Fauna

Dive into Cyprus’s rich biodiversity as we explore the fascinating fauna surrounding our olive farm, where nature’s harmony unfolds in every leaf and fluttering wing.

Why repeated wildlife observations matter

26. June 2026

A second encounter with the common chameleon at Mavronero Earlier this year, we shared the story of a common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) spotted among the olive trees at Mavronero. Recently, we were delighted to encounter another individual, quietly moving through...

Cicada emergence observed at Mavronero

23. June 2026

A brief glimpse into an extraordinary life cycle During recent observations at Mavronero, an adult cicada was recorded among the bean plants shortly after emerging from its juvenile stage. The insect was seen repeatedly moving its wings and attempting to...

Wasp Spider observed at Mavronero

23. June 2026

A remarkable web builder in the Mediterranean landscape During recent observations at Mavronero, a wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi) was recorded among the farm’s natural vegetation. This striking species is easily recognised by its distinctive yellow and black striped abdomen and...

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

22. June 2026

Species of the Month – June 2026 Acoustic monitoring at Mavronero provides continuous insight into local bird activity. Each month, we analyse detection data to better understand species presence, behavioural intensity and ecological patterns. During the period 15/06/2026 – 22/06/2026,...

Wolf Spider (Lycosa praegrandis)

16. June 2026

The observation of a wolf spider (Lycosa praegrandis) during aubergine planting at Mavronero highlights the presence of important predatory species within Mediterranean agricultural ecosystems. Wolf spiders belong to the family Lycosidae, a group of ground-dwelling hunters found throughout Europe, North...

Old World Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio machaon)

12. June 2026

The Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) is one of the most recognizable butterfly species found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Although the adult butterfly is widely admired for its distinctive yellow-and-black wings, its caterpillar stage plays an...

European Black Widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus)

1. June 2026

The European black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) is one of the most recognizable spider species found throughout Mediterranean ecosystems. Although often associated with its medically significant venom, this species forms a natural part of the invertebrate communities that develop within agricultural...

Long-headed Grasshopper (Truxalis eximia cypria)

29. May 2026

Long-headed grasshoppers are among the most distinctive insects found within Mediterranean grassland ecosystems. Their elongated bodies, narrow profiles, and exceptional camouflage allow them to remain almost invisible among dry grasses and herbaceous vegetation. At Mavronero, a probable long-headed grasshopper (Truxalis...

Coin-marked Snake (Hemorrhois nummifer)

27. May 2026

A coin-marked snake observed hunting within the Mediterranean olive landscape surrounding Mavronero

Mediterranean Flower Chafer Beetle (Cetoniinae spp.)

22. May 2026

Mediterranean flower chafer beetles (Cetoniinae spp.) form part of the diverse invertebrate communities associated with flowering vegetation across Mediterranean ecosystems. These beetles are commonly observed interacting with seasonal flowering plants within grasslands, cultivated olive landscapes, herbaceous vegetation systems, and semi-natural...