Wildflowers and butterflies in the Pyrenees

The magnificent Corona de Rey (King’s crown)

The warm weather during April and May means that the Pyrenees are already bursting with life and lots of species of wildflowers that I wouldn’t normally expect to see at this time of year are already flowering – these are all photos taken on my hikes over the last couple of weeks.

Saxifraga Longifolia are one of the specialities of the Pyrenees. Known locally as Corona del Rey (Kings Crown) they grow slowly on cliff faces for about 4 or 5 years before exploding into flower for just one season before dying. The flower stem can be up to 60 cm tall and is covered in small white flowers.

Spanish Moon Moth

Spanish Moon Moth – a huge moth with a wingspan of almost 15cm

This Spanish Moon Moth was a fantastic find. First time I ever saw it was on an outdoor bench in my backyard, but couldn’t quite get a shot. It was the biggest moth I’ve ever seen with a wingspan approaching 15cm and had fantastic colours. They live in pine forests and are quite rare so it was a real privilege to see it.

Fly Orchid

Fly Orchid

Fly Orchids (ophyrs insectifera) are fascinating and highly specialised orchids. Each member of the Ophrys family is designed to be pollinated by a particular type of insect. The flower mimics the shape of the insect that it’s trying to attract and the plant even lets off a scent that imitates the smell of the pheremone of the female inscet. The males insects pollinate the orchid as they try to mate with the flower.

Oreja de Oso (Bear’s Ear)

The Oreja de Oso or Bear’s Ear (Ramonda Myconi) is found only in the Pyrenees. It’s leaves resemble an african violet and the other species in this family grow mainly in the tropics.

It’s thought this species was established when the area was much hotter and then adapted as temperatures got cooler. It’s flowers are distinctive with a protuding yellow central stamen.

Elder Flowered Orchid

Elder flowered orchids (dactylorhiza sambucina) are the most numerous in the Pyrenees and in early summer the alpine meadows are covered in these orchids. They can be found with both purple and yellow flowers – both are the same species.

Scarce Swallowtail

The yellow swallowtail butterfly and the black and white scarce swallowtail are two of my favourites. Both are quite large and I’ve seen quite a few in flight already this summer. The peak of Punta del Pacino is a great place to see these butterflies and there always seem to be several pairs flying around the summit cairn.

The insect eating large flowered butterwort (pinguicula grandiflora)

The insect eating large flowered butterwort (pinguicula grandiflora)  is another fascinating wildflower. It’s lime green leaves are greasy to the touch and small insects get stuck to the leaves. A second enzyme then breaks down the insect whose nutrients are absorbed through hundreds of microscopic holes in the leaves.

These holes also dry the plant out so they are always found in damp places – particularly on continually wet rock faces. As the plant is topping up it’s nutrients with insects it can survive on very poor soil and rocks.

These are just some of the flowers currently out in the Pyrenees – it’s shaping up to be an excellent season for flowers. If your interested in flora our Lakes & Valleys walking holidays are ideal and visit some of the best alpine meadows in the area.

One thought on “Wildflowers and butterflies in the Pyrenees”

  1. My wife and I (along with our dog….are dogs allowed in the National Park?) are travelling to the Pyrenees next year in May or June. I am a wildlife photographer and am visiting to write an article about visiting the area for MMM (a motorhome magazine). I don’t need accommodation in your hotel but wondered whether you offer camping for motorcaravans or if there is a camp site nearby.
    I was particularly interested in your self-guided walking leaflets/maps in the National Park. Would I be able to buy copies of those or maybe publicise your website in my article in return for you sending them to me?
    Also, when do you think is the very best time to visit for flowers in your area (and possibly other wildlife) during May/June.
    Finally I am a wildlife photographer and have long lenses to photograph birds, in your estimation would it be possible to photograph vultures anywhere close to you?
    thanks for your time,
    David

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