Butterflies & Moths of Andalucia

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1 Butterflies & Moths of Andalucia Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 5 Fly Malaga or Gibraltar and transfer to Tarifa Exploring from Tarifa Fly London Departs June Focus Butterflies and Moths, plus birds Grading A. Easy walks only Dates and Prices See website (tour code ESP47) Highlights Experience moth traps and butterfly transects at a variety of sites and habitats. Comfortable accommodation in beautiful Cork Oak and Wild Olive woodland with a swimming pool. A great range of Butterfly and Moth species possible. Crested Tits, Firecrest, Hawfinch, Serin and Short-toed Treecreeper common at Huerta Grande. Single-centre tour based near Tarifa Regional flights possible to Malaga Images (from top to bottom): Eyed Hawkmoth, Lang s Short-tailed Blue (by Peter Waterton) and the rock of Gibraltar Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0) E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W:

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3 Butterflies and Moths of Andalucia Tour Itinerary Holiday Overview: The Los Alcornocales Natural Park is Europe s largest Cork Oak forest, stretching from the high sierras of Cadiz and Malaga province right down to the sea at the Straits of Gibraltar. On this new tour 5-day tour, based at the delightful eco-lodge of Huerta Grande, we will explore the fascinating Lepidopteran species which are resident amongst the Park s varied habitats and encounter migrant species and drifters from Africa, tantalisingly close across the spectacular Straits. Detailed Information Andalucía, the southernmost region of Spain, is perhaps best known for its fantastic tapas, passionate discussions, and welcoming people. However it is also the most biodiverse region not only in Spain but the whole of Europe. The vast Los Alcornocales Natural Park extends from El Bosque at the northern end, right down to the coast near Tarifa, and encompassed a large variety of habitats including huge tracts of Cork Oak, Laurel and Wild Olive forest as well as meadows, farmland and coastal heath and dune areas. The park s proximity to both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean create high levels of humidity. Easterly or Levante winds blowing in off the Straits of Gibraltar discharge moisture over the hillsides and can form thick morning mists to envelop the mountains of this atmospheric moist cloud forest, known locally as Barbas de Levante, or Levante Beards. This warm, humid climate has nurtured an abundant and diverse flora within some of Andalucía s most extensive stretches of forest, and a huge variety of plants grow in this area. Because of its strategic position at the gateway of two continents, the land here has changed hands countless times in history between the ruling forces of Europe and North Africa, so the culture here is a fascinating blend of Knapweed Fritillary Mediterranean and Moroccan. The flora and fauna here too provide tantalising glimpses of nature from across the waters, and, as with migrating birds, we are likely to encounter a variety of migratory and vagrant Lepidoptera species which have crossed the short 14km stretch of water which is all that separates us in Europe from Africa. No wonder then, that this provides such an excellent venue for seeking moths and butterflies. From our base at the tranquil eco-lodge of Huerta Grande, we will make leisurely day excursions to explore a variety of nearby habitats, all within easy reach. There will be plenty of room in our itinerary for looking up from our butterfly finds to experience the beautiful scenery of the area while enjoying delicious picnic lunches of fine local hams, cheeses, salads and wines. Naturetrek 1

4 Tour Itinerary Butterflies and Moths of Andalucia There will be a trip to discover the famous Alameda Botanic Gardens of Gibraltar which are well known for their large variety of interesting butterflies and moths. We will also spend time exploring the extensive tranquil woodland grounds at our lodgings and wandering deeper into the Alcornacales Natural Park itself. Light moth trapping will be conducted at our accommodation at Huerta Grande, and at the nearby Centre of Bird Migration (CIMA), which is located in open, coastal habitat, allowing us to see more of the whole range of species this fascinating and diverse area has to offer. The birdlife in this area is also exceptional, and the park is regarded as one of the best areas in the whole of Europe for ornithology. While we explore we should also be treated to views of a wide variety of resident breeding woodland species such as Hawfinch, Shorttoed Treecreeper, Crested Tit and Firecrest, as well as raptors like Short-toed and Booted Eagle and Griffon Vulture, to complement our Lepidopteran adventures. Short-toed Eagle NB. Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse weather and other local considerations can necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather conditions available. Day 1 We begin with a flight to Malaga (or Gibraltar), from where we drive the two hours or so to our delightful eco-resort in tranquil cork oak and wild olive woodland within the Alcornocales natural park near Tarifa. Our base at Huerta Grande is ideal for observing nature as it is located between two natural parks in the hills above the Straits of Gibraltar. Upon arrival we should be able to immediately spot Monarch butterflies cruising around the grounds as we enjoy a light lunch. This unusual species for Europe was introduced accidentally from North America by way of eggs on plants brought to the Alameda Gardens in Gibraltar and the species - now non-migratory - produces broods throughout the year and has spread all along the coast. We will spend time settling into our surroundings and exploring the extensive woodland grounds of Huerta Grande for butterflies and other interesting species before returning for the evening and setting up the first of our moth traps and enjoying the first of our delicious three-course meals prepared by the resident chef. Day 2 This morning we will spend time examining the moth trap for a variety of migratory and non-migratory moth species. Among them we should be able to observe several species of Hawk-moth common to the area, 2 Naturetrek

5 Butterflies and Moths of Andalucia Tour Itinerary including Lime and Eyed Hawk-Moths. Species uncommon in the UK should also be observed including Vestal and migrants such as Old World Webworm. After a traditional Spanish breakfast, from here we will take the first of our excursions into the Alcornacales Natural Park in the hills above Jimena de la Frontera. Amongst the varying habitats we have the chance to encounter Moroccan Orange-tip, Green-striped White, Knapweed Fritillary, Queen of Spain Fritillary, Tree Grayling and Ilex Hairstreak. Perhaps Lorquin s Blue or Iola s Blue may also be encountered here. Day 3 Today we will head to the British colony of Gibraltar and the Alameda Botanic Gardens, a tranquil haven set within the bustling, lively town. Here amongst the variety of nectar-producing plants from around the globe we should encounter a variety of butterflies. Amongst them Europe s largest and most spectacular of butterflies, the Two-tailed Pasha, should be abundant and easily spotted. Smaller interesting species include the introduced Geranium Bronze, a contentious, invader into Spain from South Africa. This species is believed to have been an accidental introduction into Mallorca via imported decorative geraniums. Less contentious species should come in the form of Lang s Short-tailed Blue, Long-tailed Blue, Clouded Yellow and Cleopatra. Clouded Yellow We will make an excursion up the rock itself via the cable car to obtain stunning views across the Straits and also to observe the antics of the resident Barbary Macaques, being sure to keep our eyes peeled for butterfly and moth species that may be encountered amongst the Rock monolith s scrub. Following our excursion into Gibraltar we will set up a light trap at a coastal site managed and monitored by Fundacion Migres, who monitor both migratory birds and Lepidoptera. Day 4 Today we will visit colleagues at Fundacion Migres to inspect the moth trap before joining them for one of their regular butterfly transects across local clifftop meadows. Amongst the coastal grassland and scrub we should encounter both Swallowtail and Scarce Swallowtail as well as the amazingly marked Spanish Festoon. As well as the butterflies, we will be able to enjoy our picnic lunch with spectacular views across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco s coastline just 14km away. The dramatic rocky outcrop of the Jebel Musa mountain dominates the skyline, bringing home just how close we are to this other continent. In the afternoon we will explore further diverse areas of the Alcornacales Natural Park. In these more rugged, rocky areas of the park, as well as new Lepidoptera species, there are a host of interesting rare plants to see, Naturetrek 3

6 Tour Itinerary Butterflies and Moths of Andalucia such as the quasi-endemic carnivorous plant Drosophyllum lusitanicum, which occurs only here and in some areas of Portugal. Day 5 This morning we may have time to inspect a second light trap at Huerta Grande for further local Lepidopteran gems before saying fond farewells to Los Alcornocales and making our journey to the airport for flights back to the UK. Tour grading & focus This single-centre tour will be based in Huerta Grande for all four nights, a comfortable rural house with a pool a short distance to the east of Tarifa. The tour focuses on seeing the Butterflies and Moths of the region with short walks and pottering at a naturalist s pace at various sites within easy reach of the hotel. A moth trap will be operated at the hotel. Flights For this tour we will be flying from London Gatwick to Malaga or Gibraltar. A number of alternative regional departures will be possible, if flying to Malaga, from East Midlands, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds/Bradford, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Daily schedule Our hotel in Tarifa This will be fairly flexible. We will leave the hotel at around 8.30am and spend the morning, until around midday exploring. A picnic lunch will then be taken with further exploration in the afternoon. Of course, other options are available as described in the itinerary and activities depend very much on the weather and the wishes of the group. 4 Naturetrek

7 Butterflies and Moths of Andalucia Tour Itinerary Weather This part of Europe generally has quite reliable weather. By June temperatures will be up between the mid- 20s and early 30s degrees Celcius. Rainfall is fairly infrequent at this time. Food and accommodation All food and accommodation is included in the price of this holiday. How to book your place In order to book your place on this holiday, please give us a call on with a credit or debit card, book online at or alternatively complete and post the booking form at the back of our main Naturetrek brochure, together with a deposit of 20% of the holiday cost plus any room supplements if required. If you do not have a copy of the brochure, please call us on or request one via our website. Please stipulate any special requirements, for example extension requests or connecting/regional flights, at the time of booking. Naturetrek 5