Tour Report 20 - 27 July 2015

Bulgaria in Summer

Naturetrek Tour Report 20 - 27 July 2015

View of Bezbog Lake Daphne oleoides

Burren Green Moth - Calamia tridens Knapweed Fritillary - Melitaea phoebe

Report and images compiled 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) and Stoyan Beshkov & Nikolay Delchev (local guides) with nine Naturetrek clients

Summary

In the course of the week we enjoyed superb scenery, a wonderful range of wildlife and splendid hospitality. Overall we saw a total of 752 identified species including 360 higher plants and 277 invertebrate species, of which 98 were butterflies and 58 moths, as well as many other attractive and impressive bugs, beetles etc. It is always difficult to find birds on this tour this late in the season. The extremely high temperatures at the start of the week did not help as birds sort cover and despite the best endeavours of Nikolay, one of the most respected ornithologists in Bulgaria, we sadly only managed 85 species, the lowest ever for this tour. The high temperatures whilst based at Melnik also meant some modifications to the scheduled itinerary, whilst the threat of thunderstorms whilst based in Bansko also necessitated some rearrangement.

Day 1 Monday 20th 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 1.27pm (British Summer Time + two hours) and after clearing immigration and reclaiming luggage, we quickly found Nikolay and Stoyan in the arrivals hall. Glen and Sheila were also there having travelled separately, but Sheila's flight from Birmingham via Munich was unfortunately delayed so arrangements were made for her to be collected when she reached Sofia. The bus was loaded up and by 2.10pm we were on our way. It was sunny on arrival in Sofia; hot and sticky with a maximum temperature of 35°C.

After travelling for a bit over an hour 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 and Silene roemeri. Great Banded Graylng, Knapweed Fritillary and Purple-shot Copper were the best of the butterflies, whilst a Red-backed Shrike provided some ornithological interest. After three- quarters of an hour we drove on, though made a comfort stop soon after. White Stork and Raven were among the birds seen from the bus, whilst to save time later, Alan was also able to give the tour briefing via the bus microphone.

At 6.15pm we made another brief stop, by the entrance to Kresna Gorge. Although this was mainly so people could stretch their legs, Nettle Tree, Centaurea diffusa, Amorpha fruticosa and Marrubium peregrinum were among the additions to the plant list. Birders noted Grey Heron and Dipper on the river, with the Long-nosed Grasshopper Acrida mediterranea and Diaea dorsata (a green crab spider) also attracting attention. We stayed just over half an hour, longer than intended and eventually arrived at our hotel in Melnik at 7.55pm, where we received a very welcome, though rather late, evening meal eaten outside. This was enlivened by a European Rhinoceros Beetle and the endemic subspecies of Kotschy's Gecko, attracted to the hotel wall lights. After a very long though interesting day, all were more than ready to retire.

Day 2 Tuesday 21st July

Today was sunny, hot and sticky with a maximum temperature of 35°C. A pre-breakfast walk from the hotel was well attended and those doing so were rewarded with sightings of Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue Rock

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Thrush, Golden Oriole, Black Redstart, Sombre Tit and Red-backed Shrike, as well as several common UK species. The plants were not neglected and these included Soapwort, Crimson Clover, Pink Everlasting (Xeranthemum annuum), Erigeron annuus, Geranium macrorrhizum, and the yellow flowered Achillea coarctata. The only butterfly of note was Wall Brown.

After a satisfying breakfast we assembled at 9am, but no one minded a short delay in departure due to a Common Glider butterfly on the bus. Sightings of Crested Lark, White Wagtail and a tortoise species enlivened the one hour drive to the remarkable hot springs at Rupite, where the water temperature can reach 74° C. This is always a very productive site and this year was no exception with Masked Shrike, Short-toed Snake Eagle and a White Stork on the nest among the bird highlights. Botanists enjoyed Maltese Cross (Tribulus terrestris), Portulaca oleracea, Scolymus hispanicus, Heliotropium europeum, Nigella arvensis, N.elata and Lavatera thuringiaca among many interesting species. The butterflies included Eastern Bath White, Little Tiger Blue, Sooty Copper and Lesser Spotted Fritillary, whilst among other good insects were Southern Skimmer dragonfly, the attractive bush cricket Poecilimon thoracicus, the equally attractive shieldbug Carpocoris mediterraneus, the very curious-looking mantis Empusa fasciata as well as Ameles heldreichi, the Thread-waisted Wasp species Sceliphron curvatum and a rare owl-fly (Ascalaphidae) Bubopsis andromache (a large relative of the lacewings).

Leaving here at midday, we made a series of short stops for cold drinks, facilities and a sighting of Great (White) Egret. Nikolay and Stoyan were trying to find somewhere a bit shaded and cooler as a suitable lunch stop, but it was in fact not until 2.15pm that we eventually stopped by a stream above Petrova village. By then lunch was more than welcome. Walking from here the insect diversity was excellent. Among the butterflies were Common Glider, Eastern Wood White, Southern Small White, Nettle Tree, Eastern Rock Grayling, Lang's Short-tailed Blue, Turquoise Blue and Marbled Fritillary, with moths including Nine-Spotted, Brown-tail, Humming-bird Hawk-moth and a Rosy Footman. Among other good finds were a Greek Tortoise, the impressive Balkan Goldenring dragonfly, Beautiful Demoiselle (widespread in the UK but nonetheless much admired), the red and black striped shieldbug, Graphosoma lineatum (dubbed the AC Milan Bug by a previous group), the curious little alien lace-bug Corythucha ciliata on the leaves of its host Oriental Plane, the iridescent Green flower Scarab and the attractive snail Zebrina detrita. The most noteworthy plants were Wall Germander, Salvia viridis, S.scalarea and Forked Spleenwort Fern.

After leaving here we made a fifteen minute stop to view a very busy Bee-eater colony before returning to our hotel for 6.10pm. An enjoyable dinner was followed by a run-through of what had been seen during the day and checking off on our lists.

Day 3 Wednesday 22nd July

It was hot and sultry today with a maximum temperature of 34°C. Although mainly sunny, it was overcast at times. A species of Potter wasp Ancistrocerus auctus had been attracted to the hotel lights overnight, whilst the pre- breakfast walk yielded an impressive and much-photographed Spider-hunting Wasp species Cryptocheilus ichneumonides. The find of a Large Walnut Aphid meant those present were able to see that not all of this large and diverse group were dull and green or black. The best of the birds was a Syrian Woodpecker.

After another substantial breakfast we left on time at 9am and drove back to Kresna Gorge for the scheduled stop here, arriving at 10.20am. This is one of the best natural history sites in Bulgaria, though threatened by a

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Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

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 is normally the case. Even so there was plenty of interest.

Among the more interesting plants were the shrub Christ's-thorn (Paliurus spina-cristi), Nettle Tree (Celtis australis), Echinops sphaerocephalus, Dianthus gracilis, Centaurea salonitana var. macrantha and Consolida regalis. Butterflies were noticeably fewer than anticipated though Swallowtail, Scarce Swallowtail, Sooty Copper, Nettle Tree and Holly Blue were seen, as well as larvae of Swallowtail. The best of the moths were Pygmy Moth (Thyris fenestrata, a family absent in the UK) and Jersey Tiger. Other species of note included a female Stag Beetle, the classic Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) the attractive ant-lion species Myrmecaelurus trigrammus, a bush-cricket species Oecanthus pellucens, the grasshopper Oedipoda miniata (with red under-wings that show when it flies) and the blue and black beetle Trichodes apiarius, the larvae of which feed on the grubs of solitary bees.

We left here at 12.30pm and drove to a site above Sandanski where we had our picnic lunch at 1.30pm. In the course of a brief look around here the most interesting additions to the list were Balkan Green Lizard and Napoleon Spider (Synema globosum).

Our final sites for the day were two short stops near Khotovo. The first of these afforded good views of Honey Buzzard, with the butterflies including Weaver’s Fritillary and Short-tailed Blue. The second had the distinction of having two plant species beginning with X, these being Xeranthemum annuum and the very spiky plant Xanthium spinosum. The most notable invertebrate was the Broad-headed bug Camptopus lateralis. This species appears as a rather dull brown insect until it opens its elytra to reveal startling bright red underwings.

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. After another excellent dinner and a review of the day’s finds, we spent our last night in Melnik.

Day 4 Thursday 23rd July

Today was pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze, and the maximum temperature was 30°C. Our imminent departure meant a depleted party for the pre-breakfast walk. Those who came were rewarded with Golden Oriole, Hawfinch, Sombre Tit, Nightingale and Cirl Bunting, as well as more common species. With all bills paid and the bus loaded with luggage, we left on time at 9am. We stopped however after just 20 minutes, for Calandra Lark and Turtle Dove with bonus invertebrates being the much-photographed Large Mottle-winged Ant-lion (Palpares libelluloides) and the beetle Mylabris variabilis. Pitch Pea (Psoralea bitiminosa) was also here giving the opportunity for the group to experience its distinctive smell.

After 20 minutes we drove on seeing Crested Lark and Hoopoe by the road. Our second stop was at the village of Novo Hodzhovo where White Storks on the nest with large youngsters were much admired and photographed. Walking down to the river we saw Scarce Swallowtail, Chestnut Heath and Weaver's Fritillary butterflies along with Blood-vein and a male Common Heath moth (a day-flying species with impressive antennae), both of these being common moths in the UK. Dragonflies by the river included Small Pincertail, while Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies were numerous. Other interesting invertebrates included Buffalo Tree

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

hopper (Stictocephala bisonia), numerous blue-coloured Citrus Flatid Planthoppers Metcalfa pruinosa, a large bee-fly species (Heteralonia megerlei) and the large violet-black Carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea).

We left her at 12.15pm and after another brief stop for water supplies and fruit, we drove until 1.30pm when we made our lunch stop. Here Queen of Spain Fritillary, the handsome Tachinid fly Phasia hemiptera, Candelabra Thistle and the endemic Potentilla regis-borisii were among the species noted whilst the picnic was being set out.

After driving on for another 15 kilometres, we reached our scheduled stop at the Popovi Livadi pass. Our walk here was scenically attractive and very productive with plants such as Rhinanthus javorkae, Nepeta pannonica, Gentiana cruciata, Potentilla cinerea and Dactylohiza sacchifera (Wedge-lipped Orchid) and many more. Not surprisingly with a rich flora, the butterflies were also good with Arran Brown, Dark Green Fritillary, Heath Fritillary, Turquoise Blue, Meleager's Blue, False Eros Blue, Scarce Copper and Apollo probably the best. Other choice invertebrates included the Blue Shieldbug (Zicrona caerulea) and the large Oedemerid beetle Anogcodes ferrugineus, looking deceptively like a longhorn beetle of the family Cerambycidae.

We drove on again until 4.45pm when we stopped at the Gotse Delchev fishponds. Here the birders were able to enjoy Garganey, Little Bittern and Short-toed Snake Eagle. A beautiful large clump of Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) attracted the attention of the botanists, with Southern Skimmer, Scarlet Darter, numerous Small Red-eyed Damselflies and a Comma butterfly of the form hutchinsoni providing the entomological highlights.

We continued to the ski town of Bansko, arriving at Hotel Dumanov at 6.45pm. It was pleasantly cooler here and our excellent evening meal was eaten outside, followed as usual by the day's log.

Day 5 Friday 24th July

We were, in fact, lucky with the weather as the forecast for the area was heavy rain with thunderstorms. As such our Bulgarian guides suggested a change in the itinerary rather than attempting to go high. The decision was therefore made to go to Rila Monastery and Kirilova Poliana, intended for later in the week.

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 it is always remarkable how many moths and other insects are attracted overnight to lit balconies. Species this morning included Silver Y, Tawny-barred Angle, Rush Veneer (all of which are common in the UK) as well as Tawny Wave and Burren Green, both rare in the UK, with the latter restricted to the Burren in Ireland where it was discovered in 1949. A micro-moth, thought to be a Yponomeuta species has defied identification from images, whilst a large caddis-fly Hydropsyche sp was a female so identification to species was not possible.

Our departure was again punctual at 9am and we arrived at the impressive and interesting Rila Monastery at 11.12am. Apart from the opportunity to explore the monastery itself and the excellent museum, there was another good selection of moths on the walls including Common and Rosy Footmans, Small and Light Emeralds, The Fern and Brussels Lace, the last somewhat localised in the UK. Pallid Swifts were wheeling overhead and a White-letter Hairstreak was also seen. After an hour here we drove on to a restaurant where we ordered our lunches before going on a short walk in the Kirilova Poliana National Park. Here the plants included

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Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Wild Liquorice, Greater Dodder, and Wood Ragwort etc. A Bee Chafer and the large longhorn beetle Monochamus sutor were also admired.

After returning to the restaurant for an excellent trout lunch, we walked further finding the blue Alpine Sowthistle, Small Green Foxglove, Bloody Cranesbill, Yellow Scabious, Martagon Lily, Broad-leaved Helleborine, Prenanthes purpurea, Sedum telephium and S.grisebachii among a range of good plants. The large hoof bracket Fomes fomentarius, formerly restricted to Scotland in the UK but now spreading dramatically southwards, and the curious rust fungus Gymnosporangium cornutum (specific to Rowan), provided mycological diversions. Invertebrates were again good with Woodland Ringlet butterfly, Scarlet Tiger moth, a Pyralid moth Nephopteryx angustella, the net-winged beetle Lygistopterus sanguineus, two more longhorn beetles Pachytodes cerambyciformis and Stictoleptura rubra and the spider Philodromus collinus the highlights. The best of the birds were Nutcracker and Marsh Tit, with a black Woodpecker and Red Crossbill heard though unfortunately neither could be located.

The return journey to our hotel was held up by a film crew in Bansko that appeared to be filming a drama of some sort, which meant we just had to wait! Dinner was somewhat delayed, perhaps not too much of a hardship following the substantial trout lunch.

Day 6 Saturday 25th July

New moths overnight comprised Bordered Straw, Small Ranunculus, Knotgrass, Wormwood Shark and Earias vernana, an Eastern European relative of the Cream-bordered Green Pea, familiar to some from the UK where it is widespread though not common.

Leaving the hotel at 9.05am we drove to the Gotse Delchev mountain hut ready for the two-stage chairlift ascent to the Bezbog Lake at 2,240 metres. By 10.40am 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. The weather today was very pleasant with a maximum temperature of 25°C, but 20°C at Bezbog. With the temperature much more comfortable than at the start of the week, we were able to enjoy the natural history to the full. The rich alpine flora here included Geum coccineum, Doronicum austriacum, Centaurea nervosa, Veratrum album, Bruckenthalia spiculifolia, Epilobium nutans, Capanula alpina, Gentiana pyrenaica, Saxifraga stellaris, Euphrasia minima, Viola biflora and endemics such as Jasione bulgarica, Dianthus microlepis, and Pinguicula balcanica. Among the ferns were Brittle Bladder Fern, Oak Fern and Holly Fern with Fontinalis antipyretica, Philonotis fontana and Marchantia polymorpha providing some bryological interest. Birds were sparse with little of note though Alpine Chough was heard. There are a number of interesting butterfly species to be found at this altitude and on this occasion these included Arran Brown, Large Ringlet, Nicholl's Ringlet, Ottoman Brassy Ringlet, Pearly Heath and Eastern Large Heath, with the Carabid beetle Calathus metallicus the best of the other invertebrates found.

The group assembled at the top of the chairlift at 3.40pm and by 4.10pm we were all down. We then made our way to some meadows above Dobrinishte, always a productive stop and this year was no exception. Among the plants, Grass of Parnassus was especially appreciated with Allium melanantherum and Common Spotted Orchid additions to the week's list. Four species of Copper Butterflies and four Fritillary species were seen here: Balkan, Large, Scarce and Purple-shot Coppers; High Brown, Weaver’s, Knapweed and Niobe Fritillaries. Together with Reverdin's Blue, False Eros Blue and Pearly Heath it was a really memorable day for butterflies. The beautiful Macaronius Owlfly was also a treat. A large weevil Larinus sp. also attracted attention (impossible to identify to

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

species without microscope work), as did specimens of the Oak Spider (Aculepeira ceropegia). Also attractive but significantly smaller were two plant hopper species, the sexually dimorphic Cicadella viridis and the yellow and black Evacanthus interruptus.

We returned to the hotel for 6pm with dinner, as always here, eaten outside. The arrival of a large party of Germans meant that we moved inside, where it was quieter, to go through the lists, with the added advantage that this was accomplished in rather better light. All agreed that it had been a really excellent day.

Day 7 Sunday 26th July

Today the maximum temperature was 27°C. Although it was mostly sunny, there was some light rain. With the exception of two very good additions, the moths overnight were as previously. The new ones were Spotted Sulphur (a species extinct in the UK since the early 1960s) and Toadflax Brocade (a species that first arrived in the UK around 1950. It is mainly found at coastal sites but now seems to be declining again). A Summer Chafer beetle and the spider Nuctenea umbratica were further balcony additions.

On the advice of the hotel we brought breakfast forward to 7.45am in an attempt to get in before the large German party. Unfortunately one of our group had retired early the night before and the note put under the door to advise her of the change was mistakenly put under the wrong door! Nonetheless we were all ready to board the coach as planned at 8.45am. We drove to the mountain hut at Banderitsa (1785 metres), arriving here at 9.20am. From here we walked along the roadside to Vikren mountain hut at 1950 metres. The flora here was excellent and included choice plants such as Allium flavum, Erigeron atticus, Bupleurum sibthorpianum, Rhinanthus rumelicus, Lamium garganicum, Scutellaria alpina, Teucrium montanum, T.chamaedrys, Dianthus petraeus, D.gigantaeformis, Polygala major, Asynema canescens, Scorzonera purpurea and the endemic Verbascum davidoffii. Birders had good views of Nutcracker and Red Crossbill, with a Ring Ouzel also seen. A good number of butterfly species were noted, among the best being Ottoman Brassy Ringlet, Large Grizzled Skipper, Mountain Argus, Amanda’s Blue, Eastern Baton Blue and an as yet undescribed Anomalous Blue species, with a live Slow Worm another good find.

Arriving at the Vikren mountain hut at 12.50pm, we found Alison who informed us she had been there two hours and asked what had kept us! We were able to purchase cold drinks here and eat our picnic lunch. The walls of the building were again an excellent source of moths, among them Northern Spinach, Grey Mountain Carpet, Small Phoenix, The Grey, Silvery Arches and Glaucous Shears. Some of these are scarce in the UK, whilst there were also other Eastern European species, lacking English names, such as Thera variata and Apamea maillardi.

After lunch the intention was to drive down, but our bus was completely blocked in and the car park totally grid- locked. Undeterred, were able to explore further in this area, finding superb plants of Forked Spleenwort Fern, Square-stalked St John's-wort, Marsh Marigold (still flowering in late July), as well as good flower spikes of Veratrum album and a Green Flower Scarab. Remarkable work by Stoyan, Nikolay, our driver and others, including several hastily recruited Bulgarians, meant that cars had been physically manhandled and our bus turned around. It was thus important that we made our escape whilst we could. Starting down at shortly after 3pm we soon encountered further impasses on the narrow road, so once more parked cars had to be bumped out of the way. Fortunately the worst of the offending vehicles had a side window open. A break in was effected, the handbrake taken off and the car pushed back towards (but not over) the edge of the mountainside! Scarcely

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had this been accomplished when we met another coach on the way up. Then it started raining! This area always gets very busy at weekends and it was never originally intended that we would be here on a Sunday, but a combination of flight availability and then threatened thunderstorms on Friday had conspired against us.

Eventually we made it down and at 3.50pm reached the meadows above Bansko, as our final scheduled site. Plants added to the list here included Downy-leaved Hawthorn, Bastard Agrimony, Barberry (Berberis vulgaris - at one time very common as a hedgerow shrub in the UK, now scarce) Dorycnium pentaphyllum, Ajuga laxmannii, Stachys recta and the showy Chamerion dodonaei. A Balkan Green Lizard was spotted. The meadows were alive with insects including many butterflies. Among these were Chalkhill Blue, Adonis Blue, Large Blue, Silver-washed and Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, with Clouded Yellow abundant. The day-flying Burnet moths were equally as attractive, comprising Narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet, 6-spot Burnet, New Forest Burnet, Slender Scotch Burnet and Black Burnet, all in the genus Zygaena, as well as the very attractive Z.carniolica, which lacks an authentic English name. The longhorn beetle Spondylis buprestoides was another good addition to the list.

There was satisfaction and a tinge of sadness as we made our way back to the hotel for our last night. Another excellent outdoor dinner was followed by a final run through of the species seen, together with the individual highlights of the week.

Day 8 Monday 27 July

The only new moth attracted to balcony lights overnight was a rather worn Pine Hawk-moth. Following an early breakfast at 7.15am and with bills paid, luggage loaded and appreciative thanks to the hotel staff, we left at 8.25am, five minutes before schedule, reflecting the excellent punctuality shown by the group throughout the week. After a brief photo-stop for the famous 'Bansko washing machine', we made our way back to Sofia and the airport via a couple of comfort stops and an early lunch at a service station at 11.35am where people were able to choose what they wanted. We diligently noted the birds enroute, though there was nothing of great significance. Arriving at the airport, we said our thanks and farewells to our driver, Stoyan and Nikolay and made our way to check in.

Our flight was half an hour late on take-off and landing back in the UK. Although there was more turbulence than is usual, it was nothing to cause alarm.

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Tour Report Bulgaria in Summer

Species Lists

Birds (=recorded but not counted; h = heard only) July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

1 Garganey Anas querquedula 2 2 White Stork Ciconia ciconia         3 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus  4 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea   5 Great Egret Ardea alba  6 Little Egret Egretta garzetta  7 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo    8 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus  4  9 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus   4  10 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus  11 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus  12 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo     13 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus  h  14 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus  15 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus   16 Common Pigeon/Rock Dove Columba livia (feral)    17 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus   18 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur    19 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto       20 Barn Owl Tyto alba h 21 Tawny Owl Strix aluco h 22 Little Owl Athene noctua h h 23 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba  24 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus    25 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster     26 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops  27 Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus  28 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius h 29 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis   

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

30 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio    6    31 Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus  32 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus  h 2 33 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius     34 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica      35 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes  12 36 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus h 37 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix   38 Northern Raven Corvus corax    39 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris  40 Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris  41 Coal Tit Periparus ater h  42 Great Tit Parus major     43 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra 4 44 Crested Lark Galerida cristata      45 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica         46 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris      47 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum       48 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica        49 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti h 50 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita h h  51 Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida   52 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla    53 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis  54 Goldcrest Regulus regulus h 55 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes h   56 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea   57 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris   58 Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus  59 Common Blackbird Turdus merula        60 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos    61 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus   

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Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

62 European Robin Erithacus rubecula  h h   63 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos  64 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros     65 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius  66 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata   67 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus  68 House Sparrow Passer domesticus         69 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis   70 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus    71 Dunnock Prunella modularis  72 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea    73 White Wagtail Motacilla alba      74 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs      75 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris    76 Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus  77 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis      78 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina  79 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra h 20+ 80 Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula h 81 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes  82 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra   83 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella  84 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia  85 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus   

Mammals 1 Eastern Hedgehog Erinaceus concolor (=roumanicus) †  2 Shrew sp [not identified]  3 Vole sp. [not identified] 

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Reptiles/Amphibians († = dead) 1 Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca ?  ? 2 Kotschy's Gecko Cyrtopodion kotschyi bibroni   3 Balkan Green Lizard Lacerta trilineata   4 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis  5 Slow Worm Anguis fragilis †  6 Common Frog Rana temporaria  7 Marsh Frog Pelohylax (Rana) ridibundus 

Butterflies 1 Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus   2 Oberthür’s Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus  3 Sandy Grizzled skipper Pyrgus cinarae  4 Oriental Marbled Skipper Carcharodes orientalis    5 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages     6 Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola   7 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris  8 Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus     9 Apollo Parnassius apollo  10 Swallowtail Papilio machaon   11 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius     12 Small White Pieris rapae     13 Southern Small white Pieris mannii  14 Mountain Small white Pieris ergane  15 Green-veined White Pieris napi (inc balcanica)  16 Eastern Bath White Pontia edusa     17 Black-veined White Aporia crataegi  18 Large White Pieris brassicae      19 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni  20 Wood White Leptidea sinapis     21 Eastern Wood White Leptidea duponcheli  

4 © Naturetrek March 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

22 White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album   23 Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini  24 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas    25 Scarce Copper Lycaena virgaureae   26 Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus     27 Purple-shot Copper Lycaena alciphron      28 Large Copper Lycaena dispar   29 Balkan Copper Lycaena candens  30 Little Tiger Blue Tarucus balkanicus   31 Lang's Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous   32 Short-tailed Blue Cupido argiades   33 Little Blue Cupido minimus   34 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus     35 Eastern Baton Blue Scolitanides (=Pseudophilotes) vicrama  36 Large Blue Maculinea arion  37 Silver-studded Blue Plebeius argus  38 Idas Blue Plebeius idas  39 Reverdin’s Blue Plebeius argyrognomon    40 Anomalous Blue Plebeius (=Agrodiaetus) admetus  41 undescribed Bulgarian Anomalous Blue sp. nov.  42 Brown Argus Aricia agestis  43 Mountain Argus Aricia artaxerxes  44 Eastern Short-tailed Blue Everes decoloratus  45 Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus  46 Turquoise Blue Plebicula dorylas    47 Amanda’s Blue Plebicula amanda  48 Meleager’s Blue Meleageria daphnis    49 Chalk-hill Blue Lysandra coridon  50 Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus  51 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus      52 False Eros Blue Polyommatus eroides   53 Higgins' Anomalous Blue Polyommatus nephohiptamenos 

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

54 Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta    55 White Admiral Limenitis camila  56 Common Glider Neptis sappho    57 Peacock Butterfly Inachis io  58 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta  59 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui    60 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae   61 Comma Butterfly Polygonia c-album       62 Map Butterfly Araschnia levana   63 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynis paphia    64 Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja  65 High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe  66 Niobe Fritillary Argynnis niobe  67 Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia   68 Marbled Fritillary Brenthis daphne    69 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne  70 Weaver’s Fritillary Clossiana dia   71 Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe    72 Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma   73 Lesser Spotted Fritillary Melitaea trivia     74 Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia  75 Marbled White Melanargia galathea         76 Balkan Marbled White Melanargia larissa  77 Hermit Chazara briseis  78 Woodland Grayling Hipparchia fagi  79 Eastern Rock Grayling Hipparchia syriaca   80 Tree Grayling Hipparchia statilinus  81 Great Banded Grayling Hipparchia (=Kanetisa) circe    82 Scotch Argus Erebia aethiops   83 Arran Brown Erebia ligea    84 Large Ringlet Erebia euryale     85 Woodland Ringlet Erebia medusa 

6 © Naturetrek March 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

86 Nicholl's Ringlet Erebia rhodopensis  87 Ottoman Brassy Ringlet Erebia ottomana   88 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina    89 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus     90 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus    91 Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania   92 Chestnut Heath Coenonympha glycerion  93 Eastern Large Heath Coenonympha rhodopensis   94 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus     95 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria  96 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera   97 Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera    98 Nettle Tree butterfly Libythea celtis   

Moths (L = larva) 1 Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum       2 Pine Hawk-moth Sphinx pinastri  3 Nine-spotted Syntomis phegea  4 a Burnet moth sp. Zygaena carniolica  5 Black Burnet Zygaena ephialtes   6 6-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae   7 Slender Scotch Burnet Zygaena loti  8 Narrow-bordered 5-spot Burnet Zygaena lonicerae     9 New Forest Burnet Zygaena viciae  10 A Forester Moth sp Adscita sp. indet.  11 Scarlet Tiger Casllimorpha dominula   12 Jersey Tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria  13 Common Footman Eilerna lurideola    14 Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata   15 Brown-tail Euproctis chrysorrhoea  16 Pygmy Moth Thyris fenestrata  17 Aplocera simpliciata  

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

18 Light Emerald Campaea margaritata  19 Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata  20 Brussels Lace Cleorodes lichenaria  21 Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata  22 Common Heath Ematurga atomaria   23 Grey Mountain Carpet Entephria caesiata   24 Northern Spinach Eulithis populata   25 The Fern Horisme tersata  26 Riband Wave Idaea aversata  27 Idaea metohiensis  28 Tawny-barred Angle Macaria liturata  29 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria  30 Tawny Wave Scopula rubiginata  31 Thera variata ?  32 Blood-vein Timandra comae   33 Silver Ground Carpet Xantharhoe montanata  34 Common Carpet Moth Epirrhoe alternata  35 The Knotgrass Acronicta rumicis  36 Apamea maillardi  37 Silver Y Autographa gamma       38 Burren Green Callamia tridens  39 Toadflax Brocade Calophasia lunula  40 Caradrina suscianja / selini (=Paradina)  41 Wormwood Shark Cucullia absinthii  L 42 Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica  43 Grammodes bifasciata  44 The Grey Hadena caesia  45 Small Ranunculus Hecatera dysodea  46 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera  47 Glaucous Shears Papestra biren  48 Silvery Arches Pohlia hepatica  49 Nettle-tap Moth Anthophila fabriciana 

8 © Naturetrek March 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

50 Horse-Chestnut Leaf miner Cameraria ohridella  51 Dioryctria abietella  52 Mompha conturbatella  53 Nephopteryx angustella  54 a micro-moth species Parornix sp. indet.  55 Pyrausta aerealis  56 Scoparia pyralella  57 Spindle Ermine Yponomeuta cagnagella   58 a micro-moth species Yponomeuta sp.indet 

Dragonflies and Damselflies 1 Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens  2 Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo   3 Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans    4 Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum  5 White-legged Damselfly Platycnemis pennipes   6 Small Pincertail Onychogomphus forcipatus    7 Sombre Goldenring Cordulegaster bidentata  8 Balkan Goldenring Cordulegaster heros   9 Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum  10 Southern Skimmer Orthetrum brunneum    11 Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum    12 Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii   13 Scarlet Darter Crocothemis erythraea  14 Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa 

Plecoptera (Stoneflies) 1 a large stonefly sp Perlodes sp cf. microcephalus  2 a large stonefly sp. indet 

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Neuroptera (Lacewings, Ant-lions etc) 1 Large Mottle-winged Ant-lion Palpares libelluloides  2 an Ant-lion sp. Creolon plumbeus  3 Macaronius Owlfly Libelloides macaronius  4 an Ant-lion sp. Myrmecaelurus trigrammus  5 Bubopsis andromache 

Orthoptera (Grasshoppers & Crickets) 1 Short-winged Conehead Conocephalus dorsalis  2 a Bush-cricket sp Oecanthus pellucens  3 a Bush-cricket sp Poecilimon thoracicus    4 Slant-headed Grasshopper Acrida mediterranea    5 a grasshopper sp. Calliptamus italicus  6 Red-winged Grasshopper Oedipoda miniata  7 Stripe-winged Grasshopper Stenobothrus lineatus 

Dictyoptera (Mantids etc) 1 a Mantis sp. Ameles heldreichi  2 Cone-head Mantis Empusa fasciata  3 Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa 

Hemiptera (Bugs) 1 Bishop's Mitre Aelia acuminata  2 [fam: Alydidae] Camptopus lateralis  3 a Shield Bug sp Carpocoris mediterraneus  4 Common Squash-bug / Dock Bug Coreus marginatus  5 Plane Lacebug Corythucha ciliata  6 Deraeoceris ruber  7 Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum  8 Birch Shieldbug Elasmostethus interstinctus 

10 © Naturetrek March 17

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

9 Brassica Bug Eurydema oleracea  10 AC Milan Bug Graphosoma lineatum (= italicum)   11 Green Shieldbug Palomena prasina  12 an Assassin Bug Rhinocoris iracundus  13 a red and black bug sp. [fam: Lygaeidae] Spilostethus saxatilis (=Lygaeus)  14 Blue Shieldbug Zicrona caerulea  15 Aphrophora alni  16 Common Spittlebug Philaenus spumarius  17 a 'froghopper' sp. Cicadella viridis  18 Evacanthus interruptus  19 Citrus Flatid Planthopper [fam: Flatidae] Metcalfa pruinosa  20 Buffalo Treehopper Stictocephala bisonia  21 Psylla alni  22 Scarce Mullein Aphid Aphis verati  23 Large Walnut Aphid Panaphis juglandis  24 Large Thistle Aphid Uroleucon cirsii  25 Pemphigid gall on Pistachia terebinthus Aploneura lentisci  26 as gall on Ulmus sp Tetraneura ulmi 

Diptera (Two-winged Flies) 1 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Atylotus fulvus  2 a Robberfly species [fam: Asilidae] Dasypogon diadema  3 Marmalade Fly Episyrphus balteatus  4 a Cleg sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Haematopota italica  5 a Bee-fly sp. [fam: Bombylidae] Heteralonia megerlei  6 a Louse Fly sp. [fam: Hippoboscidae] Hippobosca equina  7 a Dancefly sp. [fam: Dolichopodidae] Neurigona sp cf. N. erichsoni  8 [fam: Muscidae] Phaonia cf. subvanta  9 [fam: Tachinidae] Phasia hemiptera  10 a Horsefly sp. [fam: Tabanidae] Tabanus bromius   11 Dark Giant Horsefly [fam: Tabanidae] Tabanus sudeticus  12 [fam: Tachinidae] Tachina fera 

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

13 a Hoverfly [fam: Syrphidae] Volucella pellucens  

Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps etc) 1 a Potter Wasp sp. [fam: Eumenidae] Ancistrocerus auctus  2 Honey Bee Apis mellifera  3 a large ant species Cremogaster scutellaris  4 a Spider-hunting Wasp sp. [fam: Pompilidae] Cryptocheilus ichneumonides  5 as Robin's Pincushion Gall Diplolepis rosae   6 Tree Wasp Dolichovespula sylvestris  7 Black Garden Ant Lasius niger   8 A Thread-waisted wasp sp. [fam: Sphecidae] Sceliphron curvatum  9 a Potter Wasp sp. [fam: Eumenidae] Symmorphus sp. cf gracilis  10 Violet Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violacea  

Coleoptera (Beetles) 1 A Carabid beetle sp. Calathus metallicus  2 Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus  3 Cream-spot Ladybird Calvia quatordecimpunctata  4 7-Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata  5 Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis  6 Fourteen-spot Ladybird Propylia quatordecimpunctata  7 Adonis Ladybird Hippodamia variegata  8 22-Spot Ladybird Psyllobora 22-punctata  9 Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata  10 Green Flower Scarab Cetonia aeruginosa   11 Bee Chafer Trichius fasciatus  12 Summer Chafer Amphimallion solstitialis  13 Trichodes apiarius   14 a Dung Beetle sp Scarabaeus sp cf. laticollis  15 a Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva  16 a false-blister beetle sp. [fam Oedemeridae] Anogcodes ferrugineus  17 Oedemera lurida 

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

July

Common name Scientific name 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

18 a blister beetle sp. [fam: Meloidae] Mylabris variabilis   19 European Rhinoceros beetle Oryctes nasicornis ssp kuntzeni  20 A net-winded beetle sp. [fam: Lycidae] Lygistopterus sanguineus  21 Mint Leaf Beetle Chrysolina menthastri  22 Poplar Leaf Beetle Chrysomela populi  23 a Longhorn Beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Monochamus sutor  24 a Longhorn Beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Pachytodes cerambyciformis  25 a Longhorn Beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Rutpela (=Strangalia) maculata    26 a Longhorn Beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Spondylis buprestoides  27 a Longhorn Beetle sp [Cerambycidae] Stictoleptura rubra  28 a large weevil sp. Larinus sp. ?turbinatus  29 a weevil sp Otiorhynchus sp. indet 

Arachnida (Spiders etc) 1 Oak Spider Aculepeira ceropegia   2 Araniella cucurbitana / opisthographa  3 a green crab spider Diaea dorsata   4 a crab spider Misumenia vatia  5 Napoleon Spider Synema globosum  6 The Walnut Orb-Weaver Nuctenea umbratica  7 a spider sp Philodromus collinus 

Mollusca (Snails, slugs etc.) 1 Euomphalia strigella  2 a Snail sp. Helix lucorum  3 Mediterranean Coastal Snail Theba pisana  4 Zebrina detrita 

Annelida (Segmented Worms) 1 a leech species (a snail feeder) Erpobdella sp. 

Tour Report Bulgaria in Summer

Plants Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

PTERIDOPHYTES Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail 21, Equisetum telmateia Great Horsetail 21, Asplenium rutamuraria Wall-rue 26, Asplenium septentrionale Forked Spleenwort 21, 26, Athyrium filix-foemina Lady Fern 24, Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern 25, 26, Dryopteris filix-mas Male Fern 26, Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern 25, Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern 25, 216, Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 21,

GYMNOSPERMS Conifers and Allies Pinaceae Pine family Abies borisii-regis 23, Larix decidua Larch 25, Picea abies Norway Spruce 23, Pinus leucodermis (inc P.heldreichii) Bosnian Pine 23, 24, 26 Pinus mugo Dwarf Mountain-pine 25, Pinus sylvestris Scot's Pine 23, Cupressaceae Cypress family Cupressus sempervirens Mediterranean Cypress 24, Juniperus communis Juniper 23. Juniperus sibirica 25,

ANGIOSPERMS Flowering Plants Aceraceae Maple family Acer campestre Field Maple 26, Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 24, Amaranthaceae Amaranthus lividus 23, Anacardiaceae Pistacia terebinthus Turpentine Tree 22, Rhus typhina Stag's-horn Sumach 21, Apiaceae Carrot family Aethusa cynapium Fools Parsley 23, Bupleurum sibthorpianum (=falcatum) Sickle-leaf Hare's-ear 26, Daucus carota Wild Carrot 22, Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo 20, 22, Heracleum sibiricum Siberian Hogweed 26, Ligusticum mutellina Alpine Lovage 25, Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip 23, Sanicula europaea Sanicle 24, Araliaceae Hedera helix Ivy 21, Asteraceae Daisy family Achillea clypeolata 21, Achillea coarctata 21. Achillea crithmifolia 25, Anthemis tinctoria Yellow Chamomile 25, Arctium minus Lesser Burdock 22,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Calendula officinalis Pot Marigold 21, Carduus kerneri 24, Carduus pycnocephalus 26, Centaurea diffusa 20, Centaurea nervosa 25, Centaurea rutifolia 21, Centaurea salonitana var. macrantha 22, Centaurea solstitialis St Barnaby's Thistle 21, 22, Chondrilla juncea Skeletonweed 20, Chrysanthemum (=Glebionis) segetum Corn Marigold 23, Cicerbita alpina Alpine Sowthistle 24, Cichorium intybus Chicory 20, Cirsium candelabrum Candelabra Thistle 23, Cirsium ligulare 23, Conyza canadensis Canadian Fleabane 22, Doronicum austriacum Austrian Leopard's-bane 25, Echinops sphaerocephalus Pale Globe-thistle 22, Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane 21, 24, Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane 21, Erigeron atticus Greek Fleabane 26, Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony 23, Galinosoga parviflora Gallant Soldier 23, Hieracium sp. Woolly Hawkweed 26, Inula conyza Ploughman's Spikenard 24, Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce 21, Lapsana communis Nipplewort 24, Matricaria discoidea Pineapple Mayweed 24, Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce 21, Petasites albus White Butterbur 21, Pilosella officinarum (Hieracium pilosella) Mouse-ear Hawkweed 25, Prenathes purpurea 24; Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane 21, Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oyster Thistle 21, Scorzonera purpurea (inc ssp. rosea) 26, Senecio glaberrimus 25, Senecio hercynicus 24, Senecio nemorensis Wood Ragwort 24, Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod 24, Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle 22, Tanacetum parthenium Feverfew 24, Tanacetum vulgare Tansy 20, 21, Telekia speciosa Heart-leaved Ox-eye 24, Tragopogon crocifolius 26, Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot 23, Xanthium spinosum Spiny Cocklebur 22, 23, Xeranthemum annuum Pink Everlasting 21, 22, Berberidaceae Berberis vulgaris Barberry 26, Betulaceae Birch family Alnus glutinosa Alder 24, Alnus cordata Italian Alder 20, 24, Betula pendula Silver Birch 23,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Bignoniaceae Catalpa bignonioides Indian Bean Tree 21, Boraginaceae Borage family Anchusa italica (=azurea) Italian Bugloss 20, Cynoglossum hungaricum 25, Echium vulgare Viper's Bugloss 21, Echium italicum Italian Viper's Bugloss 23, Heliotropium europaeum European Heliotrope 21, 22, Lithospermum officinale Gromwell 26, Myosotis alpestris Alpine Wood forget-me-not 25, Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not 23, Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not 22, Brassicaceae Barbarea stricta Small-flowered Wintercress 22, Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherds Purse 23, Cardamine rivularis 25, Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard 21, Thlaspi bellidifolium 25, Buddleiaceae Buddleia davidii Buddleia 27, Campanulaceae Bellflower family Asyneuma canescens 24, 26, Campanula alpina Alpine Bellflower 25, Campanula glomerata Clustered Bellflower 26, Campanula lingulata 26, Campanula patula (inc C.abietina) Spreading Bellflower 20, 23, 26 Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower 24, Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower 24,26, Jasione bulgarica Bulgarian Sheep's-bit 25, Cannabiaceae Hemp family Celtis australis Nettle Tree 20, 22, Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle family Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder / Danewort 23, Sambucus nigra Elder roadsides Caryophyllaceae Pink family Cerastium alpinum Alpine Stitchwort 25, Cucubalus baccifer Berry Catchfly 24, Dianthus gracilis 22, Dianthus microlepis 25, Dianthus petraeus 26, Dianthus gigantaeformis (=pontederae) Tall Pink 26, Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin 23. Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed 23, Petrorhagia velutina (Kohlrauschia) Childing Pink 20, Saponaria officinalis Soapwort 21, Scleranthus perennis Perennial Knawel 25, Silene alba White Campion 21, Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly 23, Silene roemeri 20, 25, Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion 23, 26, Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort 23. Celastraceae Euonymus europaeus Common European Spindle 21,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Ceratophyllaceae Ceratophylum demersum Rigid Hornwort 23, Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot family Chenopodium album Fat Hen 21, Chenopodium bonus-henricus Good King Henry 24, 25, Convolvulaceae Bindweed family Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed 23, Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed 20, Cuscuta campestris a Dodder 23, Cuscuta europaea Greater Dodder (on Urtica dioica) 24, Cornaceae Cornus sanguineus Dogwood 21, 22, Corylaceae Carpinus betulus Hornbeam 21, Corylus avellana Hazel 21, Ostrya carpinifolia Hop Hornbeam 23, Crassulaceae Stonecrop family Jovibarba sp. a Houseleek 24, Sedum album White Stonecrop 24, Sedum alpestre Alpine Stonecrop 26, Sedum grisebachii 24, Sedum hispanicum 26, Sedum ochroleucum Creamish Stonecrop 26, Sedum telephium Orpine 24, Dipsacaceae Teasel family Dipsacus laciniatus Cut-leaved Teasel 23, Scabiosa lucida Shining Scabious 24, Scabiosa ochroleuca Yellow Scabious 24, 26 Ericaceae Heather family Bruckenthalia spiculifolia 25, 26 Euphorbiaceae Spurge family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge 24, Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge 20, 26, Euphorbia myrsinites Glaucous Spurge 22, Fabaceae Pea family Amorpha fruticosa Bastard Indigo Bush 20, Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch 26, Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom 25, Coronilla varia Crown Vetch 20, Dorycnium pentaphyllum Canary Clover 26, Genista tinctoria (inc. campestris) Dyer’s Greenweed 25, Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum 21, Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil 25, Lotus pedunculatus (=uliginosus) Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil 25, Medicago lupulina Black Medick 23, Medicago sativa Lucerne 21, 26, Melilotus albus White Melilot 20, 22, Onobrychis montana Mountain Sainfoin 26, Ononis repens Common Restharrow 21, Ononis spinosa Spiny Restharrow 20, 22, Psoralea (Bituminaria) bituminosa Pitch Trefoil 23, Trifolium incarnatum Crimson Clover 21, 22, Trifolium pratense Red Clover 23.

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover 22, Gentianaceae Gentian family Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury 20, Gentiana cruciata Cross Gentian 23. Gentiana pyrenaica Pyrenean Gentian 25, Geraniaceae Geranium family Geranium macrorrhizum Rock Cranesbill 21, Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Cransebill 24, Geranium sanguineum Bloody Cranesbill 24, Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill 25, Hippocastanaceae Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut 23, Hypericaceae St John's-wort family Hypericum linarioides 21, Hypericum maculatum Imperforate St John's-wort 23. Hypericum olympicum 23, Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort 24, Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stalked St John's-wort 26, Juglandaceae Walnut family Juglans regia Walnut 21, Lamiaceae Mint family Acinos alpinus Alpine Calamint 25, 26, Ajuga laxmannii 26, Ballota nigra Black Horehound 20, Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil 24, Galeopsis tetrahit Common Hemp Nettle 24, Lamium garganicum Large Red Dead-nettle 26, Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle 22, Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort 21, Marrubium peregrinum 20, 21, Mentha aquatica Water Mint 21, Mentha spicata Spear Mint 21, Nepeta pannonica 23. 26, Origanum vulgare Marjoram 21, 24, Prunella vulgaris Self-heal 21, Salvia sclarea Clary 21, Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary 26, Salvia viridis Red-topped Sage 21, Scutellaria alpina Alpine Skullcap 26, Stachys germanica Downy Woundwort 26, Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort 21, 23 Stachys recta Yellow Woundwort 26, Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander 21, 26, Teucrium montanum Mountain Germander 26, Thymus pulegioides Large Wild Thyme 23. Lentibulariaceae Butterwort family Pinguicula bulcanica Balkan Butterwort 25, Linaceae Linum catharticum Fairy Flax 22, Lythraceae Loosestrife family Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 20, 25, Malvaceae Mallow family Lavatera thuringiaca 21,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Malva sylvestris Common Mallow 22, Moraceae Mulberry family Ficus carica Fig 21, Morus alba White Mulberry 21, Onagraceae Willowherb family Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb 23, 26, Chamaerion dodonaei 26, Circaea lutetiana Enchanters Nightshade 22, Epilobium alpestre Alpine Willowherb 26, Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb 25, Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb 26, Epilobium nutans Nodding Willowherb 25, 26, Oxalidaceae Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel 24, Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow Sorrel 21, Papaveraceae Poppy family Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy 22, Parnassiaceae Parnassia palustris Grass of Parnassus 25, 26, Plantaginaceae Plantago arenaria (=indica) Branched Plantain 21, Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 22, Plantago major Greater Plantain 21, Plantago media Hoary Plantain 25, Platanaceae Plane family Platanus orientalis Oriental Plane 20, Polygalaceae Milkwort family Polygala major Large Milkwort 26, Polygonaceae Dock family Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass 21, Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel 22, 24, Rumex alpestris Mountain Dock 25, Rumex alpinus Monk's Rhubarb 25, Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Yellow Purslane 21, 23, Primulaceae Primrose family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel 26, Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny 23. Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife 25, Ranunculaceae Buttercup family Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold 26, Clematis vitalba Traveller's Joy 20; Consolida regalis Forking Larkspur 22, Nigella arvensis Love-in-a-mist 21, Nigella elata 21, Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup 23, Ranunculus montanus 25, Thalictrum flavum Common Meadow Rue 26, Rhamnaceae Buckthorn family Paliurus spina-christi Christ's Thorn 20, 22, Rosaceae Rose family Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 21, Alchemilla vulgaris agg. Lady's Mantle 25,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Aremonia agrimonoides Bastard Agrimony 26, Cotoneaster nebrodensis 26, Crataegus laciniata (=orientalis) Eastern Thorn/ Downy-leaved Hawthorn 26, Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 23, Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 25, Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry 23, Geum coccineum Red Avens 24, 25, Geum rivale Water Avens 23. Potentilla aurea Golden Cinquefoil 25, Potentilla cinerea Grey Cinquefoil 23. 26, Potentilla erecta Tormentil 25, Potentilla regis-borisii 23, Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil 22, Prunus domestica Wild Plum 21, Prunus spinosa Blackthorn 23, Rosa tomentosa Downy Rose 20; Rubus caesius Dewberry 23, 26 Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 21, Rubus idaeus Wild Raspberry 23, 24, 25, Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet 26, Sorbus aucuparia Rowan 24, Rubiaceae Bedstraw family Asperula cynanchica Squinancywort 21, 26, Cruciata glabra Glabrous Crosswort 25, 26, Galium anisophyllon 25, Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw 23, Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw 21, 26 Gallium odoratum Woodruff 24, Salicaceae Willow family Populus alba White Poplar roadsides Populus tremula Aspen 24, Salix alba White Willow 21, Salix caprea Goat Willow 24, Salix cinerea Grey Willow 24, Thesium bavarum Bavarian Bastard Toadflax 25, Saxifragaceae Saxifrage family Saxifraga stellaris Starry Saxifrage 25, Scrophulariaceae Figwort family Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax 24, Digitalis viridiflora Green-flowered Foxglove 24, 26, Euphrasia minima Dwarf Eyebright 25, Euphrasia officinalis agg. Eyebright 26, Linaria genistifolia Dalmation Toadflax 24, Pedicularis orthantha 25, Rhinanthus javorkae Hay Rattle 23, Rhinanthus rumelicus 26, Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort 24, 25, Verbascum davidoffii [Endemic] 26, Verbascum longifolium inc ssp pannosum 25, Verbascum sinuatum Wavy-leaf Mullein 21, Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein 20, Veronica beccabunga Brooklime 23, Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell 25,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Veronica montana Wood Speedwell 24, Solanaceae Nightshade family Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade 22, Tiliaceae Tilia x vulgaris Common Lime roadsides Thymelaeaceae Daphne family Daphne cneorum Galand Flower 26, Daphne oleoides 26,

Ulmaceae Ulmus minor Small-leaved Elm 21, Urticacae Nettle family Parietaria judaica Pellitory of the Wall 21, Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle 24, Urtica jorkae 25, Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Vervain 21, Violaceae Viola biflora Yellow Wood Violet 25, Viola tricolor Heartsease 23, 25, 26, Vitaceae Vitis vinifera Grape Vine 22, Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris Maltese Cross 21,

Alismataceae Alisma plantago-aquatica Common Water Plantain 23, Araceae Arum family Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint 22, Butomaceae Butomus umbellatus Flowering Rush 23, Cyperaceae Carex echinata Star Sedge 25, Carex muricata Prickly Sedge 22, Carex remota Remote Sedge 22, Carex rostrata Bottle Sedge 23, Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush 25, Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cotton Grass 25, Scirpus lacustris Common Clubrush 23, Scirpus sylvaticus Wood Club-rush 25, Juncaceae Rush family Juncus bufonius Toad Rush 21, Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush 21, Lemnaceae Lemna minor Common Duckweed 23, Liliaceae Lily family Allium flavum Yellow Onion 25, 26, Allium melanantherum 25, Lilium martagon Martagon Lily 24, Veratrum album False White Helleborine 25, 26, Orchidaceae Orchid family Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid 25, Dactylorhiza saccifera Wedge-lipped Orchid 23, 24, Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine 24,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Locations/Dates

Poaceae Aegilops geniculata 21,

Alopecurus aequalis 25,

Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass 22, Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome 21, Briza media Quaking Grass 23. Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail 23. Dactylis glomerata Cock'sfoot 24, Deschampsia flexuosa (=Avenella) Wavy Hair-grass 26, Hordeum murinum Wall Barley 21, Lolium perrene Perennial Rye Grass 23, Milium effusum Wood Millet 24, Molinia caerulea Purple Moor Grass 25, Nardus stricta Mat Grass 25, Phleum commutatum (=alpinum) Alpine Timothy Grass 25, Phleum pratense Timothy Grass 23. Phragmites australis Common Reed 21, 27, Sparganiaceae Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed 21, 23, Typhaceae Typha domingensis 23, Typha latifolia Great Reedmace 21,

BRYOPHYTES (Mosses & Liverworts) Fontinalis antipyretica Willow Moss 25, Grimmia pulvinata Grey-cushioned Grimmia 23, Homalothecium sericeum Silky Wall Feather-moss 22, Hypnum cupressiforme Cypress-leaved Plait-moss 22, Philonotis fontana Fountain Apple-moss 25, Sphagnum compactum Compact Bog-moss 25, Sphagnum cuspidatum Feathery Bog-moss 25,

Marchantia polymorpha Common Liverwort 25,

FUNGI Fomes fomentarius Hoof Bracket 24, Ganoderma austale Southern Artist's Bracket 21, Lenzites betulinus 22,

Panaeolus semiovatus 23,

Gymnosporangium cornutum on Sorbus aucuparia 24, Melampsora caprearum on Salix caprea 26, Phragmidium rubi-idaei on Rubus idaeus 26, Microbotryum saponariae on Saponaria officinalis 22, Cristulariella depraedens On Acer pseudoplatanus 24, Golvinomyces sordidus On Plantago major 22, Rhytisma acerinum On Acer pseudoplatanus 24, Septoria rubi On Rubus fruticosus agg 21,

Bulgaria in Summer Tour Report

Acknowledgements

My thanks to all members of the group for their company, good humour and patience as well as for many contributions to the lists.

My thanks also to my excellent Bulgarian co-leaders Stoyan and Nikolay, for their guidance, as well as to Stoyan for his phenomenal knowledge of the Lepidopteran fauna and Nikolay for all his efforts with the birds. I had known Nikolay for many years and regarded him as a good friend, so it was with great shock and sadness that I learned he had died on 13th September following our tour, due to health complications.

Thanks also to our careful driver and the staff in the hotels who all 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, Dr. Dragan Chobonov (Orthoptera) and Dr Borislav Georgiev (Coleoptera); these three 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. 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: Henrik Piros, Theo Zeegers and John Carr (some Diptera), Christian Schmid-Egger, Marco Selis and Leopoldo Castro (some Hymenoptera), Colin Plant (micro-moths), Martin Rejzek (Longhorn Beetles), Sheila Brooke (some Hemiptera), Katia Trencheva (Flatid hopper), Pat O'Reilly (stonefly), Ian Wallace (Caddis) and Ian Dawson (some spiders),

Cryptocheilus ichneumonides - a large spider-hunting wasp

European Rhinoceros Beetle - Oryctes nasicornis ssp kuntzeni