S'estaca

So lately I have been on some great walks around Mallorca with some great people, mostly on the north-west side of the island. First place is a small grouping of houses heading down into a small rocky beach. This place is called S'estaca.

A couple of kilometers from the town of Valldemossa, there is a little side-road down to port de Valldemossa. Further down we parked the car and continued on foot.

After a long walk, with a couple of sidetracks, also passing a mansion owned apparently by Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, we ended up in a great little beach with rocks that will cut like knives. The water was filled with jellyfish, but they did not stop us from trying the nice, clear, salty, Mediterranean water. On the expedition I did not come across a lot of insects and other creatures, but the season is rather early still, and I like a challenge. Although we did not have quantity, I did discover quality. Here are two of the most interesting discoveries for me.   

Scutigeridae 

 
These are common to find under almost every rock i have turned over here. They are exceptionally fast hence the bad quality. And they are often found in bathrooms as well. They feed mostly on Diptera, but will take any animal of appropriate size. As members of the Chilopoda and with possession of formidable chelicera, apparently they can bite. I had some in my hand and did not get bitten but i do not doubt the statement so careful guys.

Buprestidae (Jewel beetle) and likely to be Chalcophora mariana Given apperance and habitat.

You really can understand why they are called Jewel beetles, with their metallic glimmer and colouring. It is found also in Norway as the "furubraktbille", but it is a red listing. Here it is more common.  

Sometimes it is hard to get to the places where great insects roam. (Truthfully it landed on the leg of one of my expedition companions, thanks’ Leo). BTW; i have more of a tan now hehe.

It was a great day. Thanks to all who joined.