Insects in Grazalema Archives - The Sierra de Grazalema

Summer heat in the Sierra de Grazalema

August 8, 2025 by Clive Muir

Someone has turned up the heating here in the Sierra de Grazalema and the little rain and cooler temperatures of the spring seems to be a long distant memory. We’ll soon be in the high thirties and the forecast is for more intense heat to come this year which will probably take us into the forties and the blazing summer heat in the Sierra de Grazalema

Clive Muir

I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!

grazalemaguide.com/

Wildlife in July in the Sierra de Grazalema

July 3, 2025 by Clive Muir

There is always a marked difference between the first and second parts of this month as plants succumb to the intense heat and set their seeds. Areas that have held high moisture levels during the winter and spring will now come into their own with ribbons of bright pink Oleanders mapping the watercourses with Penny Royal and Apple Mint accompanying them. Climbing higher, aromatic herbs tucked into rock crevices in the mountains will be attracting bees and butterflies with their nectar rich blooms. Read on for more wildlife in July in the Sierra de Grazalema

Clive Muir

grazalemaguide.com/

Insects in June in the Sierra de Grazalema

June 4, 2025 by Clive Muir

Summer time is when many insects reach the adult phase of their life. They may have spent months, even years as a larva, drab in colour and unable to move far, possibly living underwater or underground. Now, in this last stage of their lifecycle, they might be brightly coloured, able to fly or to emit sounds and so they become more obvious to us.

Insects are a very important part of the food chain on which we depend. We also rely heavily on insects for their ability to pollinate much of our food crops, and so they deserve at least a moment of our time. Here is a tiny selection of Insects that can be found in June in the Sierra de Grazalema.

Southern Swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthamelii).

Clive Muir

grazalemaguide.com/

Hornets – The Gentle Giants of the Wasp World

August 20, 2024 by Clive Muir

English: Hornet
Scientific: Vespa crabro
Spanish: Avispón / Avispa Europea
Catalan: Vespa xana
Portuguese: Vespa grande

Description

This article, Hornets – The Gentle Giants of the Wasp World, is about the native hornet to Spain Vespa crabra.

Read about the invasive species of hornets in Spain over at Wildside Holidays: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/hornets-in-spain/

Clive Muir

grazalemaguide.com/

Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa violacea) Abeja azul de la madera

February 3, 2023 by Clive Muir

Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa violacea) Abeja azul de la madera are large, virtually all black bees which visit flowering plants and shrubs throughout the spring and summer, their scientific name is Xylocopa violacea. The later part of this name derives from the beautiful purple / blue sheen seen on the wings as they catch the sunlight. … Read more