GREEN SHIELD BUG

The Green Shield Bug (*Palomena prasina*) is a vibrant, shield-shaped insect that measures around 12-14 mm long. It has a distinctive bright green color, which may turn brownish as it matures. The bug is often mistaken for a leaf due to its flat, broad body and green hue, providing it with excellent camouflage. In West Cork, Ireland, these bugs are commonly found in gardens, hedgerows, and woodlands, where they feed on sap from a variety of plants and trees. They are most active during the warmer months and seek shelter in dense vegetation or under bark to overwinter.

CINNABAR MOTH

The cinnabar moth caterpillar (Tyria jacobaeae) is a striking insect known for its bold black and yellow stripes, a warning to predators of its toxicity. These caterpillars feed primarily on ragwort, absorbing the plant's toxins, which they retain for their own defense. Found in meadows, grasslands, and coastal areas, they thrive in West Cork, Ireland, where ragwort is abundant. The bright coloration and their crawling on the plant's stems and leaves make them a distinctive sight in summer, playing an important role in controlling the spread of this invasive plant species.

SIX - SPOT BURNET

The Six-spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) is a striking day-flying moth with bright red spots on its dark, metallic blue-green wings. In West Cork, Ireland, it thrives in coastal habitats, particularly in grasslands and meadows rich in wildflowers. This moth is commonly found in areas with an abundance of nectar sources like knapweed and thistles, as well as the larval food plant, bird's-foot trefoil. The mild, moist climate of West Cork provides an ideal environment for the Six-spot Burnet, allowing it to flourish during the summer months.

BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE

The buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) is a prominent and robust bee species, distinguished by its black body, yellow bands, and characteristic pale buff-colored tail. This species is one of the most recognizable bumblebees in Ireland. Queens and workers both display a yellow collar and a single yellow band on the abdomen, while males often have additional yellow markings. Buff-tailed bumblebees are highly adaptable and thrive in various habitats, including gardens, meadows, woodlands, and agricultural areas. They are essential pollinators and are particularly attracted to areas rich in flowering plants, where they forage from early spring to late autumn. Their nests are typically located underground, often in abandoned rodent burrows, providing a secure and insulated environment for their colonies. The ability of buff-tailed bumblebees to forage in cooler temperatures makes them a vital and resilient part of Ireland's ecosystem.

TWENTY TWO SPOT LADYBIRD

The twenty-two spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) is a small, striking beetle, easily identified by its bright yellow body adorned with twenty-two black spots. Unlike many of its relatives that primarily prey on aphids, the twenty-two spot ladybird predominantly feeds on mildew and fungal spores. In Ireland, this species can be found in a variety of habitats, including hedgerows, gardens, grasslands, and woodland edges. They are often seen on low-growing vegetation, particularly in damp and shaded areas where mildew thrives. Their unique dietary preference makes them an important part of the ecosystem, contributing to the control of fungal growth and maintaining plant health.

SEVEN SPOT LADYBIRD

The seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) is a small, vibrant beetle distinguished by its bright red wings adorned with seven black spots. This species is one of the most common and easily recognizable ladybirds in Ireland. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and agricultural fields, where they play a crucial role in pest control by preying on aphids and other small insects. These ladybirds are particularly fond of sunny locations and can often be found basking on leaves or stems. In Ireland, their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity and natural pest management within their habitats.

EUROPEAN GREEN CRAB

The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a small crustacean belonging to the family Portunidae. It is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea, but it has been introduced to many other regions worldwide. The European green crab is characterized by its distinctive green or greenish-brown carapace with five spines on each side. It has three pairs of walking legs and two pairs of claws, with the larger claw being particularly powerful and used for crushing prey. The crab's carapace typically measures around 6-9 centimeters in width. European green crabs are highly adaptable and are found in a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky shores, salt marshes, and mudflats. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide range of prey including small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and plant material. Due to their voracious appetites and ability to outcompete native species, European green crabs are considered invasive in many areas, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems and commercial shellfish fisheries.

CLAM

Clams are a type of bivalve mollusk characterized by their two-part hinged shells, which they use for protection and burrowing in marine or freshwater habitats.

These shellfish belong to the class Bivalvia and are found worldwide in a variety of aquatic environments, ranging from sandy beaches and mudflats to deeper ocean waters. Clams come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, but they typically have oval or elongated shells, with some species exhibiting concentric ridges or prominent growth lines. They are filter feeders, using a specialized siphoning mechanism to draw in water and extract plankton and organic particles for nutrition. Clams play important ecological roles as filter feeders, as well as serving as prey for various marine organisms. Additionally, they are commercially harvested for human consumption and are a valuable source of protein in many cuisines around the world.

RAZOR CLAM

Razor clams are a type of bivalve mollusk characterized by their elongated, narrow shells, which resemble straight razors or knives, hence the name. They belong to the family Solenidae and are found in sandy or muddy coastal areas around the world.

Razor clams have a distinct shell shape, with one end often wider and more rounded, tapering to a pointed tip at the other end. They typically burrow vertically into the substrate, using a muscular foot to dig and anchor themselves. These bivalves are filter feeders, drawing in water through siphons to extract plankton and organic particles for food. Razor clams are popular targets for recreational and commercial harvesting due to their edible meat, which is considered a delicacy in many cuisines. However, their harvesting is regulated in many areas to ensure sustainable management of clam populations.

BLUE MUSSEL

Blue mussels, scientifically known as Mytilus edulis, are bivalve mollusks found in coastal waters worldwide.

They are characterized by their elongated, asymmetrical shells, which are typically blue-black or dark blue in color. These bivalves attach themselves to rocks, pilings, and other substrates using byssal threads, which are strong protein fibers secreted by a gland near the mussel's foot. Blue mussels are filter feeders, drawing in water through siphons to capture plankton and other small particles for food. They play important ecological roles in marine ecosystems by filtering water and serving as a food source for various organisms. Blue mussels are also commercially harvested for human consumption and are prized for their tender, flavorful meat. However, their harvesting is regulated in many areas to prevent overexploitation and maintain sustainable mussel populations.

HEART URCHIN

Heart urchins, also known as sand dollars or sea biscuits, are echinoderms belonging to the order Clypeasteroida.

They are characterized by their flattened, disc-shaped bodies, which resemble a coin or a biscuit. Heart urchins typically have a pentagonal or heart-shaped outline, with distinct radiating markings on their surface. They are covered in tiny spines or granules, which aid in burrowing into sandy or muddy substrates. Heart urchins are found in marine environments worldwide, particularly in shallow coastal waters, where they bury themselves just beneath the sediment surface. They are detritivores, feeding on organic matter and small organisms that they ingest from the sediment. Heart urchins play important ecological roles in sediment turnover and nutrient cycling. Additionally, their shells are often prized by beachcombers for their unique shapes and intricate patterns..

GREY HERON

The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a tall, elegant wading bird characterized by its long legs, sinuous neck, and sharp, dagger-like bill. Its plumage is predominantly grey with a distinctive white head marked by a black stripe that extends from the eye to the back of the head. In Ireland, grey herons are commonly found in wetland habitats such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, and marshes. They are often seen standing still or slowly stalking their prey, which includes fish, amphibians, and small mammals, along the water’s edge. Grey herons build large, bulky nests in trees or reed beds, often forming loose colonies known as heronries. Their widespread presence across Ireland makes them a familiar sight and an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, contributing to the control of fish and amphibian populations.

MALLARD DUCK (MALE)

The male mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a striking and easily recognizable bird, known for its glossy green head, bright yellow bill, and distinctive white neck ring. Its chest is a rich chestnut brown, while the body feathers are primarily grey, and it has a characteristic blue speculum bordered by white on its wings. In Ireland, male mallards are commonly found in a variety of wetland habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal waters. They are highly adaptable and can often be seen in urban parks and gardens, especially where there are water features. Mallards are dabbling ducks, meaning they feed mainly at the water's surface rather than diving, and their diet includes aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Their widespread presence and adaptability make them a familiar and integral part of Ireland’s avian biodiversity.

COMMON BUZZARD

The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a widespread medium-sized bird of prey found across Europe and parts of Asia.

With a wingspan averaging 110-130 cm (43-51 inches) and a length of approximately 45-58 cm (18-23 inches), it is characterized by its broad wings, short tail, and varying shades of brown plumage with mottled or streaked patterns. This raptor's head sports a pale coloration with a dark stripe extending from the bill through the eye, giving it a distinct "masked" appearance. In flight, common buzzards soar gracefully with occasional slow flapping, relying on thermal currents to glide effortlessly. They inhabit diverse habitats including woodlands, open fields, and agricultural areas, often hunting small mammals, birds, insects, and carrion from perches or while soaring overhead. Their plaintive mewing calls are a familiar sound in the countryside. Overall, the common buzzard is an adaptable and solitary bird outside of the breeding season, representing a hallmark of European landscapes with its characteristic flight and plumage.