was seen soon after we set out. The flora here was excellent and included choice plants such as Allium flavum, A.sphaerocephalon, Erigeron atticus, Bupleurum sibthorpianum, Lamium garganicum, Scutellaria alpina, Sedum grisebachii, Daphne oleoides, Teucrium montanum, T.chamaedrys, Dianthus petraeus, D.gigantaeformis, Polygala major, Rosa pendulina, Asynema canescens, Scorzonera purpurea, Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Red Helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra), Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) and Dark Red Helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens). A large clump of Purple Reed Grass (Calamagrostis arundinacea) proved remarkably popular as a photographic subject.

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Birders had excellent views of Nutcracker, Ring Ouzel and Red Crossbill, with several getting good photographs at close range. Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and Serin were also seen. A good range of butterfly species were seen, among them Large Grizzled Skipper, Turquoise Blue, Holly Blue, False Eros Blue, Osiris Blue, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Ringlet and Ottoman Brassy Ringlet. Day-flying moths included the beautiful Speckled Yellow with the wonderful scientific name Pseudopanthera macularia, Drab Looper (Minoa murinata) and a probable Typhonia ciliaris (one of the group called bagworms).

At one point on the way up the Rowans were looking distinctly yellow and closer examination showed that the leaves were festooned with the rust fungus Gymnosporangium cornutum. This species alternates hosts between Rowan and Juniper. It is common in Scotland but unknown in Southern England since the two hosts do not grow together there.

By 12.45pm we had all reached the Vihren hut. The road on the way up had been getting increasingly busy with cars parked all the way along the verge. This is becoming a problem at weekends due to the popularity of this place with locals (a potential problem for any of the sites that we visit on the second half of the week, so for the future it is hoped to alter the dates to avoid this). It was so bad this year that the police were preventing all but a few authorised vehicles from coming up. Although our Bulgarian friends had made arrangements for our lunch provisions to be sent up so we could at least eat these at the mountain hut, our bus was stuck at the bottom and unable to come up and collect us as had been planned. Hence after eating our lunches we thus had no option but to walk back down.

Unfortunately, in complete contrast to some years, the walls around the buildings at Vihren were virtually devoid of moths and there was nothing new. A large cranefly with spotted wings was the most noteworthy insect. This was subsequently identified from images as either Tipula montana or T.scripta. An impressive longhorn beetle, apparently Anastrangalia sanguinolenta was found nearby. Some of the group wanted to go up further before the walk down, whilst others were keen to set off back down. Before doing so, a few investigated a small gulley nearby with a fine colony of Forked Spleenwort

As people arrived back at Banderitsa, a few took advantage of the drinks etc on sale whilst others pottered, looking at insects etc. As in Britain, Umbellifer flowers are always a good draw for these, with Hogweed especially favoured and here the related Heracleum sibiricum was clearly highly popular with Common Soldier Beetles, a few longhorn beetles and large numbers of bees and flies taking full advantage of them. Among the flies was an impressive and attractively coloured horsefly Philipomyia aprica and several hoverfly species including Chrysotoxum festivum, Scaeva pyrasti, Volucella pellucens, Eristalis pertinax and E.tenax.

All members of the group were back by 4pm and we then drove down to some meadows above Bansko, which we reached at 4.25pm. Here Ringlet, Peacock, Comma and Large Blue butterflies were noted before the weather became noticeably cooler, overcast and squally, preceding a sharp shower and distant thunder. Although this came no nothing, most were keen to return to the bus and this meant we were back at the hotel early at 5.40pm. We therefore reverted to our 7pm dinner followed by a final run through of the species seen, together with the individual highlights of the week.

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Day 8 Monday 24th July

Today was fine and dry after some overnight rain, with a maximum temperature of 27°C. The selection of moths overnight included only one new species, the Meal Moth, Pyralis farinalis. We were scheduled to depart at 8.30am to begin our journey back to Sofia and once more we left on time. Birds seen on our journey were diligently noted as always. We made a brief fuel and comfort stop where it had also been agreed would be a good opportunity for photographs.

The expectation was that we would make one further stop at some services close to Sofia where people would be able to purchase what they wanted for lunch. However we had a late change 48 kilometres from Sofia when the coach pulled off at Pancharevo Lake where there was also a large restaurant. Our two Bulgarian leaders disappeared and made a reservation for lunch. We spent some time around the lake and added Mallard and Coot to the bird list, as well as plants such as Marsh Horsetail, Skullcap, Gipsywort, Great Willow-herb and Common Water Plantain. A pristine Brown Hairstreak was the best of the butterflies but disappointingly, there were no new dragonflies or damselflies. Unfortunately not all were happy about the change of plan and nor did really want the subsequent substantial meal, which seemed to take an inordinate amount of time.

We left at 12.47pm, arriving at the airport at 1.15pm for our 2.30pm flight. We boarded at 2.07pm but the aircraft then sat on the tarmac and it was not until 2.54pm that we took off. Nonetheless after a smooth flight, we arrived back at Heathrow 15 minutes ahead of schedule. All baggage was safely recovered and having said our final farewells at the carousel the group dispersed to their various final destinations.

Acknowledgements

My thanks to all members of the group for their many contributions to the lists, whether during the tour or subsequently via many images. Thanks also to my Bulgarian co-leaders Stoyan and Yordan (Dancho), for their excellent guidance, as well as to Stoyan for his phenomenal knowledge of the Lepidopteran fauna and Dancho for all his efforts with the birds and dragonflies. Thanks also to our careful driver and those staff in the hotels who did their best for us.

I must also thank my good friend Dr. Dimitar Dimotrov (also known as Mitko) for help with some plant queries and Dr. Dragan Chobonov (Orthoptera), these two from the Natural History Museum in Sofia where they are colleagues of Stoyan, who of course provided butterfly identifications as well as many of the moths. Birds, dragonflies and damselflies were all confirmed by Yordan Kutsarov (Dancho). I am also very grateful to the following contacts from various countries for assistance in identification or in checking my own identifications for various groups: Bob Dransfield (Aphid Gall), Ábrahám Levente (Neuroptera), 'Discoelius' (Spain), Rapha1 (France), Christian Schmid-Egger and Henrik Piros (various Hymenoptera), Theo Zeegers, Mihailo Vujic, Roger Thomason and John Kramer (various Diptera), Barış Çerçi, Sheila Brooke (some Hemiptera), Michelle Carraretto, Giorgio Pezzi, Gabriele Franzini (various Coleoptera), Victor Fet (Scorpion) and Ian Dawson (some spiders).

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Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds (=recorded but not counted; h = heard only) July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos  2 White Stork Ciconia ciconia        3 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea    4 Little Egret Egretta garzetta   5 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo    6 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus  7 Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes  8 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus   9 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo       10 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus  11 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus  12 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni  13 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus       14 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra  15 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius  16 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos  17 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus   18 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur   19 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto       20 Little Owl Athene noctua  21 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba    22 Common Swift Apus apus    23 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus    24 European Roller Coracias garrulus  25 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster     26 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops   27 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor h 28 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major   h h  29 Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus  h  30 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio     31 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator  32 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus    33 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius     34 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica    35 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes h   36 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix    37 Northern Raven Corvus corax  h     38 Willow Tit Poecile montanus  39 Coal Tit Periparus ater     40 Great Tit Parus major        41 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus   42 Crested Lark Galerida cristata    43 Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris  44 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica        45 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris    46 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum        

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 47 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica       48 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus    49 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita    50 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus  51 Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida  52 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla   53 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca  54 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis  55 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla  56 Goldcrest Regulus regulus h   57 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea  58 Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris  59 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris      60 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus  61 Common Blackbird Turdus merula     62 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus   63 European Robin Erithacus rubecula      64 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos h 65 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros    66 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius  67 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata  68 Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata 69 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus   70 House Sparrow Passer domesticus         71 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis     72 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus     73 Dunnock Prunella modularis   74 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea     75 White Wagtail Motacilla alba      76 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs      77 European Serin Serinus serinus  78 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris  79 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis     80 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina  81 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra     82 Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula   83 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothrauste  84 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra  85 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella  86 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia  87 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus   88 Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala 

Mammals

1 Lesser White-toothed Shrew Crocidura suaveolens † 2 European Mole Talpa europaea † 3 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris    4 mouse sp. [not identified] 

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Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Reptiles/Amphibians

1 Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca  2 Hermann's Tortoise Testudo hermanni  3 European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis  4 Caspian Terrapin Mauremys caspica  5 Kotschy's Gecko Cyrtopodion kotschyi bibroni  6 Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis  7 Green Lizard Lacerta viridis † 8 Grass Snake Natrix natrix † 9 Yellow-bellied Toad Bombina variegata  10 Common Frog Rana temporaria   11 Marsh Frog Pelohylax (Rana) ridibundus   

Fish

1 Western Mosquito-fish Gambusia affinis  2 Common Minnow Phoxinus phoxinus 

Butterflies

1 Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malve  2 Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus  3 Orbed Red-Underwing Skipper Spialia orbifer  4 Mallow Skipper Carcharodus alceae    5 Marbled Skipper Carcharodus lavatherae  6 Oriental Marbled Skipper Carcharodes orientalis   7 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages   8 Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola  9 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris   10 Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus (=venatus)     11 Apollo Parnassius apollo   12 Swallowtail Papilio machaon    13 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius      14 Small White Artogeia rapae    15 Southern Small white Artogeia mannii  16 Green-veined White Artogeia napi (inc balcanica)   17 Eastern Bath White Pontia edusa    18 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi  19 Large White Pieris brassicae     20 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea       21 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni   22 Wood White Leptidea sinapis     23 Eastern Wood White Leptidea duponcheli  24 Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae   25 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas    26 Scarce Copper Lycaena virgaureae      27 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus    28 Large Copper Lycaena dispar  29 Balkan Copper Lycaena candens   

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 30 Lesser Fiery Copper Lycaena thersamon  31 Little Tiger Blue Tarucus balkanicus  32 Lang's Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous  33 Short-tailed Blue Cupido argiades  34 Osiris Blue Cupido osiris  35 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus     36 Large Blue Maculinea arion  37 Idas Blue Plebeius idas   38 Brown Argus Aricia agestis    39 Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus    40 Turquoise Blue Plebicula dorylas    41 Meleager’s Blue Meleageria daphnis  42 Chalk-hill Blue Lysandra coridon   43 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus     44 False Eros Blue Polyommatus eroides    45 Higgins' Anomalous Blue Polyommatus nephohiptamenos  46 Purple Emperor Apatura iris  47 Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta    48 Hungarian Glider Neptis rivilaris  49 Common Glider Neptis sappho  50 Peacock Butterfly Inachis io    51 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta    52 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui   53 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae  54 Comma Butterfly Polygonia c-album      55 Map Butterfly Araschnia levana  56 Cardinal Pandoriana pandora  57 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynis paphia     58 Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja  59 High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe   60 Niobe Fritillary Argynnis niobe  61 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia    62 Marbled Fritillary Brenthis daphne  63 Balkan Fritillary Boloria graeca balcanica   64 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne  65 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe    66 Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma  67 Lesser Spotted Fritillary Melitaea trivia     68 Marbled White Melanargia galathea      69 Great Banded Grayling Hipparchia (=Kanetisa) circe     70 Freyer’s Grayling Neohipparchia fatua  71 Scotch Argus Erebia aethiops  72 Arran Brown Erebia ligea   73 Large Ringlet Erebia euryale    74 Nicholl's Ringlet Erebia rhodopensis  75 Ottoman Brassy Ringlet Erebia ottomana   76 Bright-eyed Ringlet Erebia oeme  77 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina      78 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus    

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Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 79 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus  80 Chestnut Heath Coenonympha glycerion  81 Eastern Large Heath Coenonympha rhodopensis   82 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus     83 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria   84 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera    85 Northern Wall Brown Lasiommata petropolitana  86 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera  87 Nettle Tree butterfly Libythea celtis  

Moths

1 a Clearwing Moth sp Chamaesphecia empiformis  2 Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis  3 Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum      4 Pine Hawk-moth Sphinx pinastri  5 Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli  6 Zygaena angelicae   7 Black Burnet Moth Zygaena ephialtes   8 6-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae    9 Bloodword Burnet Moth Zygaena laeta   10 Slender Scotch Burnet Zygaena loti  11 Narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet Zygaena lonicerae    12 Common Forester Adscita statices  13 Arctia flava  14 Common Footman Eilerna lurideola    15 Four Spotted Footman Lithosia quadra      16 Calymma communimacula  17 Snout Hypena proboscidalis  18 Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata  19 Light Emerald Campaea margaritata  20 Brussels Lace Cleorodes lichenaria  21 Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata  22 Phoenix Eulithis prunata  23 Small Emerald Hemistola chrysoprasaria  24 The Fern Horisme tersata   25 Small Waved Umber Horisme vitalbata   26 Riband Wave Idaea aversata  27 Bright Wave Idaea ochrata   28 Least Carpet Idaea rusticate   29  Treble Brown-spot Idaea trigeminata  30 Scorched Carpet Ligdia adustata  31 Purple-barred Yellow Lythria purpuraria  32 Drab Looper Minoa murinata  33 Speckled Yellow Pseudopanthera macularia  34  Sub-angled Wave Scopula nigropunctata  35 Tawny Wave Scopula rubiginata  36 Shaded Broad Bar Scotopteryx chenopodiata  37 Blood-vein Timandra comae  38 Dark Arches Apameae monoglypha 

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 39 Silver Y Autographa gamma       40 Toadflax Brocade Calophasia lunula   41  Dunbar Cosmia trapezina   42 Cryphia amasina   43 Bird's Wing Dypterygia scabriuscula   44 Earias vernana  45 Purple Marbled Eublemma ostrina  46 Beautiful Marbled Eublemma purpurina  47 The Geometrician Grammodes stolida (=Prodotis)  48 Brown-line Bright-eye Mythimna conigera  49 The Four-spotted Tyto luctuosa  50 Nettle-tap Anthophila fabriciana  51 Horse-Chestnut Leaf miner Cameraria ohridella   52 Rose Plume Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla  53 Codling Cydia pomonella  54 Emmelina monodactyla  55 Ephelis cruentalis  56 Thistle Ermine Myelois circumvoluta  57 Meal Moth Pyralis farinalis  58 Long-legged Tabby Synaphe punctalis   59 Typhonia ciliaris  60 Udea olivalis 

Dragonflies & Damselflies

1 Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens     2 Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo     3 Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans    4 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura pumilio  5 Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum  6 White-legged Damselfly Platycnemis pennipes     7 Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea    8 Common Hawker Aeshna juncea   9 Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator  10 Small Pincertail Onychogomphus forcipatus    11 Sombre Goldenring Cordulegaster bidentata    12 White-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum albistylum  13 Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum  14 Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens    15 Southern Skimmer Orthetrum brunneum    16 Banded Darter Sympetrum pedemontanum    17 Yellow-winged Darter Sympetrum flaveolum  18 Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii  19 Spotted Darter Sympetrum depressiusculum  20 Scarlet Darter Crocothemis erythraea   21 Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa  22  Scarce Chaser Libellula fulva  23 Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata 

16 © Naturetrek April 18

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)

1 small mayfly sp.  

Neuroptera (Lacewings, Ant-lions etc)

1 a green lacewing sp. Chrysoperla carnea agg.  2 Large Mottle-winged Ant-lion Palpares libelluloides   3 an Ant-lion sp. Creolon plumbeus  4 Macaronius Owlfly Libelloides macaronius  5 an Ant-lion sp. Myrmecaelurus trigrammus  6 Bubopsis andromache 

Mecoptera (Scorpion Flies etc)

1 a Scorpion Fly Panorpa germanica  

Dermaptera (Earwigs)

1 Common Earwig Forficula auricularia 

Orthoptera (Grasshoppers & Crickets)

1  Broughtonia arnoldi  2 Bucephaloptera bucephala  3 a bush-cricket sp Eupholidoptera smyrnensis  4 a bush-cricket sp Poecilimon thoracicus.   5 a bush-cricket sp Tylopsis lilifolia  6 Slant-headed Grasshopper Acrida mediterranea   7 Aiolopus thalassinus  8 a grasshopper sp. Calliptamus barbarus  9 Blue-winged Grasshopper Oedipoda caerulescens  10 Woodland Grasshopper Omocestes rufipes  11 a bush-cricket sp. Rhacocleis germanica  12 Large Mountain Grasshopper Stauroderus scalaris  13 a groundhopper sp Pezotettix giornae  14 a groundhopper sp. Tetrix depressa (=Uvarovitettix) 

Dictyoptera (Mantids & Cockroaches)

1 Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa   

Hemiptera (Bugs)

1 Adelphocoris seticornis  2 Adelphocoris vandalicus  3 Bishop's Mitre Aelia acuminata    4 Ancyrosoma leucogrammes  5 [fam: Alydidae] Arocatus longiceps  6 Beosus quadrimaculatus  7 a Shieldbug sp Carpocoris mediterraneus  8 Common Squash-bug / Dock Bug Coreus marginatus  9 Plane Lacebug Corythucha ciliata 

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10 Deraeoceris rutilus  11 Hairy Shieldbug / Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum        12 Brassica Bug Eurydema oleracea  13 Ornate Shieldbug Eurydema ornata   14 AC Milan Bug Graphosoma lineatum (= italicum)    15 Lygaeus equestris   16 Melanocoryphus albomaculatus  17 Megalonotus emarginatus  18 Metopoplax fuscinervis  19 a very large Shieldbug sp Mustha spinosula  20 Nysius senecionis  21 a spotted Shieldbug sp Psacasta exanthematica  22 Rhopalus parumpunctatus  23  an Assassin Bug Rhynocoris punctiventris  24  a Tortoise bug sp Sciocoris sp cf cursitans  25 Pied Shieldbug Tritomegas bicolor (=Sehirus)  26 Blue Shieldbug Zicrona caerulea  27 a Cicada Cicada orni  28 a 'froghopper' sp. Cicadella viridis  29 Evacanthus interruptus  30 Citrus Flatid Planthopper [fam: Flatidae] Metcalfa pruinosa  31 Black Bean Aphid on Dog Daisy Aphis fabae  32 Pink Tansy Aphid Metopeurum fuscoviride  33 as gall on Ulmus sp Tetraneura nigriabdominalis 

Thysanoptera (Thrips)

1 Dog Daisy Thrips Haplothrips leucanthemi 

Diptera (Two-winged Flies)

1 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Atylotus fulvus  2  a Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Chrysotoxum festivum  3 a red & black Tachinid fly Cylindromyia sp ?  4 Marmalade Fly Episyrphus balteatus  5 a hoverfly sp. [fam: Syrphidae] Eristales pertinax  6 Drone-fly [fam: Syrphidae] Eristales tenax  7 as gall on Fagus sylvatica Hartigiola annulipes  8 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Hybomitra caucasica  9 Chloropid fly as gall on Phragmites Lipara lucens  10 as gall on Fagus sylvatica Mikiola fagi  11 a picturewing fly [Tephritidae] Oxyna flavipennis  12 [fam: Tachinidae] Phasia hemiptera  13 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Philipomyia aprica   14 Pied Hoverfly Scaeva pyrastri  15 Band-eyed Brown Horsefly Tabanus bromius   16 Downland Horsefly Tabanus glaucopis  17 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Tabanus tergestinus  18 [fam: Tachinidae] Tachina fera    19 a cranefly sp [Tipulidae] Tipula montana / scripta 

18 © Naturetrek April 18

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 a Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Volucella inanis  21 a Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Volucella pellucens   

Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps etc)

1 a Potter Wasp sp. Ancistrocerus cf gazelle  2 Honey Bee Apis mellifera    3 Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidaries  4 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris     5 a large ant species Cremogaster scutellaris   6 a Spider-hunting Wasp sp. [fam: Pompilidae] Cryptocheilus alternatus  7  Pea-gall on Rosa sp Diplolepis nervosa      8 as Robin's Pincushion Gall Diplolepis rosae      9 a Potter Wasp sp. Eumenes sp.  10 as larval gall on Salix Eupontania viminalis  11 Wood Ant Formica sp  12 Black Garden Ant Lasius niger  13 Mammoth Wasp [fam:Scoliidae] Megascolia flavifrons  14 a sawfly sp. Tenthredo zonula  15 Violet Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violacea   

Coleoptera (Beetles)

1 Green Tiger Beetle Cicindela campestris  2 Ditomus (=Dixus) obscurus  3 Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus  4 7-Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata       5 Orange Ladybird Halyzia sedecimguttata  6  Capnodis tenebricosa  7  Capnodis tenebrionis  8 Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata  9  Geotrupes stercorarius    10 Cetonia cuprea    11 Bee Chafer Trichius fasciatus  12 a flower chafer Oxythyrea funesta  13 a chafer Amphmallon sp. cf. majale  14 Trichodes apiarius   15 Trichodes crabroniformis  16 Common Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva     17 [fam: Meloidae] Oenas crassicornis  18 Mint Leaf Beetle [ fam: Chrysomelidae] Chrysolina menthastri  19 Clytra laeviuscula  20 Clytra quadripunctata  21 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Anastrangalia sanguinolenta  22 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Axinopalpus gracilis  23 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Chlorophorus varius  24 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Monochamus galloprovincialis  25 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Pachytodes cerambyciformis  26 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Purpuricenus budensis   27 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Rutpela (=Strangalia) maculata  

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 28 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Stenurella semipunctata  29 a longhorn beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Stictoleptura rubra    30 a large weevil sp. Lixus sp cf angustatus/ algira 

Arachnida (Spiders etc)

1 Oak Spider Aculepeira ceropegia      2 a funnel-web spider Agalena labyrinthica   3 Garden Spider Araneus diadematus  4 Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi  5 Yellow Sac Spider Cheiracanthium sp.  6 a crab spider Misumenia vatia  7 Nursery-web Spider Pisaura mirabilis  8 Thomisus onustus  9  a harvestman sp Dicranopalpus ramosus  10 a harvestman sp Phalangium opilio  11 a scorpion sp Euscorpius solegladi  12 as galls with mites on Walnut lvs Aceria erinea  13  as galls with mites on Sycamore Aceria macrorhyncha  14  as gall on Alnus glutinosa Aceria nalepai  15 as gall on Vitis vinifera Colomeris vitis  16 as gall on Alnus glutinosa Eriophyes laevis  17 as gall on Celtis australis Reckella celtis 

Myriapoda (Millipedes & Centipedes)

1 Mediterranean Banded Centipede Scolopendra cingulata

Mollusca (Snails, slugs etc.)

1 Cepaea vindabonensis   2 a Snail sp. Helix lucorum  3 Zebrina detrita  Plants Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

PTERIDOPHYTES Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail 17; 20; 24; Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail 24; Botrychium lunaria Moonwort 22; Asplenium rutamuraria Wall-rue 21; Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort 18; 23; Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort 17; Athyrium filix-foemina Lady Fern 20; 22; Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern 22; 23; Dryopteris filix-mas Male Fern 22; Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern 22; Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody 21; Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern 22; Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 20; 22; 23;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

GYMNOSPERMS Conifers and Allies Abies borisii-regis 20; Picea abies Norway Spruce 20; 23; Pinus leucodermis (inc P.heldreichii) Bosnian Pine 22; 23; Pinus mugo Dwarf Mountain-pine 22; Pinus nigra Black Pine 20; Pinus peuce Macedonian Pine 23; Pinus sylvestris Scot's Pine 17; 20; Cupressus sempervirens Mediterranean Cypress 18; Juniperus communis Juniper 20; Juniperus sibirica 22; Juniperus excelsa Greek Juniper 19;

ANGIOSPERMS Flowering Plants Aceraceae Maple family Acer campestre Field Maple 18; Acer platanoides Norway Maple 20; Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 17; 18 Acer tataricum 18; Anacardiaceae Cotinus coggygria Smoke Tree 21; Rhus typhina Stag's-horn Sumach 17; 18 Apiaceae Carrot family Bupleurum sibthorpianum (=falcatum) Sickle-leaf Hare's-ear 19; 23; Daucus carota Wild Carrot 17; 18 Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo 17; 18 Heracleum sibiricum Siberian Hogweed 21; Ligusticum mutellina Alpine Lovage 22; Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip 17; 21; Sanicula europaea Sanicle 21; Araliaceae Hedera helix Ivy 18; Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum acutum Stranglewort 18; Periploca graeca Silk Vine 19; Asteraceae Daisy family Achillea millefolium Yarrow 17; 18 Achillea clypeolata 18; Achillea coarctata 18; Achillea crithmifolia 17; Arctium minus Lesser Burdock 17; 23; Arnica montana Arnica 22; Artemisia absinthium Common Wormwood 18, 19; 20; Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort 17; 18; 21; Calendula officinalis Pot Marigold 18; Carduus scardicus (=kerneri) 20; 21; Centaurea calcitrapa Red Star Thistle 20; Centaurea nervosa 22; Centaurea rutifolia 17; 18; 19; Centaurea salonitana var. macrantha 18; Centaurea solstitialis St Barnaby's Thistle 17; 18; Chondrilla juncea Skeletonweed 17, 19; Cichorium intybus Chicory 17; 18;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Cirsium candelabrum Candelabra Thistle 20; Cirsium ligulare 20; Conyza canadensis Canadian Fleabane 20; Doronicum austriacum Austrian Leopard's-bane 22; Echinops bannaticus Blue Globe-thistle 18; Echinops sphaerocephalus Pale Globe-thistle 18; Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane 20; 23; Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane 18; 20; Erigeron atticus Greek Fleabane 23; Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony 21; Hieracium sp. Woolly Hawkweed 23; Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce 18; 20; Lapsana communis Nipplewort 18; Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy 23; Matricaria discoidea Pineapple Mayweed 23; Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce 20; 21; Pilosella officinarum (Hieracium pilosella) Mouse-ear Hawkweed 17; 22; Prenathes purpurea 21; Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oyster Thistle 18; Scorzonera purpurea (inc ssp. rosea) 23; Senecio glaberrimus 22; Senecio hercynicus 21; Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle 18; Tanacetum corymbosum 20; Tanacetum macrophyllum 21; Tanacetum vulgare Tansy 17; 20; Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion 17; 18; Telekia speciosa Heart-leaved Ox-eye 21; 23; Tragopogon crocifolius 22; Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed 23; Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot 20; 23; Xeranthemum annuum Pink Everlasting 17; 18; Balsaminaceae Balsam family Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan Balsam 18; Betulaceae Birch family Alnus glutinosa Alder 18; 19; 23; Betula pendula Silver Birch 19; 20; Bignoniaceae Catalpa bignonioides Indian Bean Tree 19; Boraginaceae Borage family Anchusa officinalis Common Bugloss 18; 24; Buglossoides (Lithospermum) arvensis Field Gromwell 18; Echium vulgare Viper's Bugloss 17; 18; 24; Echium italicum Italian Viper's Bugloss 18; Heliotropium europaeum European Heliotrope 18; Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood forget-me-not 22; Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not 20; Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not 21; Brassicaceae Barbarea bracteosa 21; Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherds Purse 17; Cardamine rivularis 22; Rorippa lippizensis 22;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard 20; Subularia aquatica Awlwort 22; Buddleiaceae Buddleia davidii Buddleia 17; 18; Campanulaceae Bellflower family Asyneuma canescens 23; Campanula alpina Alpine Bellflower 22; Campanula glomerata Clustered Bellflower 22; 23; Campanula lingulata 23; Campanula moesiaca 21; Campanula patula (inc C.abietina) Spreading Bellflower 20; 22; Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower 21; 23; Campanula scutellata 18; 20; Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower 17; 18; 20; Jasione montana Sheepsbit Scabious 18; Jasione bulgarica Bulgarian Sheep's-bit 22; Cannabiaceae Hemp family Celtis australis Nettle Tree 19; Humulus lupulus Hop 20; Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle family Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder / Danewort 17; 18; Sambucus nigra Elder 17; 18; Sambucus racemosa Red-berried Elder 21; Caryophyllaceae Pink family Arenaria biflora Two-flowered Sandwort 22; Cerastium alpinum Alpine Stitchwort 22; Dianthus gigantaeformis (=pontederae) Tall Pink 23; Dianthus gracilis 17; 20; Dianthus microlepis 22; Dianthus petraeus 23; Dianthus pinifolius Pine-leaved Pink 19; Gypsophila paniculata 19;

Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin 22; Petrorhagia velutina (Kohlrauschia) Childing Pink 17; 18; Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort 18; Saponaria officinalis Soapwort 17; 18; 23; Scleranthus perennis Perennial Knawel 22; Silene alba White Campion 21; Silene armeria Sweet Wiliam Catchfly 22; Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly 23; Silene pusilla 23; Silene roemeri 17; Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion 20; 22; Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort 20; Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot family Chenopodium album Fat Hen 18; Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good King Henry 21; Cistaceae Rockrose family Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose 23; Convolvulaceae Bindweed family Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed 18; Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed 17; 18; Cuscuta campestris a Dodder 18;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Cuscuta europaea Greater Dodder (on Urtica dioica) 23; Cornaceae Cornus mas Cornelian Cherry 18; Cornus sanguineus Dogwood 18; Corylaceae Corylus avellana Hazel 17; 21; Ostrya carpinifolia Hop Hornbeam 19; Crassulaceae Stonecrop family Jovibarba heuffelii a Houseleek 19; Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop 23; Sedum album White Stonecrop 21; Sedum alpestre Alpine Stonecrop 22; Sedum grisebachii 23; Sedum hispanicum 23; Sedum ochroleucum Creamish Stonecrop 23; Dipsacaceae Teasel family Dipsacus laciniatus Cut-leaved Teasel 20; Knautia midzorensis 20; Scabiosa argentea 19; Scabiosa lucida Shining Scabious 20; 21; 22; Ericaceae Heather family Bruckenthalia spiculifolia 22; Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry 22; Euphorbiaceae Spurge family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge 21; 23; Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge 17; 20; Euphorbia myrsinites Glaucous Spurge 18; Euphorbia serrulata Upright Spurge 20; Ricinus communis Castor Oil roadsides Fabaceae Pea family Amorpha fruticosa Bastard Indigo Bush 19; Astragalus onobrychis 17; Chamaecytisus absinthioides 21; Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom 22; Colutea arborescens Bladder Senna 19; Coronilla varia (Securigera) Crown Vetch 21; 23; Dorycnium pentaphyllum Canary Clover 23; Genista tinctoria (inc. campestris) Dyer’s Greenweed 22; Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum 19; Lotus angustissimus Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil 22; Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil 18; Lotus pedunculatus (=uliginosus) Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil 23; Medicago lupulina Black Medick 17; Medicago sativa Lucerne 17; 18; Melilotus albus White Melilot 17; 18; Onobrychis montana Mountain Sainfoin 23; Ononis spinosa Spiny Restharrow 18; Psoralea (Bituminaria) bituminosa Pitch Trefoil 22; Robinia pseudoacacia False Acacia 17; 18; Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover 17; 18; 24; Trifolium badium 21; Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil 17; Trifolium hybridum Alsike Clover 20;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Trifolium incarnatum Crimson Clover 19; Trifolium pratense Red Clover 20; Trifolium repens White Clover 18; 21; Vicia hybrid Hairy Yellow Vetch 17; Fagaceae Fagus sylvatica Beech 20; Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak 18; Gentianaceae Gentian family Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian 20; Gentiana pyrenaica Pyrenean Gentian 22; Geraniaceae Geranium family Erodium cicutarium Common Storksbill 17; Geranium macrorrhizum Rock Cranesbill 18; 22; Geranium phaeum Dusky Cransebill 21; Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Cransebill 20; Geranium robertianum Herb Robert 21; Geranium sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill 21; Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill 21; 22; Grossulariaceae Currant family Ribes uva-crispum Gooseberry 21; Hippocastanaceae Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut 20; Hypericaceae (Guttiferae) St John's-wort family Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stalked St John's-wort 17; Juglandaceae Walnut family Juglans regia Walnut 17; 18 Lamiaceae Mint family Acinos alpines Alpine Calamint 21; 22; Acinos arvensis Basil Thyme 23; Ballota nigra Black Horehound 17; 18; Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil 17; 21; Galeopsis tetrahit Common Hemp Nettle 17; Lamium garganicum Large Red Dead-nettle 23; Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle 17; 18; Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort 24; Marrubium peregrinum 17, 18; 19; Melissa officinalis Balm 20; Mentha aquatic Water Mint 20; 24; Mentha longifolia Horsemint 20; Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal 20; Mentha spicata Spear Mint 20; Nepeta pannonica 20; 22; 23; Origanum vulgare Marjoram 20; Prunella laciniata Cut-leaved Self-heal 20; Prunella vulgaris Self-heal 18; 20; Scutellaria alpina Alpine Skullcap 23; Scutellaria galericulata Skullcap 24; Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort 20; Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort 20 Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander 23; Teucrium montanum Mountain Germander 23; Thymus pulegioides Large Wild Thyme 17;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Lentibulariaceae Butterwort family Pinguicula bulcanica Balkan Butterwort 22 (nf); Lythraceae Loosestrife family Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 18; 24; Malvaceae Mallow family Alcea rosea Hollyhock 22; Althaea officinalis Marsh Mallow 18; Lavatera thuringiaca 18; Malva sylvestris Common Mallow 18; Moraceae Mulberry family Ficus carica Fig 17; 18; Morus alba White Mulberry 20 Oleaceae Olive family Fraxinus angustifolia Narrow-leaved Ash 18; Fraxinus excelsior Ash 19; Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet 23; Syringa vulgaris Common Lilac 18; Onagraceae Willowherb family Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb 20; Epilobium alpestre Alpine Willowherb 22; Epilobium cilatum American Willowhern 22; Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb 24; Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb 20; Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow Sorrel 18; Papaveraceae Poppy family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine 18; Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy 18; Parnassiaceae Parnassia palustris Grass of Parnassus 23; Plantaginaceae Plantago coronopus Buckshorn Plantain 18; Plantago gentianoides 22; Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 20; Plantago major Greater Plantain 18; Platanaceae Plane family Platanus orientalis Oriental Plane 17; 18; 19; Polygalaceae Milkwort family Polygala major Large Milkwort 23; Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort 20; Polygonaceae Dock family Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper 20; Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass 17; 18; Persicaria maculosa Redshank 19; Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel 17; 21; Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel 21; Rumex alpines Monk's Rhubarb 22; Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock 21; Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Yellow Purslane 20; Primulaceae Primrose family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel 19; Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny 20;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Ranunculaceae Buttercup family Clematis vitalba Traveller's Joy 17; 18; 19; 24; Consolida regalis Forking Larkspur 18; 19; Delphinium balcanicum 18; Delphinium peregrinum Violet Larkspur 19; Nigella elata 19; 21; Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup 21; Ranunculus montanus 22; Ranunculus scleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup 20; Thalictrum flavum Common Meadow Rue 23; Rhamnaceae Buckthorn family Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn 23; Paliurus spina-christi Christ's Thorn 18; 19; Rosaceae Rose family Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 18; 24; Alchemilla mollis agg. Lady's Mantle 20; Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 17; 18 Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 22; 23; Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry 20; 21; Geum coccineum Red Avens 22; Geum montanum Alpine Avens 22; Geum rivale Water Avens 22; Geum urbanum Wood Avens 22; Malus domestica Apple 18; Potentilla aurea Golden Cinquefoil 22; Potentilla cinerea Grey Cinquefoil 17; 20; Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil 22; Potentilla erecta Tormentil 20; 23; Potentilla regis-borisii 21; Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil 20; 24; Prunus domestica Wild Plum 18; Prunus persica Peach 17; Prunus spinosa Blackthorn 18; Rosa pendulina (=alpina) Alpine Rose 23; Rubus caesius Dewberry 20; Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 17; 18; Rubus idaeus Wild Raspberry 21; 22; Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet 17; Sorbus aucuparia Rowan 21; 23; Rubiaceae Bedstraw family Asperula aristata 23;

Asperula cynanchica Squinancywort 22; Cruciata glabra Glabrous Crosswort 23; Cruciata laevipes Crosswort 21; Galium anisophyllon 22; Galium uliginosum Fen Bedstraw 20; Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw 17; 18; 20; Gallium odoratum Woodruff 21; Salicaceae Willow family Populus alba White Poplar 18; Populus nigra Black Poplar 19; Populus tremula Aspen 21; Salix alba White Willow 17; 24;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Salix caprea Goat Willow 21; Salix cinerea Grey Willow 21; Salix elaeagnos Rosemary Willow 23; Salix fragilis Crack Willow 19; Santalaceae Thesium bavarum Bavarian Bastard Toadflax 22; Saxifragaceae Saxifrage family Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage 22; Saxifraga stellaris Starry Saxifrage 22; Scrophulariaceae (now Plantaginaceae) Figwort family Antirrhinum majus Snapdragon 18; Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax 18; Digitalis viridiflora Green-flowered Foxglove 21; 23; Euphrasia minima Dwarf Eyebright 22; Euphrasia officinalis agg. Eyebright 20; 22; Linaria genistifolia Dalmation Toadflax 17; 18; Melampyrum nemorosum Wood Cowwheat 21; Odontites verna Red Bartsia 23; Rhinanthus javorkae Hay Rattle 20; Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle 20; 21; Rhinanthus rumelicus 23; Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort 21; Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort 21; Scrophularia scopolii Italian Figwort 22; Verbascum longifolium inc ssp pannosum 19; Verbascum nigrum Dark Mullein 18; Verbascum sinuatum Wavy-leaf Mullein 18; Verbascum speciosum 18; Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein 18; 20; Veronica beccabunga Brooklime 20; Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell 17; Solanaceae Nightshade family Datura stramonium Thorn Apple 18; Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade 18; Tiliaceae Tilia x vulgaris Common Lime 19; 20; Thymelaeaceae Daphne family Daphne cneorum Galand Flower 23 fr; Daphne oleoides 23;

Ulmaceae Ulmus minor Small-leaved Elm 18; Urticacae Nettle family Parietaria judaica Pellitory of the Wall 19; Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle 18; Valerianaceae Centranthus ruber Red Valerian 17; 18; Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian 20; Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Vervain 18; Violaceae Viola arvensis Field Pansy 18; Viola biflora Yellow Wood Violet 22; Viola tricolor Heartsease 20; 23;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Vitaceae Vitis vinifera Grape Vine 20; Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris Maltese Cross 18, 19; Alismataceae Alisma plantago-aquatica Common Water Plantain 24; Araceae Arum family Arum italicum Large Cuckoo Pint 19; Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint 21; Butomaceae Butomus umbellatus Flowering Rush 17; Cyperaceae Carex ovalis Oval Sedge 22; Carex remota Remote Sedge 17; Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush 20; 22; Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cotton Grass 22; Scirpus lacustris Common Clubrush 22; Scirpus sylvaticus Wood Club-rush 22; Dioscoreaceae Tamus communis Black Bryony 21; Juncaceae Rush family Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush 20; Juncus bufonius Toad Rush 24; Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush 18; Juncus effsus Soft Rush 17; 22; Juncus inflexus Hard Rush 18; Juncus trifidus Three-leaved Rush 20; Lemnaceae Lemna minor Common Duckweed 17; 24; Liliaceae Lily family Allium carinatum Keeled Garlic 22; Allium flavum Yellow Onion 23; Allium sphaerocephalon Round-headed Garlic 23; Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Bath Asparagus 23; Veratrum album False White Helleborine 22 (nf); Orchidaceae Orchid family Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid 20; 21; Cephalanthera rubra Red Helleborine 20; 23; Epipactis atrorubens Dark Red Helleborine 23; Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine 21; 23; Epipactis microphylla Small-leaved Helleborine 20; Neottia nidus-avis Bird's-nest Orchid 21; Poaceae Aegilops geniculata 18;

Alopecurus aequalis Orange Foxtail 22; Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail 18; Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass 23; Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome 21; Briza media Quaking Grass 21; Briza minor Lesser Quaking Grass 23; Calamagrostis arundinacea Purple Reed Grass 23; Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail 20; Dactylis glomerata Cock'sfoot 20; 23;

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Date(s) / location

Deschampsis caespitosa Tufted Hair-grass 22; Deschampsia flexuosa (=Avenella) Wavy Hair-grass 18; Holcus lanata Yorkshire Fiog 20; Hordeum murinum Wall Barley 19; 24; Lolium perrene Perennial Rye Grass 18; Milium effusum Wood Millet 21; Molinia caerulea Purple Moor Grass 22; Nardus stricta Mat Grass 22; Phleum commutatum (=alpinum) Alpine Timothy Grass 22; Phleum bertolonii Small Timothy Grass 23; Phleum pratense Timothy Grass 23; Phragmites australis Common Reed 18; Sparganiaceae Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed 22; Typhaceae Typha domingensis 18; Typha latifolia Great Reedmace 24;

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Slender Scotch Burnet, Zygaena loti European Pond Turtle Emys orbicularis