Dragonfly tour highlights
- Dragonflies of the Mediterranean rivers: Macromia splendens
- Onychogomphus cazuma, a species endemic to Spain
- Lentic habitats: Trinaria, Diplacodes, Trithemis, …
Round
Spring
A day of activity
Private groups
Sightings of Odonates in Andalusia
Andalusia has 63 species of odonates, many of which are difficult to find in other regions of Europe. In recent years, it has become a reference for odonatologists throughout the continent. The tour focuses on the best area for these insects and contributes to the rise of entomological tourism.
Sightings and photography
We will photograph dragonflies in the field, in their habitat, to learn about their morphological features and behaviors.
Odonates of the rivers
We will travel to the best preserved stretches of river in Andalusia, where we will find species such as Macromia, Oxygastra and other gomphids that we will be able to contemplate without disturbing.
Still and stagnant waters
We will complete the list of species with a visit to ponds, ponds and / or lagoons and sight species such as Trinaria, Diplacodes, two species of dropwings Trithemis.
Search for species
Visitaremos localidades específicas si se requiere la observación de alguna especie concreta.
Odonates in southern Spain
(Trithemis kirbyi)
(Oxygastra curtisii)
Private tour The dragonflies of Andalusia
Tour variants and options
Odonates of Mediterranean rivers
This tour focuses on the odonate community of the permanent Mediterranean rivers, with the visit of the Guadiaro, Genal or Hozgarganta, favorable to Splendid Cruiser (Macromia splendens), Orange-spotted Emerald (Oxygastra curtisii) and Graslin’s clubtail (Gomphus graslinii).
Onychogomphus cazuma in Andalucía
The “Cazuma tour” explores shallow Mediterranean streams with the only population of the Cazuma pincertail (Onychogomphus cazuma) in Andalusia, and other rare species such as Mediterranean Bluet (Coenagrion caerulescens) or Faded Pincertail (Onychogomphus costae).
The “plus”. We will enjoy the aquatic environment, so pleasant in the spring. We will take advantage of the most updated knowledge from the experts.
Includes
- Specialized professional guide
- High-end telescopes
- High-end binoculars
- List of potential species
- Door-to-door passenger pickup/destination
- Accident insurance
Program for an 8-day tour on the rivers of Andalusia (Malaga-Cadiz)
This naturalist trip based in Andalusia, exploring the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, takes you to discover odonates, a fascinating group of insects. Over the course of a week, you will explore wild rivers, exceptional streams and varied wetlands to observe emblematic species.
DAY 1 : Transfer from Malaga
Meeting at Malaga airport. We will visit the Guadalmina stream, located south of the Sierra de Las Nieves National Park, where we will see some of the Spanish specialties: Ischnura graellsii, Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, Trithemis kirbyi. We will spend two nights on the Costa del Sol.
DAY 2 : Costa del Sol
A visit to an exceptional short stream with a pond. This permanent, well oxygenated and high temperature stream is currently one of the best dragonfly sites in Andalusia. Great sightings guaranteed, including no particular order: Boyeria irene, Oxygastra curtisiivarious Gomphus and Onychogomphus, etc.
DAY 3 : Genal River
A day dedicated to the Génal river, one of the last two wild rivers in southern Spain, protected by an immense cork oak forest. In this river all the southern species of flowing waters reproduce. Accommodation in the white village of Benarrabá for 3 nights.
DAY 4 | Generalist species of ponds and reservoirs
Day dedicated to Mediterranean stagnant water species: Trithemis annulata, Lestes virens, Brachytemis leucosticta, Anax, etc. Temporary pond of La Florida. Buitreras reservoir, Cañada Real del Tesoro. Guadiaro River.
DAY 5 : Hozgarganta River
The Hozgarganta River, the second wild river in southern Spain, presents a very different aspect from the Genal, alternating flowing waters with natural deep water reservoirs. Once again, all the Mediterranean species of flowing waters are potential. Platycnemis acutipennis and Macromia splendens (often difficult to observe) should be added to the Genal list.
DAY 6 | In search of Onychomphus costae
We will stop at a marsh, a small wetland rich in stagnant water species, Orthetrum trinacria, Brachythemys leucosticta. Guadalete river in the fertile lowlands, very similar to the Guadalquivir, preferred biotope of the
DAY 7 | In search of rarities to crown the trip
The Las Piedras stream, located in an agricultural area, is one of the best locations for Orthetrum nitidinerve in Andalusia. This proves its great attractiveness. We end the trip with a visit to a special habitat, the artificial lagoons in Campanillas, the usual habitat of the species of eastern origin
DAY 7 : Return and farewell
This trip is over and we will return home as soon as possible. Transfer to Malaga in the morning.
