Macroglossum stellatarum

CCC1597 [Macroglossum - Matthiola]

 I often see this day-flying moth - Macroglossum stellatarum – enjoy the nectar of Matthiola tricuspidata.
Is it a coincidence or the high quality of the nectar the moth is aware of? I wonder.
 
Photographed in Oropos on February 10, 2011

Matthiola tricuspidata

IMG_3580 [Matthiola tricuspidata]

This wild flower is commonly found on sandy beaches and seaside rocky formations all over Greece.
It can be very small with leaves and flowers close to the ground or it can reach a height of 40-50 cm. [See below.]
 
Photographed at Schinias on April 26, 2017

801_4200 [Matthiola tricuspidata]

Photographed at Alepohori on April 12, 2014

Hyles euphorbiae

DSCN3053 [Hyles euphorbiae]

This larva feeds on a plant called Euphorbia; a fact that has given the larva its name. When time comes, it will develop into a beautiful moth of the genus Hyles. [A beautiful moth I haven’t had the chance so far to take a picture of but I still hope…]. The bright colors on larva’s body send a message to predators that it’s poisonous and so it secures its safety. But probably to a point because “mistakes” always happen!

Photographed on Mt. Parnonas on October 25, 2008

The Cathedral of Athens

802_6311 [The Cathedral of Athens 2]

An early evening shot of the Cathedral of Athens.

Please click on both pictures for a better view.

For more pictures and info about the Cathedral please click here.

Photographed on July 20, 2016

 

By the way, on the left, in the foreground one can see the statue of Archbishop Damaskinos [See below]: a prominent figure who, during the German occupation (1941-1944), assisted the people who suffered, defended their rights and freedom and opposed strongly to the persecution and holocaust of the Greek Jews.
He was a man of great courage who stood up against the German occupation authorities (1943) and said: “The members of the clergy of Greece may not be shot. They may only be hanged. I beg you to respect this tradition….” [Inscription can be seen at the back of the statue.]

802_6600 [Archbishop Damaskinos]

Photographed on August 18, 2016