The Vercors (Summer)

France - The Vercors (Summer)

Naturetrek Tour Report 10 -17 July 2019

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Epipactis meulleri

Silene nutans Mountain Clouded Yellow

Report and images compiled by Paul Harmes & Pete Stevens

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

Tour Report France - The Vercors

Tour participants: Paul Harmes & Pete Stevens (leaders) with 15 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Wednesday 10th July

Travel London Heathrow - Lyon St.Exupery Airport – La Chapelle en Vercors Twelve group members met Paul and Pete at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 for the 1.55pm British Airways flight BA362 to Lyon St. Exupery. Upon our arrival, we soon completed passport control and baggage reclaim and made our way out to the arrivals area, when we met with the three remaining group members, who had arrived from other airports. Outside the terminal, we found the bus stop for the bus to the car-rental area, in order to collect the minibuses. Soon the luggage was stowed, and we boarded the vehicles for the journey to the Vercors region.

We drove south-westwards on the A43 and A48 Motorways, stopping to buy water and for a short comfort break at Aire L’Isle d’Abeau service area, before continuing south towards Grenoble. Along the way, we recorded Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Common Blackbird, Grey Heron and White Stork.

Just outside Grenoble, we joined the A49 Valance motorway, which we left at St. Marcellin, making our way through Pont en Royans, the Petit Goulets and the Grand Goulets and on to La Chapelle en Vercors and the Hotel Bellier, our base for the week. After settling into our rooms, we met up again and Paul and Pete outlined the plan for the next day and the hotel logistics, before it was time for our evening meal.

Day 2 Thursday 11th July

Font d’Urle – St. Jean en Ryans An early wander by the birders produced Swift, Serin, Chaffinch and Goldfinch

We started the day with a short excursion to Vassieux en Vercors, where we made a short stop at the cemetery where the victims of the Nazi massacre at that village, during the Second World War, are buried. Whilst we were here, Great Banded Grayling, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell and Black-veined White butterflies were recorded. Plants included Carduus nutans (Nodding Thistle), Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rock-rose), Himantoglossum hircinum (Lizard Orchid) and Asperula rupicola (a Squinancywort). For the birds, there was Barn Swallow and a fleeting glimpse of Red-backed Shrike.

We now moved to the Font d’Urle, an area of open limestone crags and meadows used for skiing in winter. Here we recorded Alpine Chough, in some numbers, Black Redstart, Serin, Yellowhammer, Water Pipit, Griffon Vulture and Skylark. Campanula rhomboidalis (Broad-leaved Bellflower), Veronica spicata (Spiked Speedwell), Dianthus monspessulanus (Fringed Pink), Trausteinera globosa (Round-headed Orchid), Orobanche alba (Thyme Broomrape), Aster alpina (Alpine Aster) and Phyteuma orbiculare (Round-headed Rampion) were also seen. Insects were quite active, with Common Blue, Mazarine Blue, Almond-eyed Ringlet, Apollo, Dark Green Fritillay, Mountain Ringlet and Queen of Spain Fritillary butterflies, Forester, Ochraceous Wave and Purple Treble-bar moths, and Green Mountain Grasshopper and Wart-biter Bush-cricket, all noted. Small numbers of Alpine Marmot were the mammal highlight today.

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Returning to the vehicles, we made our way to the Foret de Lente, where we set up out picnic lunch. Whilst eating, Scarlet Tiger Moth and Scarce Copper, Large White, L:arge Skipper and Heath Fritillary butterflies, and Stachys alpina (Alpine Woundwort), Clinopodium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Calamint) were all added. Blackcap was heard singing.

Following lunch, we moved on through the precipitous Route Combe Laval towards St. Jean en Royans, where we visited the Hypermarket, to do the week’s picnic shopping. Whilst our leaders were shopping, we explored a small, rough field, sometimes use to graze horses. Here we found Small Heath, Provence Short-tailed Blue and Common Blue butterflies, before setting off on the return journey to La Chapelle. At the end of the Route Combe Laval, we stopped at the Col de la Machine, where we admired the spectacular view. Here we added Crag Martin and House Martin to the bird list, before making our way back to our hotel.

Day 3 Friday 12th July

Bois de Mures - Les Bruyeres – Les Merciers Following a splendid breakfast, we made our way up to the northern end of the Vercors plateau, to the town of Lans en Vercors. On the way some of the group got brief views of a Hoopoe. Here, we made our way to the forest of the Bois de Mures, in search of the elusive Epipogium aphyllum (Ghost Orchid). After much searching, we had not managed to find any plants at all. We did, however, find Epipactis muelleri (Mueller’s Helleborine), Luzula nivea (Snowy Woodrush), Melampyrum nemorosum (a Cow-wheat), Galium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Bedstraw) and Prenanthes purpurea (Purple Lettuce).

We now made our way to the wet meadows at Les Bruyères, hoping to try and find Marsh Warbler. In fields beside the road a single White Stork was hunting. A small pond had a good stand of Typha angustifolia (Lesser Bullrush), Beautiful Demoiselle, Common Goldenring Dragonfly and a substantial population of the hybrid Edible Frog. Other plants included Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch), Trifolium hybridum (Alsike) and Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet). Butterflies included Niobe Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Marbled White and Pearly Heath. Initially, we only heard the Marsh Warbler, but eventually it was spotted low down in a solitary bush, and all group members had views of the bird.

Moving on we made our way to the small hamlet of Les Merciers, where we had our picnic, before setting off to explore a steep path, rocky lane-sides and some meadows. It was a bright, sunny afternoon, and insects were active. As we left the minibuses and walked up a steep wooded path, Heath Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Large Wall Brown, False Heath Fritillary and Black-veined White butterflies were all noted. Aslpenium viride (Green Spleenwort), Dianthus sylvestris (Wood Pink), Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort), Epipactis atrorubens (Dark-red Helleborine) and Dianthis gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink) were all recorded. Some rocky meadows produced Gentiana cruciata (Cross gentian)), Buphthalmum salicifolium (Yellow Ox-eye), Laserpitium siler (a Sermountain), Teucrium chamaedrys (Wall Germander) and Lilium Martagon (Martagon Liliy). Silver-washed Fritillary, Scotch Argus, Niobe Fritillary, Comma Butterfly, Pearly Heath, Small Skipper and Arran Brown butterflies were also added. Making our way back to the buses along a a quiet rocky lane, we added Cuscuta europaea (Great Dodder), Briza media (Quaking Grass), Sedum sediforme, Acer opalus (Italian Maple), Sedum dasyphyllum (Fat-leaved Stonecrop) and Rumex scutatus (French Sorrel). Meanwhile some of the group headed for a rocky promontory overlooking the valley. Here they were lucky to see two Chamois on the cliff below then a

2 © Naturetrek March 20

France - The Vercors Tour Report

fairly close fly-past of Short-toed Snake Eagle. Alpine Swifts and Crag Martins patrolled the cliff faces and above while a single Cirl Bunting and a Red-backed Shrike were found in fields near the path.

We now made our way back to La Chapplle en Vercors, for dinner. After eating, Paul set a moth trap.

Day 4 Saturday 13th July

Presles – Foret Communuale des Coulmes – Pont en Royans At 6.30am, we met in the hotel garden to examine the catch in the moth trap. Among the macros, there were Pine Hawk-moth, Guernsey Underwing, Heart and Club, Maple Prominent, Beautiful Hooktip, Reddish Light Arches, Rosy Footman, White Satin Moth, Least Carpet, Double Square-spot, Leopard Moth and the Noctuid Hoplodrina respersa. Micros included the Elachistid Ethmia bipunctata, the Pyralid Dioryctria abietella, the Crambid Catoptria pinella, Codlin Moth and the Tortrix Agapeta hamana.

Following another excellent breakfast, we left the hotel and drove south once again through the Grand Goulets Tunnel, down to Ste. Eulalie en Royans and up through Pont en Royans to where we turned west and began to climb up towards the Route de Presles. This is a magnificent limestone cliff formation, overlooking the Commune de Châtelus and the valley of the River Bourne. We made our first stop about three-quarters of the way up, where we explored the banks and woodland and meadows beside a quiet lane. Here we found Catanache caerulea (Blue Catanache), Cepahalanthera rubra (Red Helleborine), Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak), Epipactis muelleri (Mueller’s Helleborine), Ophrys scolopax (Woodcock Orchid), Betonica officinalis (Betony), and Anthericum ramosum (Branched St. Bernard’s Lily). Butterflies included Black-veined White, Marbled White, Wall Brown, Woodland Grayling, Weaver’s Fritillary, Adonis Blue and Scarce Swallowtail, together with the Burnet Zygaena loti and the Cicada Tibicen plebejus.

We now moved on up to the higher cliffs of the Route de Presles, and on into the Forêt Domaniale des Coulmes to a picnic site at the Fontaine de Petouze, for our picnic. During the lunch stop, Titania’s Fritillary, Large White, Wall Brown, Woodland Grayling, Large Skipper, Wood White, Purple-edged Copper, Large Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Lullworth Skipper and Black-veined White butterflies were seen. For the plants, Saxifraga rotundifolia (Round-leaved Saxifrage), Lilium martagon (Martagon Lily), Stachys alpina (Alpine Woundwort) and Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder) were also recorded.

After exploring, we rejoined our vehicles and made our way back down through Presles and the splendid cliffs of the Route de Presles, and on towards Pont en Royans, parking on the outskirts of the town. Exiting the vehicles we saw Peregrine high above us, then Honey Buzzard. The river-gorge bank had Buddleja vegetation, on which we found Scarce Swallowtail, Berger’s Clouded Yellow and Grizzled Skipper butterflies, and the gorge had Crag Martin and Grey Wagtail.

We visited one of several artisan ice cream shops, for afternoon refreshments. Whilst enjoying them a pair of Golden Eagles were see on a high ridge dwarfing the pair of nearby Kestrels.

It was then time to make our way back to our hotel for dinner.

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Day 5 Sunday 14th July

Réserve Naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors A pre-breakfast walk this morning started with views of Serin, Coal Tit and Firecrest in the hotel gardens. A short walk away both Common and Black Redstart gave us fine views. A Green Woodpecker flew over and perched briefly while an early Common Buzzard was just getting up into the sky. Before turning back, male and female Red-backed Shrike were spotted at a field edge.

After breakfast, we made the short journey south through St. Agnan en Vercors, towards Rousset, before turning left and making our way up along the forest road to the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors, where we parked in the car park at La Coche. Along the way, we made a brief stop at a view-point for photos. The morning was sunny and warm as we set off to explore the forest tracks and woodland clearings, and it was not long, before we made our first sightings: Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Shield-fern) and Rosa Glauca (Red-leaved Rose), quickly followed by Almond-eyed Ringlet, Large Wall Brown, Heath Fritillary and Mazarine Blue butterflies. On the track, passing horses had left their droppings, and these had small groups of Dingy and Large Grizzled Skippers on them. Moths were represented by Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth and Scarlet Tiger.

Moving through the woodland, we emerged into some large glades. Here we found Bupleurum falcatum subsp. cernuum (Sickle-leaved Hare’s-ear), Polygonatum verticillatum (Whorled Solomon’s-seal), Laserpitium siler (a Sermountain), Dianthus sylvestris (Wood Pink), Sempervirens tectorum (Common Houseleek), Himantoglossum hircinum (Lizard Orchid), Veronica austriaca (Large Speedwell) and Phyteuma orbiculare (Round-headed Rampion). This was quite a sun-trap, and the buttersflies were very numerous, with Large Skipper, False Heath Fritillary, Southern White Admiral, Titania’s Fritillary, Painted Lady, Apollo and Silver-washed Fritillary all recorded

In addition, we recorded a number of other insects, among which there were the Longhorn Beetle Stenurella bifasciata, Green Mountain Grasshopper, Hornet Hover-fly, Honey Bee, Rose Chafer and the Soldier Beetle Tricodes apiarius.

Birders in the group who were keen to try for Citril Finch, a mountain speciality, had walked on ahead. On the way up they picked out Crested Tit and Ring Ouzel, though Citril Finch remained elusive. A low flying Honey Buzzard partly raised spirits again. Then, arriving back to meet the others, they just missed a Black Woodpecker seen at the picnic spot by the rest of the group!

At La Coche, we took lunch in the shade of some trees to keep out of the sun, before moving on to explore the forest route around the rear of the plateau. We paused to take in the spectacular views of the Grand Veymont, before making our way down to the valley, where we stoppedy by a verge bank at Les Munières. Here we walked up into the trees, where Paul knew a colony of Goodyeara repens (Creeping Ladies-tresses), growing with Orthilia secunda (Nodding Wintergreen). On the verge we found Neotinea ustulata (Burnt Orchid) and Epipactis atrorubens (Dark-red Helleborine).

Frome here, we made our way back to our hotel form some well-earned refreshments before dinner.

4 © Naturetrek March 20

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Day 6 Monday 15th July

Route Forestière de la Molière. Before breakfast, Paul found two moths in a hotel corridor, Dark Arches and the Pyralid Synaphe puntalis, and the natural swimming pool had its regular Water Boatman (Back-swimmers) and Common Pond Skaters. The early morning walkers again found Red-backed Shrike and Black Redstart.

After eating, we made our way up to the north end of the Vercors plateau, passing through the Gorges de la Bourne, we turned left and made our way through Maudre, and on to the Route Forestière de la Molière, part of the Forêt Commune d’Autrans. The area, through which the forest route passes, comprises mixed woodland, open rides, rocky banks and open meadows. We made our way up towards the Refuge des Feneys, where we turned right and up to the car park at the start of the circular walk we were to undertake, the Route de la Molière, arriving in low cloud. Our route would take us through woodland and open pasture, and we began working our way through some sub-alpine woodland. Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam), Bupleurum petraeum (Rock Hare’s- ear), Gentiana lutea (Great Yellow Gentian), Maianthemum bifolium (May Lily), Stellaria nemorum (Wood Stitchwort), Veratrum album (White False-helleborine) and Clinopodium alpinum (Alpine Basil-thyme) were all noted, and Blackcap and Tree Pipit were heard. Moving out of the woodland, we made our way down the slope to some rough pasture, and began to re-trace our route. The dying spikes of Campanula thyrsoides (Yellow Bellflower), plus Astrantia major (Great Masterwort) and Linaria repens (Striped Toadflax) were found. Butterflies were not in evidence due to the low cloud and low temperature.

Lower down, and below the cloud base, we found ourselves a picnic table and Pete and Paul prepared lunch. While they did this, the rest of the group explored, finding Veratrum album (White False-helleborine) and Gentiana lutea (Great Yellow Gentian).

By now the sun had made an appearance, so, following lunch, our first stop was on a rocky roadside where we found Geranium sylvaticum (Wood Crane’s-bill), Saxifraga rotundifolium (Rouind-leaved Saxifrage) and a wonderful array of hybrid Marsh and Fragrant Orchids. Among these, we identified Gymnadenia densiflora (Dense-flowered or Marsh Fragrant Orchid) and Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. maculata (Heath Spotted Orchid). We also found Veronica urticifolia (Nettle-leaved Speedwell), Milium effusum (Wood Millet) and Phyteuma nigra (Black Rampion). Butterflies added included Almond-eyed Ringlet and Apollo.

From here were moved to our next stop, a wide verge beside a wet meadow below the road. Here we found Cirsium montanum (a Thistle) and Epilobium alpestre (Whorled Willowherb). The insect life was active in the sunlight. Black-veined White, Damon Blue and Heath Fritillary butterflies, Drone Fly, and Six-spot, Slender and Southern Six-spot Burnet moths were all present.

It was now time to make our way back to the hotel in time for dinner.

Day 7 Tuesday 16th July

Pas de I’Oeille. The principal objective for today was to make a walk up toward the Pas de l’Oeille, above Villard de Lans. After breakfast we drove up to the low-level cable-car station at Le Balcon Cote 2000, and caught the 9.15am cable-car

France - The Vercors Tour Report

to L’ Altitude 2000 upper station at 1,720 metres. From the cable-car station, we began to make our way up the well-signposted track. Along the way we recorded Mountain Clouded Yellow, Mazarine Blue, False Heath Fritillary, Idas Blue and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. As we progressed, we found Hypericum richeri subsp. burseri (an Alpine St. John’s-wort), emerging Saxifraga aizoides (Yellow Mountain Saxifrage), Lamium garganicum (Large Red Dead-nettle), Sideritis hyssopifloia and Pinus uncinata (Mountain Pine). We also had good views of Citril Finch, Crested Tit, Alpine Chough, Honey Buzzard and Griffon Vulture.

The path to the Pas de l’Oeille was uneven, but level, and as we went, we paused for water and to scan for Ibex. We encountered several whistling Alpine Marmots, one or two of which were basking in the sunshine. We also recorded Common Brassy Ringlet, Swallowtail, Geranium Argus, Heath Fritillary, False Heath Fritillary, Wall Brown and Small Heath. We stopped for lunch in an area of broken limestone boulders, enjoying our picnic with the addition of stunning views. In the distance we had intermittent views of Alpine Chamois, which kept moving behind trees and rocks, and fleeting, distant, glimpses of Alpine Ibex. After eating we continued a short distance to an area of sheltered rocks, where we found Doronicum grandiflora (Large-flowered Leopard’s-bane), Globularia cordifolia (Matted Globularia), Traunsteinera globosa (Round-headed Orchid), Kernera saxatilis (Kernera), Hornungia (Pritzelago) alpina (Chamois Cress) and Allium nacissiflorum (Narcissus-flowered Onion), among numerous others. Some group members chose to go further towards the summit.

On our descent, we searched an area of alpine pasture. Here we found Mazarine Blue and Geranium Argus butterflies. We enjoyed refreshments at the Café Altitude Cote 2000, before catching the cable-car back down to the vehicles.

On the return journey, we made a short stop in the Gorges de la Bourne, at the Pont Valchevrière bridge. Here, we set out to look for Dippers. Grey Wagtails were very much in evidence, but the only Dipper encountered was heard. Nevertheless, we did see Silver-washed Fritillary, White-letter Hairstreak and Small Skipper butterflies, and Bee Beetle. Among the trees there was Ulmux glabra (Wych Elm), Fagus sylvatica (Beech), Salix viminalis (Basket Willow) and Fraxinus excelsior (Ash).

On our way back to the hotel, we dropped into a local honey producer, before arriving back. After the evening meal, Paul set the moth trap.

Day 8 Wednesday 17th July

Bois de Mures - Lyon St. Exupery Airport, via Grenoble Isère Airport The Final Moth Trap produced Handmaid, Dingy Footman, Pine Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Dingy Footman [f. stamineola), Latticed Heath, Willow Beauty, Uncertain, Black V Moth, Tree Lichen Beauty, Rustic agg., Riband Wave [f. remutata], Purple Bar, Silver-Y, Barred Straw, Marbled Minor agg., Cloaked Minor [f. bicolaria], Single-dotted Wave, Scarce Footman, Tawny Speckled Pug, Heart and Dart and Beautiful Hook-tip for the Macros, and the Gelechiid (Scythris scopolella), the Elachistid (Ethmia dodecea), Box Tree Moth [white form], Box Tree Moth [dark form], the Pyralid (Synaphe punctalis), the Crambid (Catoptria falsella), Mother of Pearl, and the Crambid (Catoptria permutatellus) for the micros

Following a final splendid breakfast, we said goodbye to our host, Fabienne and her daughters, and began our journey back to Lyon. As we had time to spare, we made a detour at Lans en Vercors, back to the Bois de Mures

6 © Naturetrek March 20

France - The Vercors Tour Report

for on last look for the Epipogium aphyllum (Ghost Orchid). As on our first visit earlier in the trip, we spread out and scoured the wood. After about 20 minutes, Paul located a single spike of the plant, and all the group got pictures. The verges where we had parked, had good stands of Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder), a very popular nectar souce with butterflies and other insects. Nothing new was found, but plenty of, now-familiar, butterfly species were seen.

On the route back at least eight Black Kites were seen. We took lunch in a motorway rest area, Aire Oyeu, before moving on to the Airport.

Receive our e-newsletter

Join the Naturetrek e-mailing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk to sign up.

Social Media

We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and be the first to hear about the launch of new tours, offers and exciting sightings and photos from our recently returned holidays.

Black V Moth Summer Chafer

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (* = Very localised distribution or endemic; [ ] = Planted of Introduced)

Nomenclature contained within this list follows the taxonomic amendments, based on DNA analysis, made by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanic Garden, and following The Plant List, an internationally accepted list of vascular plant families, published and maintained by these two Institutions.

Scientific name Common name Location

Calamophytes Horsetails

Equisetaceae Horsetail Family Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail Route Forestale d'Autrans

Eusporangiate Ferns Adder's-tongues & Moonworts

Ophioglossaceae Adder’s-tongue Family Botrychium lunaria Moonwort Font d'Urle

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort Family Asplenium fontanum Smooth Rock Spleenwort Les Merciers Asplenium ruta–muraria Wall Rue Font d'Urle Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Les Merciers Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Les Merciers

Athyriaceae Lady Fern Family Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Route Forestale d'Autrans

Cystopteridaceae Bladder-fern Family Gymnocarpium robertianum Limestone Fern Hauts Plateaux

Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Route Presles

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Dryopteris filix-mas Male-fern Route Forestale d'Autrans Dryopteris submontana Rigid Buckler-fern Pas de I'Oeille Polystichum aculeatum Hard Shield-fern Hauts Plateaux Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern Pas de I'Oeille

Pteridaceae Ribbon Fern Family Cryptogramma crispa Parsley Fern Pas de I'Oeille

Gymnosperms Conifers

Cupressaceae Juniper Family Juniperus communis Juniper Font d'Urle Juniperus thurifera French Alpine Juniper Gorges de la Bourne

Pinaceae Pine Family Abies alba European Silver Fir Les Merciers

8 © Naturetrek March 20

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Picea abies subsp. abies Spruce Foret de Lente Pinus uncinata Mountain Pine Pas de I'Oeille

Angiosperms Flowering Plants

Eu-Dicots True Dicotyledons

Adoxaceae Moschatel family Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder or Danewort Roadsides Sambucus nigra Elder Les Merciers Sambucus racemosus Red-berried Elder Route Moliere

Amaranthaceae Goosefoot Family Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good King Henry Font d'Urle

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Cotinus coggygia Smoke Bush Route Presles

Apiaceae Carrot Family Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Route Presles Astrantia major Great Masterwort Hauts Plateaux Bupleurum falcatum subsp. cernuum Sickle-leaved Hare's-ear Hauts Plateaux Bupleurum petraeum Rock Hare's-ear Les Merciers Chaerophyllum hirsutum Hairy Chervil Route Forestale d'Autrans Daucus carota Wild Carrot Les Bruyeres Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Route Presles Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Vassieux Laserpitium latifolium Broad-leaved Sermountain Hauts Plateaux (leaves) Laserpitium siler A Sermountain Les Merciers Meum athamanticum Spignel Hauts Plateaux (leaves) Pimpinella saxifraga Burnet-saxifrage Font d'Urle

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort Vassieux

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family Ilex aquifolia Holly Bois de Mures

Araliaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix agg Ivy Pont en Royans

Betulaceae Birch Family Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Route Presles Corylus avellana Hazel Les Merciers

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss Vassieux Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Route Moliere Pulmonaria officinalis Lungwort Route Presles (leaves)

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Arabis glabra Tower Mustard Les Merciers Draba aizoides Yellow Whitlow-grass Font d'Urle (in fruit)

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Kernera saxatile Kernera Pas de I'Oeille

Buddlejaceae Butterfly-bush Family Buddleja davidii Butterfly-bush La Chapelle en Vercors

Buxaceae Box Family Buxus sempervirens Box Route Presles

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula cochlearifolia Fairy’s Thimbles Font d'Urle Campanula rapunculoides Creeping Bellflower Les Merciers Campanula rhomboidalis Broad-leaved Bellflower Font d'Urle Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Col de La Machine Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower Verge banks Phyteuma nigra Black Rampion Hauts Plateaux Phyteuma orbiculare Round-headed Rampion Font d'Urle

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Red Valerian Pas de I'Oeille Centranthus calcitrapae Annual Valerian Pont en Royans Knautia dipsacifolia Wood Scabious Vassieux Lonicera alpigena Alpine Honeysuckle Hauts Plateaux Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle Route Presles Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious Les Merciers Valeriana montana Mountain Valerian Route Forestale d'Autrans Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Font d'Urle

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Font d'Urle Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink Les Merciers Dianthus gratianopolitanus Cheddar Pink Les Merciers Dianthus monspessulanus Fringed Pink Font d'Urle Dianthus sylvestris Wood Pink Les Merciers Gypsophila repens Gypsophila Font d'Urle Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort Font d'Urle Saponaria officinalis Soapwort Common on roadsides Silene dioica Red Campion Route Moliere Silene nutans Nottinham Catchfly Bois de Mures Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Font d'Urle Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Font d'Urle Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort Foret de Lente

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Helianthemum nummularium Common Rock-rose Font d'Urle Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpinum Alpine Rock-rose Pas de I'Oeille

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Achillea millefolium Yarrow Font d'Urle Adenostyles alliariae Adenostyles Route Moliere Adenostyles glabra - Pas de I'Oeille Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Vassieaux Aster alpinus Alpine Aster Font d'Urle Aster bellidiastrum False Aster Route Forestale d'Autrans

10 © Naturetrek March 20

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Bellis perennis Daisy La Chapelle en Vercors Buphthalmum salicifolium Yellow Ox-eye Route Presles Carduus defloratus Alpine Thistle Font d'Urle Carduus nutans Nodding Thistle Vassieaux Catananche caerulea Catananche Route Pesles Centaurea montana Perennial Cornflower Pas de I'Oeille Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed Font d'Urle Centaurea triumfetti - Pas de I'Oeille Cicerbita alpina Alpine Sow-thistle Route Forestale d'Autrans Cirsium acaule Stemless Thistle Route Moliere (leaves) Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Bois de Mures Cirsium eriophorum Woolly Thistle Route Moliere (in bud) Cirsium montanum - Les Merciers Erigeron alpina Alpine Fleabane Font d'Urle Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane Les Bruyeres Gnaphalium sylvaticum Heath Cudweed Font d'Urle Lactuca perennis Blue or Mountain Lettuce Hauts Plateaux Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Font d'Urle Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Bois de Mures Pilosella officinarum Mouse-eared Hawkweed Route Presles Prenanthes purpurea Purple Lettuce Bois de Mures Rhaponticum coniferum Leuzia Route Pesles (fruit) Senecio doronicum Chamois Ragwort Font d'Urle Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Font d'Urle (in bud) Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod Pas de I'Oeille Taraxacum agg Dandelion Vassieaux Tragopogon dubius Goat's-beard Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot Vassieaux

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Les Merciers Cuscuta europaeum Greater Dodder Les Merciers

Cornaceae Dogwood Family Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Route Presles

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Font d'Urle Sedum annuum Annual Stonecrop Font d'Urle Sedum dasyphyllum Fat-leaved Stonecrop Font d'Urle Sedum forsterianum Rock Stonecrop Les Merciers Sedum rupestre Large Yellow Stonecrop Font d'Urle Sedum sediforme - Les Merciers Sempervivum tectorum Common Houseleek Hauts Plateaux

Ericaceae Heath family Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry Font d'Urle Monotropa hypopitys Yellow Bird's-nest Bois de Mures Orthilia secunda Nodding Wintergreen Les Munieres Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Font d'Urle

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Foret Dominiale des Coulmes

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge Font d'Urle

Fagaceae Beech Family Fagus sylvatica Beech Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Route Presles

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Route Presles Centaureum erythraea Centaury Les Bruyeres Gentiana clusii Clusius's Gentian Pas de I'Oeille Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian Les Merciers Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian Foret de Lente Gentiana verna Spring Gentian Pas de I'Oeille

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Geranium phaeum Dusky Crane's-bill Les Merciers Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane’s-bill Font d'Urle Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Les Merciers Geranium sylvaticum Wood Crane’s-bill Font d'Urle

Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Foret Dominiale des Coulmes

Hypericaceae St. John’s-wort Family Hypericum maculatum Imperforate St. John's-wort Les Merciers Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Hauts Plateaux Hypericum richeri subsp. burseri an Alpine St. John's-wort Les Merciers

Juglandaceae Walnut Family [Juglans regia] Walnut Planted

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Betonica officinalis Betony Route Presles Calamintha grandiflora Large-flowered Calamint Foret de Lente Clinopodium alpinum Alpine Basil Thyme Font d'Urle Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Les Merciers Lamium garganicum Large Red Dead-nettle Col de la Machine Mentha aquatica Water Mint Les Bruyeres Mentha longifolia Horse Mint Les Bruyeres Origanum vulgare Marjoram Route Presles Prunella grandiflora Large-flowered Self-heal Route Presles Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Font d'Urle Sideritis hyssopifolia Sideritis Les Merciers Stachys alpina Alpine Woundwort Foret de Lente Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander Les Merciers Teucrium montanum Mountain Germander Font d'Urle Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Font d'Urle

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Anthyllis montana Mountain Kidney-vetch Font d'Urle (over) Anthyllis vulneraria agg. Kidney Vetch Les Merciers

12 © Naturetrek March 20

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Genista sagittalis (Chamaespartium sagittale) Winged Greenweed Route Forestale d'Autrans Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Pas de I'Oeille Lathyrus latifolius Broad-leaved everlasting Pea Route Forestale d'Autrans Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Les Merciers Lotus alpinus Alpine Bird's-foot Trefoil Pas de I'Oeille Lotus corniculatus Bird’s-foot Trefoil Vassieaux Medicago lupulina Black Medick Route Forestale d'Autrans Melilotus albus White Melilot Route Presles Melilotus altissimus Tall Mellilot Route Presles Onobrychis arenaria Sainfoin Vassieaux (fruit) Ononis repens Restharrow Route Presles Oxytropis jacquinii a Milk Vetch Font d'Urle Securigera varia Crown Vetch Common on verges Trifolium arvense Hare's-foot Clover Les Merciers Trifolium campestris Hop Trefoil Foret de Lente Trifolium hybridum Alsike Les Bruyeres Trifolium montanum Mountain Clover Font d'Urle Trifolium pratense subsp. pratense Red Clover Les Bruyeres Trifolium repens White Clover Font d'Urle Trifolium rubens Red Trefoil Route Presles (over) Vicia cracca Tufted vetch Les Bruyeres

Linaceae Flax Family Linum austriacum agg Perennial Flax Pas de I'Oeille

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva moschata Musk Mallow Roadsides

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus excelsior Ash Les Merciers

Onagraceae Willowherb Family Epilobium (Chamerion) angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Font d'Urle Epilobium hirsutum Hairy Willowherb Les Bruyeres Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb Route Forestale d'Autrans Epilobium parviflorum Small-flowered Willowherb Les Bruyeres Oenothera glazioviana Common Evening Primrose Verges

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Melampyrum nemorosum a Cow-wheat Bois de Mures Orobanche alba Thyme Broomrape Font d'Urle Orobanche gracilis Slender Broomrape Route Forestale d'Autrans Pedicularis gyroflexa Tufted Lousewort Font d'Urle Rhinanthus angustifolius agg Greater Rattle Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Rhinanthus minor agg Hay Rattle Les Merciers

Oxalidaceae Wood-sorrel Family Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel Bois de Mures (leaves)

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Pont en Rotyans Digitalis grandiflora Large Yellow Foxglove Les Merciers Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove Les Merciers

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove Les Merciers Globularia cordifolia Matted Globularia Pas de I'Oeille Globularia punctata Common Globularia Les Merciers Linaria repens Striped Toadflax Les Merciers Linaria supina Pyrenean Toadflax Pas de I'Oeille Plantago major Greater Plantain Route Moliere Plantago media Hoary or Lamb’s-tail Plantain Les Merciers Veronica austriaca agg. Large Speedwell Hauts Plateaux Veronica fruticulosa a Speedwell Pas de I'Oeille Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Les Merciers Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Les Merciers Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Veronica spicata Spiked Speedwell Font d'Urle Veronica urticifolia Nettle-leaved Speedwell Bois de Mures

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria alpina Mountain Thrift Font d'Urle

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala alpestris Alpine Milkwort Route Forestale d'Autrans

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Persicaria bistorta Bistort Font d'Urle Rumex scutatus French Sorrel Les Merciers Rumex sanguineus Wood Dock Route Moliere

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Bois de Mures Androsace villosa Woolly Rock-jasmine Font d'Urle (over) Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Les Bruyeres Primula auricula Bear’s-ear Primrose Pas de I'Oeille (in fruit) Primula elatior Oxlip Pas de I'Oeille Primula veris Cowslip Font d'Urle (over) Soldanella alpina Alpine Snowbell Pas de I'Oeille

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Aconitum vulparia Wolf's-bane Route Forestale d'Autrans Actaea spicata Baneberry Route Forestale d'Autrans Anemone (Pulsatilla) alpina Alpine Pasqueflower Route Moliere (in fruit) Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine Hauts Plateaux Clematis vitalba Old Man’s Beard Route Presles Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Bois de Mures Ranunculus aconitifolius Aconite-leaved Buttercup Route Moliere Ranunculus alpestris Alpine Buttercup Pas de I'Oeille Ranunculus montanus Mountain Buttercup Font d'Urle Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow-rue Les Merciers

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alpinus Alpine Buckthorn Les Merciers Rhamnus fallax - Les Merciers

Rosaceae Rose Family Agrimonia eupatorium Agrimony Route Presles

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Alchemilla conjuncta Silvery lady's-mantle Font d'Urle Alchemilla glabra Smooth Lady’s-mantle Font d'Urle Alchemilla xanthochlora - Route Presles Cotoneaster tormentosus a Cotoneaster Hauts Plateaux Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Route Presles Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Les Bruyeres Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Geum montanum Alpine Avens Font d'Urle (over) Geum urbanum Wood Avens or Herb Bennet Les Merciers Rosa canina agg. Common Dog Rose Font d'Urle Rosa glauca - Hauts Plateaux Rosa pendulina Alpine Rose Hauts Plateaux Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Route Presles Rubus idaeus Raspberry Foret de Lente Rubus saxatilis Stone Bramble Hauts Plateaux (leaves) Sanguisorba minor agg Salad Burnet Route Presles Sanguisorba officinalis Greater Burnet Les Bruyeres Sorbus aria Whitebeam Les Merciers Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Foret de Lente Sorbusintermedia Swedish Whitebeam Route Moliere

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Asperula rupicola A Squinancywort Font d'Urle Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Vassieaux Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff Route Moliere Galium palustre agg. Marsh Bedstraw Les Bruyeres Galium rotundifolium Round-leaved Bedstraw Bois de Mures Galium verum Ladies Bedstraw Les Bruyeres

Salicaceae Willow Family Populus tremuloides Aspen Les Merciers Salix caprea Goat Willow Pas de I'Oeille Salix cinerea Grey Willow Vassieaux Salix purpurea Purple Willow Les Bruyeres Salix viminalis Basket Willow Gorges de la Bourne

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Viscum album subsp. album Mistletoe Route Combe Laval

Sapindaceae Maple Family Acer campestre Field Maple Les Merciers Acer opalus Italian Maple Les Merciers Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Route Presles

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Saxifrage Pas de I'Oeille Saxifraga paniculata Live-long Saxifrage Font d'Urle Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved saxifrage Les Merciers (over)

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort Les Bruyeres Scrophularia canina Dog Figwort Pas de I'Oeille Verbascum nigrum Dark Mullein Font d'Urle

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Verbascum phlomoides Orange Mullein Les Merciers Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Roadsides

Thymelaeaceae Mezereon Family Daphne mezereum Mezereon Font d'Urle (leaves)

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Gorges de la Bourne

Urticacae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pellitory of the Wall Pont en Royans Urtica dioica Common Nettle Font d'Urle

Verbenaceae Vervain Family Verbena officinalis Vervain Route Presles

Violaceae Violet Family Viola calcarata Long-spurred Pansy Pas de I'Oeille Viola tricolor subsp. subalpina Alpine Heartsease Font d'Urle

Monocots Monocotyledons

Amaryllidaceae Onion Family Allium narcissiflorum Narcissus-flowered Onion Pas de I'Oeille Allium rotundum - Font d'Urle Allium senescens subsp. montanum Mountain Onion Les Merciers Allium vineale Crow Garlic Vassieaux

Asparagaceae Asparagus family Anthericum ramosum Branched St. Bernard's Lily Route Presles (leaves) Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the -Valley Hauts Plateaux Maianthemum bifolium May Lily Hauts Plateaux Polygonatum verticillatum Whorled Solomon’s-seal Hauts Plateaux

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Route Presles Carex vaginata Sheathed Sedge Pas de I'Oeille

Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus effusus Soft Rush Les Bruyeres Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Les Bruyeres Luzula luzuloides White Woodrush Bois de Mures Luzula nivea Snowy Woodrush Bois de Mures

Liliaceae Lily Family Lilium martagon Martagon Lily Les Merciers

Melanthiaceae Herb-Paris family Paris quadrifolia Herb-Paris Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Veratrum album White False-helleborine Hauts Plateaux

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Les Bruyeres

France - The Vercors Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Location

Cephalanthera rubra Red Helleborine Les Merciers Dactylorhiza (Coeloglossum) viride Frog Orchid Font d'Urle (over) Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Les Bruyeres Epipactis atrorubens Dark-red Helleborine Les Merciers Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine Bois de Mures Epipactis microphylla - Bois de Mures Epipactis muelleri Mueller's Helleborine Bois de Mures Epipogium aphyllum Ghost Orchid Bois de Mures Goodyera repens Creeping Lady's-tresses Les Munieres Gymnadenia austriaca var. gallica a Vanilla Orchid Font d'Urle Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Font d'Urle Gymnadenia densiflora Dense-flowered Fragrant Orchid Route Forestale d'Autrans Gymnadenia rhellicani Black Vanilla Orchid Pas de I'Oeille Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Ochid Vassieaux Neotinea (Orchis) ustulata Burnt Orchid Les Munieres Neottia nidus-avis Bird's-nest Orchid Bois de Mures (over) Neottia ovata Twayblade Hauts Plateaux (over) Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid Hauts Plateaux Traunsteinera globosa Round-headed Orchid Font d'Urle

Poaceae Grass Family Anthoxanthum ordoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Les Merciers Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Les Merciers Briza media Quaking Grass Les Merciers Elymus caninus Bearded Couch Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Hordelymus europaeus Wood Barley Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Melica ciliata Soft Melick Roadside Rocks Melica nutans Mountain Melick Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Milium effusum Wood Millet Foret Dominiale des Coulmes Sesleria caerulea Blue Moor-grass Font d'Urle

Typhaceae Bulrush Family Typha angustifolia Lesser Bulrush Les Bruyeres

Birds (✓=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO = Leader only) July Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix LO 2 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba ✓ ✓ 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 White Stork Ciconia ciconia ✓ ✓ 8 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea ✓ ✓ 9 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus ✓ ✓ ✓ 10 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus ✓ ✓ 11 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus ✓ 12 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos ✓ 13 Black Kite Milvus migrans ✓ ✓ ✓ 14 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 15 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops ✓

France - The Vercors Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 16 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H 17 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius ✓ 18 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis H ✓ H ✓ H H 19 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 20 Peregrine Falcon Falco pererinus brookeri ✓ 21 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio LO ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 22 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius ✓ 23 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 24 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax ✓ ✓ ✓ 25 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus ✓ ✓ 26 Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula ✓ 27 Rook Corvus frugilegus ✓ ✓ 28 Carrion Crow Corvus corone ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 29 Northern Raven Corvus corax ✓ H ✓ ✓ 30 Coal Tit Periparus ater ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 31 European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus ✓ ✓ 32 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 33 Great Tit Parus major ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 34 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis ✓ H 35 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 36 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 37 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 38 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus ✓ 39 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H H H H 40 Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris ✓ 41 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H H ✓ ✓ ✓ H 42 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla H ✓ ✓ ✓ 43 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H H H H 44 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris ✓ 45 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus alpestris ✓ 46 Common Blackbird Turdus merula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 47 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 48 European Robin Erithacus rubecula ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 49 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 50 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus ✓ ✓ 51 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe ✓ ✓ 52 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus H 53 House Sparrow Passer domesticus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 54 Dunnock Prunella modularis ✓ 55 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 56 White Wagtail Motacilla alba ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 57 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis ✓ ✓ H 58 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta ✓ 59 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs H ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 60 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris ✓ H H H 61 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 62 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ✓ 63 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 64 Citril Finch Carduelis citrinella LO ✓ 65 European Serin Serinus serinus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 66 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella ✓ ✓ ✓ H H

France - The Vercors Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 67 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus ✓

Mammals (s = signs of) 1 Common Mole Talpa europaea S S S 2 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes ✓ 3 European Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus ✓ 4 Alpine Ibex Capra ibex ✓ 5 Alpine Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra ✓ ✓ 6 Wild Boar Sus scofa S 7 Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris S 8 Alpine Marmot Marmota marmota ✓ ✓ ✓ 9 Snow Vole Chionomys nivalis ✓ 10 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus ✓

Amphibians & Reptiles 1 Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus ✓ 2 Edible Frog (Hybrid) Pelophylax kl. esculentus ✓

Butterflies

N.B. (✓) = Woodland and Rock Graylings are not determinable in the field. However, enough individuals referring to both species were seen to suggest both were recorded. 1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon ✓ ✓ 2 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius ✓ 3 Apollo Parnassius apollo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 Large White Pieris brassicae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 6 Small White Pieris rapae ✓ 7 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines ✓ 8 Mountain Clouded Yellow Colias phicomone ✓ 9 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea ✓ 10 Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis ✓ ✓ ✓ 11 Wood White Leptidea sinapis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 12 Sloe Hairstreak Satyrium acaciae ✓ 13 Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini ✓ 14 White Letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album 15 Scarce Copper Lycaena virguareae ✓ ✓ 16 Purple-edged Copper Lycaena hippothoe ✓ 17 Provencal Short-tailed Blue Cupido alcetas ✓ 18 Large Blue Phengaris arion ✓ ✓ ✓ 19 Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus ✓ ✓ 20 Idas Blue Plebejus idas ✓ ✓ 21 Reverdin’s Blue Plebejus argyrognomon ✓ 22 Geranium Argus Aricia eumedon ✓ 23 Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxes ✓ 24 Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 25 Damon Blue Polyommatus damon ✓ 26 Amanda's blue Polyommatus amanda ✓ 27 Adonis Blue Polyommatus bellargus ✓ ✓ ✓ 28 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus ✓ ✓ ✓ 29 Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta

France - The Vercors Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 30 Peacock Butterfly Aglais io ✓ ✓ ✓ 31 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta ✓ 32 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 33 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 34 Comma Butterfly Polygonia c-album ✓ ✓ 35 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 36 Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 37 High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe ✓ 38 Niobe Frtitillary Argynnis niobe ✓ ✓ 39 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia ✓ 40 Titania’s Fritillary Boloria titania ✓ ✓ 41 Weaver's Fritillary Boloria dia ✓ ✓ 42 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe ✓ 43 False Heath Fritillary Melitaea diamina ✓ ✓ ✓ 44 Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 45 Marbled White Melanargia galathea ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 46 Woodland Grayling Hipparchia fagi (✓) (✓) 47 Rock Grayling Hipparchia alcyone (✓) (✓) 48 Great Sooty Satyr Satyrus ferula ✓ 49 Great Banded Grayling Brintesia circe ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 50 Arran Brown Erebia ligea ✓ ✓ 51 Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron ✓ ✓ 52 Scotch Argus Erebia aethiops ✓ 53 Woodland Ringlet Erebia medusa medusa ✓ 54 Almond-eyed Ringlet Erebia alberganus ✓ ✓ ✓ 55 Common Brassy Ringlet Erebia cassioides ✓ ✓ 56 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 57 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus ✓ 58 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus ✓ 59 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 60 Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 61 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera ✓ 62 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera ✓ ✓ 63 Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus ✓ 64 Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus ✓ 65 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages ✓ ✓ 66 Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon ✓ 67 Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineolus ✓ ✓ 68 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 69 Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Micro Moths (F = field record; T = Trap record) 1 Micropterigid Micropteryx aruncella F 2 Adelid Nemophora metallica F 3 Elachistid Ethmia dodecea T 4 Elachistid Ethmia bipunctata T 5 Beautiful Plume Amblyptilia acanthadactyla F 6 Tortrix Agapeta hamana T 7 Brown-barred Tortrix Epagoge grotiana T 8 Tortrix Rhyacionia pinicolana T 9 Codlin Moth Cydia pomonella T T

France - The Vercors Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 10 Pyralid Synaphe punctalis F F T/F F F F T/F 11 Pyralid Dioryctria abietella T 12 Garden Grass Venner Chrysoteuchia culmella T 13 Crambid Catoptria pinella T T 14 Crambid Catoptria falsella T T 15 Small Magpie Anania hotulata T T 16 Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis T T 17 Box Tree Moth [white form] Cydalima perspectalis T T 18 Box Tree Moth [dark form] Cydalima perspectalis T T

Macro Moths (C = Caterpiller) 1 Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina T 2 Forester Adscita statices F 3 Six-spot Burnet Moth Zygaena filipendulae F 4 Five-spot Burnet Moth Zygaena trifolii F 5 a Transparent Burnet Moth Zygaena osterodensis F F 6 Slender Burnet Zygaena loti F 7 New Forest Burnet Zygaena viciae F 8 Lackey Malacosoma neustria C 9 Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus F 10 Ochraceous Wave Idaea serpentata F F F 11 Least Carpet Idaea rusticata atrosignaria T 12 Small Fan-footed Wave Idaea biselata T 13 Single Dotted Wave Idaea dimidiata T 14 Riband Wave Idaea aversata f. remutata T 15 Silver-ground Carpet Xanthorhoe montanata F 16 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata T 17 Purple Bar Cosmorhoe ocellata T T 18 Barred Straw Eulithis pyraliata T 19 Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria T 20 Small Rivulet Perizoma alchemillata T 21 Tawney Speckled Pug Eupithecia icterata 22 Purple Treble-bar Aplocera praeformata F 23 Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata F 24 Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata T 25 Geometrid - 'Pearly White' Lithostege farinata F 26 Latticed Heath Chiasmia clathrata clathrata T T 27 Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria T 28 Peppered Moth Biston betularia T 29 Willow beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria T 30 Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata T T 31 Great Oak Beauty Hypomecis roboraria T 32 Pine Hawkmoth Hyloicus pinasti T T 33 Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi T 34 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis F 35 Small Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila porcellus T 36 Maple Prominent Ptilodon cucullina T 37 White Satin Moth Leucoma saliicis T 38 Black V Moth Arctornis l-nigrum T 39 Black Arches Lymantria monacha T 40 Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata T

France - The Vercors Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 41 Dingy Footman Eilema griseola T T 42 Scarce Footman Eilema complana T T 43 Common Footman Eilema lurideola T 44 Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula F F F F F 45 Heart and Club Agrotis clavis T 46 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis T T 47 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum T 48 Double Square-spot Xestia triangulum T 49 Shears Hada plebja T 50 White Point Mythimna albipuncta T 51 Smoky Wainscot Mythimna impura T 52 Coronet Craniophora ligustri T 53 Tree-lichen Beauty Cryphia algae T 54 Brown Rustic Rusina ferruginea T 55 Guernsey Underwing Polyphaenis sericata T 56 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha F 57 Reddish Light Arches Apamea sublustris T 58 Marbled Minor agg. Oligia strigilis T T 59 Cloaked Minor Mesoligia furuncula f. bicolaria T T 60 Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines T T 61 Rustic agg. Hoplodrina blanda T T 62 European Noctuid Hoplodrina respersa T 63 Silver Y Autographa gamma T T 64 Burnet Companion Euclidia giyphica F F 65 Beautiful Hook-tip Laspeyria flexula T T

Other Invertebrates 1 Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens F 2 Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo F 3 Azure Bluet Coenagrion puella F 4 Common Goldenring Cordulegaster boltonii F 5 Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa F 6 Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata F 7 Green Mountain Grasshopper Miramella alpina F F 8 Red-winged Grasshopper Oedipoda germanica F 9 Great Green Bush-cricket Tettigonia viridissima F F 10 Wart-biter Cricket Decticus verrucivorus F 11 Roesel's Bush-cricket Metrioptera roeselii F 12 Field Cricket Gryllus campestris H 13 a Shield Bug Graphosoma lineata F F F 14 Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes F 15 Shield Bug Syromastes rhombeus F 16 Ground Bug Spilostethus (Lygaeus) equestris F F 17 a Mirid Bug Miridae sp. F 18 Common Pond Skater Gerris lacustris F F F F F F 19 Common Backswimmer Notonecta glauca F F F F F F 20 Cicada Tibicen plebejus F 21 Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis F F 22 a Horse Fly Tabanus sp. F F F F 23 Cleg-fly Haematopota pluvialis F 24 Marmalade Hover-fly Episyrphus balteatus F F F

France - The Vercors Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 25 a Hover-fly Syrphus sp. F 26 Drone-fly Eristalis tenax F F 27 Hornet Hover-fly Volucella zonaria F 28 Ichneumon Wasp Ophion luteus F 29 Wood Ant Formica rufa F F F F 30 Common Wasp (Queen) Vespula vulgaris T 31 European Paper Wasp Polistes gallicus F 32 Carpenter Bee Xylocopa sp. F F F 33 Honey Bee Apis millifera F F F F 34 White-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lucorum F 35 Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidarius F F 36 Dor Beetle Geotrupes stercorarius F 37 Summer Chafer Amphimallon solstitialis T 38 Bee Beetle Trichius fasciatus F F F 39 Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata F 40 Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica F 41 Soldier Beetle Trichodes apiarius F F 42 Orange Ladybird Halyzia sedecimguttata T 43 Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis T 44 a Yellow Beetle Cteniopus sulphureus F 45 Green 'Fat-thigh' Beetle Oedemera nobilis F 46 Longhorn Beetle Pachyta quadripunctata F 47 Longhorn Beetle Rutpela (Strangalia) maculata F F F 48 Longhorn Beetle Stenurella (Strangalia) melanura F F 49 Leaf Beetle (Emerald Green) Cryptocephalus sp F F F 50 Araneidae sp. Aeulepeira ceropegia F 51 Crab Spider Misumena vatia F

Black Arches

Epipogium aphyllum Woodland Grayling