Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

The Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a small perennial plant in the Rosaceae family, widely known for its sweet, edible fruits. It grows naturally in temperate regions across the globe and is valued for its ecological, culinary, and medicinal uses. Often found in woodland clearings and meadows, the wild strawberry is a hardy plant that thrives in a variety of conditions.

Physical Description

• Size:
  • Typically grows to 10–30 cm tall.
• Leaves:
  • Bright green, trifoliate leaves with serrated edges and prominent veins.
  • Grows in a basal rosette.
• Flowers:
  • Small (1–2 cm in diameter) with five white petals surrounding a yellow center.
  • Bloom from April to June.
• Fruits:
  • Tiny, red, and cone-shaped with small seeds embedded on the surface.
  • Juicy and aromatic, considered sweeter than cultivated varieties.

Growth and Habitat

• Found in a variety of habitats, including:
  • Woodland edges and clearings.
  • Grasslands and meadows.
  • Roadside verges and garden borders.
• Prefers well-drained soil and sunny to partially shaded locations.

Reproduction

1. Flowers:
   • Pollinated by bees and other insects.
2. Fruits:
   • Dispersed by animals, particularly birds, that eat the fruit and excrete the seeds.
3. Runners:
   • Propagates asexually by producing stolons (runners), which root and form new plants.

Distribution

• Native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Adaptable to various climates, from temperate woodlands to alpine regions.

Uses

1. Culinary:
   • Fruits are eaten fresh, used in jams, desserts, or as flavoring in beverages.
2. Medicinal:
   • Leaves and roots have been traditionally used for their astringent and diuretic properties.
3. Ornamental:
   • Used as ground cover or in naturalized gardens for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit.

Ecological Role

• Food Source:
  • Fruits provide nourishment for birds, small mammals, and insects.
• Pollinator Attraction:
  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Soil Stabilization:
  • Dense root systems help prevent soil erosion.

Interesting Facts

1. Ancient Cultivation:
   • Wild strawberries have been gathered and enjoyed by humans since prehistoric times.
2. Genetic Contribution:
   • Contributed to the development of cultivated strawberry varieties (Fragaria × ananassa).
3. Symbol of Love:
   • In folklore, wild strawberries are sometimes associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Conservation Status

• Not Threatened, but populations can be impacted by habitat loss and overharvesting.

Summary

The Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a delightful and versatile plant that offers beauty, flavor, and ecological benefits. Its adaptability and hardiness make it a treasured species in the wild and in cultivated settings, providing enjoyment and sustenance to humans and wildlife alike.

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False blister beetle (Crysanthia viridissima)

Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)

Emma gray`s forest lizard (Calotes emma)

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena Vatia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)

Aspen Leaf-rolling Weevil (Byctiscus populi)

Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)

Emma gray`s forest lizard (Calotes emma)

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena Vatia)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

### Common Carder Bee (*Bombus pascuorum*) – Overview The **Common Carder Bee** is a widespread species of **bumblebee** found throughout **Europe** and parts of **Asia**. It’s easily recognized by its **gingery-brown fur** and its gentle behavior. As one of the last bumblebees active into autumn, it's a vital late-season pollinator. --- ### **Identification** | Feature | Description | | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Size** | Workers: 10–14 mmQueens: 15–18 mmMales: 13–15 mm | | **Color** | Ginger-brown thorax; variable abdomen (tan, brown, or dark bands) | | **Hair** | Fluffy, with a soft and “carded” appearance (hence the name) | | **Face** | Long-tongued; adapted for deep flowers | > Similar species include *Bombus muscorum* and *Bombus humilis*, but *B. pascuorum* is more common in gardens and urban settings. --- ### **Habitat Flowers** * Found in **gardens**, **meadows**, **hedgerows**, **roadsides**, and **urban areas**. * Forages from a wide range of flowers, including: * **Red clover**, **vetch**, **dead-nettle**, **knapweed**, **lavender**, and **borage**. --- ### **Nesting Behavior** * Nests **above ground** in dense grass, moss, or compost heaps. * The queen uses **moss and grass to card and line the nest**, giving the species its name. * Colonies are **relatively small** (50–150 workers). --- ### ♻️ **Life Cycle** 1. **Spring**: Queen emerges and finds a nest site. 2. **Early Summer**: First brood of workers hatches. 3. **Mid–Late Summer**: Male bees and new queens produced. 4. **Autumn**: Males and old queens die; new queens hibernate. --- ### **Fun Facts** * Unlike honeybees, bumblebee colonies **do not survive winter** — only **new queens overwinter**. * One of the **last bumblebee species active into October/November**, depending on the region. * Considered a **key pollinator** in both wild and agricultural ecosystems. --- ### **How to Help Them** * Grow nectar-rich flowers that bloom from spring to autumn. * Avoid using pesticides, especially neonicotinoids. * Leave areas of unmown grass or log piles for potential nesting sites. --- Would you like a comparison between *Bombus pascuorum* and other common bumblebees in your area (e.g., *Bombus terrestris*, *Bombus lapidarius*)?

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Emma gray`s forest lizard (Calotes emma)

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Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)

Dead-Nettle Leaf Beetle (Crysolina fastuosa)

Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)

Emma gray`s forest lizard (Calotes emma)

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