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Yannick van der Veen

@yan.veen

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🌱Landscape Planner & Ecologist | hobby wildlife photographer 🦉📷
Based in Germany 🇩🇪 Here to share nature’s beauty and maybe spark your wonder ✨

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In my opinion, one of the most beautiful transformations—from egg to fully grown moth—occurs in Saturnia pavonia. Here are two photos showing different caterpillar stages.The Emperor Moth, *Saturnia pavonia*, is one of Europe’s most remarkable moth species and a true masterpiece of natural design. Its caterpillars undergo an extraordinary transformation throughout their development: from tiny black larvae covered in dense hairs to vibrant green caterpillars adorned with striking yellow or pink tubercles. Each stage seems almost like a different species entirely.This moth belongs to the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths, and can be found across large parts of Europe and into Siberia. Despite its wide distribution, encountering one in the wild always feels special. The adults only live for a few days and, fascinatingly, possess no functional mouthparts. Their entire adult life is devoted solely to reproduction.Male Emperor Moths are active during the day and use their large, feather-like antennae to detect pheromones released by females from several kilometers away — an astonishing example of evolutionary adaptation and chemical communication in insects.The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants, including heather, blackberry, willow, and various Rosaceae species. Before winter, they spin an incredibly tough cocoon in which they pupate, sometimes remaining dormant for more than one season before emerging as adults the following spring.A small moth with an extraordinary life cycle — and one of the finest examples of nature’s artistry.📸 Photographed near #eifel with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#emperormoth #butterflyfacts #lepidoptera #macrophotography by @yan.veen

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2 months ago

Common BluePolyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775)Family: Lycaenidae (Blues)Wingspan: 28–36 mmFlight period: April to October, with 2–3 generations per year in Central EuropeDistribution: Widespread across Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, and eastward to the HimalayasAltitude range: Up to ~2,000 m in the Alps🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Prefers sunny, dry, flower-rich habitats such as calcareous grasslands, road verges, embankments, and extensively managed meadows* Most common on lime-rich soils* Eggs are laid singly on the underside of host plant leaves* Larvae live hidden and hibernate half-grown* Occasionally forms mixed populations with Cupido minimus (Small Blue)🍃 Larval host plants:* Primarily Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)* Also uses other Fabaceae species like clover and alfalfa✨ Appearance & Behavior* Males are bright blue with narrow black margins* Females are mostly brown with orange spots, sometimes showing a bluish hue* Underside greyish-brown with distinct black dots and a characteristic orange marginal band* Very common and widespread butterfly, often seen in large numbers🛑 Conservation & Status* Not currently threatened in Central Europe* Benefits in many regions from extensive grassland use* Still experiences local declines due to habitat loss, intensification, and land sealing🔍 How to spot it* Active in sunny weather, frequently nectaring on low flowers like knapweed, thyme, or trefoil* Often seen along paths, meadow edges, and slopes* Easy to observe thanks to its abundance and striking coloration – a perfect species for getting started with blues!📸 Photographed near #Trier with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#polyommatusicarus #commonblue #butterflyfacts #lepidoptera #macrophoto #insectphotography #biodiversity #naturephotography #wildlifewatching #pollinators #blues #speciesportrait #drygrassland #naturelovers #trier #lycaenidae #fieldnotes #ecology #conservationmatters #geoleserfoto by @yan.veen

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a year ago

Himmelblauer Bläuling ♀️ (2024 Saarland) The Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus) is a fascinating butterfly native to Southern and Central Europe. With its vibrant blue wings, it flies in two generations: from mid-May to June and again from late July to mid-September. An exception is the Chelmos Mountains in Greece, where only one generation has been recorded. This butterfly primarily inhabits mountainous regions with sunny, nutrient-poor meadows and dry slopes, thriving at altitudes between 100 and 2000 meters. Crucial to its development are the host plants of its larvae, such as Horseshoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) and Crown Vetch (Securigera varia). These plants not only provide nourishment but also facilitate a close myrmecophilous relationship between the larvae and ants of the genera Myrmica, Lasius, Tapinoma, and Plagiolepis. The females lay their eggs on the leaves of these plants, and the young caterpillars overwinter before continuing their development in spring. Pupation occurs under stones, leaves, or moss near ant nests. The Adonis Blue demonstrates remarkable adaptability and occasionally hybridizes with related species like Polyommatus coridon. While it is widely distributed—from the Mediterranean coasts and Turkey to England and Lithuania—it is absent in areas such as Northern Germany, Southern Spain, and most Mediterranean islands, except Mallorca. It also inhabits parts of Turkey, the Caucasus, and extends into Iraq and Iran. In Germany, the Adonis Blue is classified as endangered and listed in Category 3 of the Red List. Its decline highlights the importance of preserving its habitats to ensure the survival of this captivating butterfly species.#LUMIX @lumix @lumix_de #lepidoptera #best_butterfly_pictures #photographer #best_photographer #photography #obsidentify #lebennaturvielfalt #butterflys #naturfotografie #natur #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #natgeopoy24 #lycaenidae #polyommatusbellargus #Schmetterling #Tagfalter #yourshotphotographer #nrw #adonisblue #Biodiversität #Bläulinge #lightroom #biodiversity #lepidopterology #insects@lightroom All pictures ©️Yannick van der by @yan.veen

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2 years ago

Mazarine BluePolyommatus semiargus (Rottemburg, 1775)Family: Lycaenidae (Blues)Wingspan: 26–32 mmFlight period: May to August, usually one generation per year in Central Europe (occasionally a partial second generation in warmer regions)Distribution: Widespread across Europe and temperate Asia; absent from the far north and most of the Iberian PeninsulaAltitude range: Up to ~1,800 m in the Alps🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Prefers extensively managed, moist to fresh meadows, road verges, and woodland clearings* Typically found in grasslands rich in clovers and alfalfa* Eggs are laid singly on flower heads of host plants* Larvae overwinter half-grown close to the ground🍃 Larval host plants:* Primarily Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)* Occasionally other clover species (Trifolium spp.)✨ Appearance & Behavior* Males bright blue above with a narrow black margin* Females brown above with faint bluish dusting* Both sexes have pale grey undersides with black spots and no orange submarginal band — a key feature separating it from Polyommatus icarus (Common Blue)* Flies low over vegetation, often in small, localized populations🛑 Conservation & Status* Locally common in Central Europe but declining in some regions due to intensification, drainage, and habitat loss* Benefits from preservation of extensively managed wet and hay meadows🔍 How to spot it* Look for flower-rich meadows with abundant Red Clover* Best observed on calm, sunny mornings* Absence of the orange marginal band makes it easier to identify compared to similar blues📸 Photographed in Hochsölden, Ötztal Alps with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#polyommatussemiargus #mazarineblue #butterflyfacts #lepidoptera #macrophoto #insectphotography #biodiversity #naturephotography #wildlifewatching #pollinators #blues #speciesportrait #meadowlife #naturelovers #ötztal #lycaenidae #fieldnotes #ecology #conservationmatters #geoleserfoto #macro_perfection #macrophotography by @yan.veen

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a year ago

Alpine FritillaryBoloria pales (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-footed butterflies)Wingspan: 30–42 mmFlight period: June to August (one generation per year)Distribution: From the Pyrenees and Alps across Central AsiaAltitude range: 1,500–2,800 m🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Characteristic species of subalpine and alpine grasslands* Prefers flower-rich mountain meadows, alpine pastures, and dwarf shrub heaths* Larvae hatch in late summer and overwinter; pupation occurs in the following spring* Adults fly during a short high-summer window🍃 Larval host plants:* Various violet species (Viola spp.), e.g., Viola calcarata* Key habitats include traditionally managed or fallow alpine meadows✨ Appearance & Behavior* Bright orange upperside with dark markings; males often more vivid* Underside of hindwings features silvery spots and fine patterns – excellent camouflage on rocks and flowers* Rapid, fluttery flight close to the ground* Frequently nectars on alpine blooms like thistles, scabious, or bellflowers🛑 Conservation & Status* Locally common in intact mountain regions* Threatened by pasture abandonment, overgrazing, or tourism development (e.g. ski resorts)* Benefits from traditional alpine grazing and late mowing regimes🔍 How to spot it* Typical of subalpine grasslands above 1,800 m* Best observed on sunny days in July* Often found on slopes or flower-rich areas near treeline📸 Photographed in Hochsölden, Ötztal Alps, Austria (July 2025) with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#boloriapales #alpinefritillary #nymphalidae #lepidoptera #butterflyfacts #macrophoto #mountainwildlife #insectphotography #pollinators #wildlifewatching #speciesportrait #alpinebiodiversity #highaltitudenature #öztal #sölden #austriawildlife #naturelovers #conservationmatters #fieldnotes #meadowbutterflies #biodiversity #macrophotography #macro_perfection #lumix #madewithlightroomً #natgeoyourshot by @yan.veen

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White-banded RingletErebia ligea (Linnaeus, 1758)Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-footed butterflies)Subfamily: Satyrinae (Browns)Wingspan: 40–48 mmFlight period: July to September (univoltine – one generation per year)Distribution: Ranges from northern Spain across Central and Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and eastward through Russia to Japan. In Germany, it occurs mainly in the low mountain ranges and the Alps.Altitude range: Typically between 600 and 1,600 m, up to 1,800 m in the Alps🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Favors semi-shaded, humid forest clearings, woodland edges, and montane meadows near forests* Most frequent in montane and subalpine zones with tall grasses and cool, moist microclimates* Eggs are laid near grasses; caterpillars hatch in autumn and overwinter in early instars* Strongly associated with structurally rich forest margins and lightly managed woodlands🍃 Larval host plants:* Various grasses (Poaceae), including: Fescues (Festuca spp.), Bluegrasses (Poa spp., Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Purple moor-grass (Molinia caerulea)✨ Appearance & Behavior* Upperside dark brown with two or more orange-ringed eyespots on each forewing* Underside of hindwings shows a distinctive whitish band – key feature for identification* Males patrol low above the vegetation, females are often more secretive* Slow, bouncing flight; usually active along forest paths and at woodland edges🛑 Conservation & Status* Locally common in the Alps and some low mountain regions* In Germany: Listed on the early warning list ("Vorwarnliste")* Vulnerable to habitat loss through afforestation, forest homogenization, and the abandonment of traditional forest-edge management* Benefits from extensive, low-intensity forestry and open forest structures📸 Photographed in near Gurgel, Ötztal, Austria with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100-400mm #erebialigea #whitebandedringlet #satyrinae #brushfootedbutterflies #montaneforests #lepidoptera #biodiversity #naturephotography #alpinebutterflies #macrophoto #insectwatching #austrianalps #fieldnotes #speciesportrait #conservationstatus #redlistgermany #pollinatorwatch #naturaustria by @yan.veen

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Niobe FritillaryArgynnis niobe (Linnaeus, 1758)Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-footed butterflies)Wingspan: ~45–60 mmFlight period: Late May to August, one generation per year (a partial second generation possible in warm years)Distribution: From Western Europe across temperate Eurasia to Mongolia and northern ChinaGermany: Mainly southern regions; strongly declining in many areasAltitude range: Sea level to ~2,500 m depending on latitude and region🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Found in dry, nutrient-poor grasslands, open woodland clearings, and sunny slopes* Prefers warm, calcareous habitats with sparse vegetation and abundant nectar sources* Adults frequently seen flying low over grassland and settling on bare ground* Eggs are laid singly on vegetation near host plants* Larvae hatch in spring and feed on violets, hiding near the ground* Pupation occurs in concealed places close to the soil* Males patrol actively and exhibit strong, fast flight behavior🍃 Larval host plants:* Mainly Viola species (e.g. Viola canina, V. tricolor, V. reichenbachiana)✨ Appearance & Behavior* Upperside orange with bold black markings, similar to A. adippe and A. aglaja* Hindwing underside: yellowish with pearly spots and a reddish wash – more subdued than A. aglaja, redder than A. adippe* Eyes often greenish* Strong flyer; adults often visit thistles, scabious, and knapweed for nectar* Typically basks on rocks, bare soil, or gravel paths in warm weather* Rarely seen caterpillars hide near the base of host plants🛑 Conservation & Status* Germany: Endangered (Red List Category 2)* Threatened by agricultural intensification, habitat loss, and shrub encroachment* Restricted to well-managed dry grasslands and nature reserves* Strongholds remain in areas like the Swabian Jura, Rhön Mountains, Eifel, and Alpine foothills* Requires traditional land use (e.g. late mowing, grazing) for habitat maintenance📸 Photographed in the Ötztal (austria) with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#argynnisniobe #niobefritillary #butterflyfacts #lepidoptera #macrophoto #drygrassland #nymphalidae #biodiversity #insectphotography #speciesportrait by @yan.veen

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🦋 Morpho helenor (Cramer, 1776)Common Name: Helenor Blue Morpho / Common Blue Morpho📸 This photo is still one of my all-time favorites. The iridescent shimmer of this butterfly is simply unforgettable. Although native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, Morpho helenor can also often be seen in butterfly houses across Germany, where it captivates visitors with its brilliant blue wings. 🔬 Taxonomy* Class: Insecta* Order: Lepidoptera* Family: Nymphalidae* Subfamily: Morphinae* Tribe: Morphini 🌎 DistributionFound in tropical lowland rainforests from Mexico to Brazil. There are more than 30 subspecies, including M. h. peleides, montezuma, and pindarus. ✨ Identification* Wingspan: 100–120 mm (some up to 160 mm)* Dorsal side: vivid, iridescent blue – the result of microscopic scale structures* Ventral side: brown with large, colorful eyespots (ocelli) for camouflage 🧬 Behavior & Ecology* Flight: slow, undulating, with bright flashes of blue in motion* Habits: Males patrol stream edges and trails, often "mud-puddling"; females are more secretive* Diet: Adults feed on fermenting fruit and tree sap* Larval host plants: Primarily legumes (Fabaceae) such as Inga, Wisteria, Dalbergia, Robinia, Arachis 🔁 Life Cycle* Eggs: pale green, laid singly on host leaves* Caterpillars: spiny, reddish-brown with scent glands for defense* Pupa: hanging, leaf-green with a metallic sheen* Adult life: around 2–3 weeks 🕷 Interactions* Eyespots on underwings help deter or misdirect predators* A flagship species for tropical butterfly diversity and ecological beauty📸 Photographed at @eifalia_schmetterlingsgarten with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#MorphoHelenor #BlueMorpho #ButterflyHouse #TropicalButterfly #Lepidoptera #ButterflyFacts #InsectPhotography #MacroPhotography #SpeciesPortrait #NaturePhotography #WildlifeWatching #Biodiversity #TropicalInsects #ConservationMatters #Ecology #FieldNotes #NatureLovers #Trier #Geoleserfoto #ButterflyLove #macro_perfection #macrophotography #macro_kings #macromood by @yan.veen

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a year ago

Marbled FritillaryBrenthis daphne (Bergsträsser, 1780)Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-footed butterflies)Wingspan: ~35–50 mmFlight period: June to August, one generation per yearDistribution: Southern and Central Europe to Central Asia(recent expansion from Central France northward)Altitude range: Up to ~2,000 m🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Found in forest clearings and early-succession habitats near woodland with bramble thickets* Prefers warm, open, bushy areas, often on calcareous soils* Eggs laid singly on host plant leaves* Larvae overwinter in the egg stage (north of the Alps) or hatch in autumn (in Switzerland)* Pupates hanging head-down (suspended) from plant stems* Males exhibit territorial behavior 🍃 Larval host plants:* Mainly Rubus species (especially bramble)* Occasionally also Ligustrum (privet) ✨ Appearance & Behavior* Hindwing underside almost entirely washed with violet – distinctive from similar Brenthis ino* Egg conical with prominent ridges that extend beyond the tip* Caterpillar spiny, with two short head-spines, silver-grey dorsal stripes, and wide whitish lateral bands* Post-winter larvae sit openly on host plant leaves during the day* Adult butterflies can be observed low over bramble-rich vegetation🛑 Conservation & Status* Germany: Strictly protected under Federal Species Protection Ordinance (BArtSchV, 2005)* Red List Germany (2011): Not assessed* Regionally extinct in Brandenburg (northern Berlin area)* Expanding range with new populations in the Upper Rhine region (e.g. Palatinate, Saarland, Nahe valley)* Scattered records from other parts of southern Germany 🔍 How to spot it* Look for adults flying low among bramble thickets in sunny forest edges and clearings* After winter, larvae are easy to spot on bramble leaves during the day* The violet wash on the hindwing underside is a key ID feature📸 Photographed in the Eifel with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#brenthisdaphne #marbledfritillary #butterflyfacts #lepidoptera #macrophoto #insectphotography #biodiversity #naturephotography #wildlifewatching #polinators #nymphalidae #speciesportrait #macro_perfection by @yan.veen

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Spotted ChaserLibellula fulva Müller, 1764Family: Libellulidae (Chasers and Skimmers)Wingspan: ♂ approx. 70 mm; ♀ slightly smallerFlight period: Early May to late July (main flight period: June); one generation per yearDistribution: Widespread across Central Europe but often locally restricted to suitable habitatsAltitude range: Typically in lowland areas; rarely above 500 m🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Prefers natural, sunny freshwater systems with slow-flowing water and broad, well-lit banks* Typical habitats include oxbow lakes, ditches, floodplain channels, and slow-moving streams with abundant vegetation* Larvae live buried among plant debris and sediment in shallow, vegetated shore zones* Larval development generally takes two years* Emergence usually occurs in the morning; adults initially mature away from the water* Males defend linear territories along sunny banks, engaging in short, direct patrol flights* Egg-laying occurs in tandem flight by tapping the water surface🍃 Larval habitat:* Shallow, muddy shorelines rich in aquatic vegetation* Tolerant of water level fluctuations but sensitive to excessive siltation and habitat disturbance✨ Appearance & Behavior* Male: Powdery sky-blue abdomen with striking dark wingtips ("spotted" appearance)* Female: Yellowish-brown body with dark markings; lacks blue pruinescence* Teneral individuals: Prominently patterned with brown and yellow* Frequently perches on exposed stems or bankside structures* Very territorial and aggressive toward conspecifics and other dragonflies🛑 Conservation & Status* In germany not threatened (In some regions: Category 3 or Near Threatened)* Declining due to habitat loss, river engineering, bank reinforcement, and intensive land use near water bodies* Particularly sensitive to shading and the loss of dynamic, open bank structures* Indicator species for structurally rich, semi-natural wetland landscapes📸 Photographed in Echternach, Luxembourg with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#libellulafulva #spottedchaser #macro_perfection #odonata #macrophoto #wetlandwildlife #biodiversity #insectphotography #libellulidae by @yan.veen

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Silver-spotted SkipperHesperia comma (Linnaeus, 1758)Family: Hesperiidae (Skippers)Wingspan: approx. 25–30 mmFlight period: July to September, one generation per yearDistribution: Across Europe to Central Asia; locally distributed in Central EuropeAltitude range: Up to 1,800 m and above, especially in sunny, open alpine habitats🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Inhabits short-turfed, dry and nutrient-poor grasslands such as calcareous grasslands, Nardus swards, sandy grasslands, and dry woodland clearings* Strongly tied to extensive grazing systems; prefers open, sparsely vegetated sites* Eggs are laid singly on stunted, often sterile tufts of host grasses* Pupation occurs within the litter layer* Overwinters as a caterpillar🍃 Larval host plants:* Exclusively feeds on dry-adapted grasses, especially: * Sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina agg.) * Matgrass (Nardus stricta) * Grey hair-grass (Corynephorus canescens)✨ Appearance & Behavior* Resembles the more common Ochlodes sylvanus, but distinguished by sharp, silvery-white spots on the underside of the hindwings* Egg: Whitish, hemispherical, approx. 1 mm in diameter with a flattened base and slightly indented top* Caterpillar: Black with a glossy head* Flies low over sparse grasslands, very fast and active in sunny weather🛑 Conservation & Status* German Red List (2011): Category 3 (Vulnerable)* Threatened by habitat loss due to abandonment of extensive land use and increasing vegetation density* Very sensitive to encroachment; disappears rapidly with even minor turf thickening* Often underestimated in surveys due to confusion with Ochlodes sylvanus🔍 How to spot it* Look for adults from July to September in dry, open alpine grasslands* Eggs may be found on small, isolated grass tufts on exposed soil* Key feature: sharply defined silvery spots on the hindwing underside📸 Photographed in Hochgurgl, Ötztal Alps with @lumix DMC GX80 and @leica_camera_deutschland 100–400 mm#hesperiacomma #silverspottedskipper #butterflyfacts #lepidoptera #macrophoto #insectphotography #drygrassland #hesperiidae #biodiversity #speciesportrait #naturelovers #alpinewildlife #ötztal #austria #wildlife by @yan.veen

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Heath FritillaryMelitaea athalia (Rottemburg, 1775)Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-footed butterflies)Wingspan: approx. 35–45 mmFlight period: May to August, typically one generation per year in Central EuropeDistribution: Widely distributed across Europe to western Siberia; absent from parts of southern Europe and the Mediterranean regionAltitude range: Up to ~1,800 m in the Alps and Central Europe🌿 Habitat & Ecology* Prefers fresh to moist, nutrient-poor meadows, woodland clearings, and forest rides* In southern Germany, also regularly found in moorland habitats* Broad nectar plant spectrum; adults frequently visit a variety of meadow flowers and have been observed feeding on dung or carrion* Eggs are laid in batches on the underside of host plant leaves* Caterpillars overwinter in a half-grown stage🍃 Larval host plants:* Primarily cow-wheat (Melampyrum spp.)* Also: ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)✨ Appearance & Behavior* Highly variable orange-brown upper side with a dark grid-like pattern* Often difficult to distinguish from closely related Melitaea species (M. aurelia, M. britomartis, M. parthenoides)* Reliable identification often requires examination of genital structures, expert confirmation usually necessary* Freshly laid eggs: glossy white and round* Larvae: blackish with yellow-brown dorsal spines and fine speckling🛑 Conservation & Status* Germany Red List (2011): Category 3 (vulnerable)* Threatened by habitat loss due to land-use intensification and abandonment* Conservation measures: * Creation and maintenance of nutrient-poor forest clearings (e.g. through coppicing, clear-cutting) * Extensive mowing of broad forest track margins * Once-per-year mowing of mountain and moor meadows * Promotion of low-intensity, fertilizer-free grazing on fresh and moist grasslands🔍 How to spot it* Active in warm, sunny weather, typically found along forest edges, in moist meadows, and open woodland* Main flight period from late May to July#melitaeaathalia #heathfritillary #butterflyfacts #lepidoptera #macrophoto #biodiversity by @yan.veen

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