Not far from the settlement of Ilsky (Russia, Krasnodar Territory) there is an amazing place called Crab Gorge. The name was not given by chance — there are crabs in the stream. I already wrote about this some time ago here. One of the attractions of the Gorge is a strange poplar (Populus alba), which […]
neimorovets
Heavenly extravaganza
A storm warning was announced on the Black Sea coast from Tuapse to Novorossiysk. It was expected heavy rain showers, strong wind and a high probability of formation of tornadoes. Tankers from Tsemesskaya bay were launched into the open sea. A black ball was hung over the rescue post on the beach, it’s a signal […]
Hunting behavior of the funnel-web spider Agelena orientalis
The funnel-web spider Agelena orientalis is often found along the edges of the foothill forests of the Northwestern Caucasus. Their abundance is especially noticeable in the summer, starting in July. In some places, the web of this species is found at literally every step. Funnel webs are weaving both females and males. The web can […]
A brave and caring mom
My observations of how the spider wasp Parabatozonus lacerticida (Pallas, 1771) arranges a nest with food reserves for her future larva. Once in the morning, I hiked near Dzhankhot and saw a wasp Parabatozonus lacerticida circled above the surface of ground without grass. Then it ran across the ground, then took off and came back […]
The Papai sketches
I’ve been here many times. And I’m drawn to this place all the time. Papai is the most western mountain range of the Greater Caucasus, with rocky outcrops. Five major peaks (Northern Papai, Central Papai, Main Papai, Eastern Papai and Western Papai) form tht so-called «Papai Saw» with a length of about 5 km. The […]