First Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) observation of the year

 

Last year, I made my first Lycorma delicatula observation on 13 April 2025. This year, it was 10 days earlier (3 April 2025) in nearly the same spot. With the large number of (visible) egg masses in my neighborhood, I fear it will be another booming year. 

In 2025, I made 1,519 observations in Arlington, Virginia.

iNaturalist Observations: In and Around Croatia & Slovenia (14-25 February 2026)

 Croatia & Slovenia

February wasn't the best time of year to be doing iNaturalist observing in Croatia and Slovenia, especially in mostly urban locations. Lots of birds (and lots of Feral Pigeons). Plenty of opportunities for urban botanizing and, especially in Ljubljana, water fowl.

Croatia

At right is a Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)

The hooded crow (Corvus cornix), also colloquially called just hoodie, is a Eurasian bird species in the genus Corvus. Widely distributed, it is found across Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. It is an ashy grey bird with black head, throat, wings, tail, and thigh feathers, as well as a black bill, eyes, and feet. Like other corvids, it is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and feeder. -- iNaturalist

My Observations

Total: 14-20 February 2026 (as of 28 February 2026)

• Observations: 28

• Species: 17

Notables

• Saw quite a few Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix)

Slovenia

At right is a European Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus): 

The firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus, is a common insect of the family Pyrrhocoridae. Easily recognizable due to its striking red and black coloration, it may be confused with the similarly coloured though unrelated Corizus hyoscyami (cinnamon bug or squash bug). Pyrrhocoris apterus is distributed throughout the Palaearctic from the Atlantic coast of Europe to northwest China. Beyond its native Palaearctic range, it has been recorded in the United States, Central America, India, and Australia. It has been reported as recently expanding its distribution northwards into mainland United Kingdom and eastward on to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.They are frequently observed to form aggregations, especially as immature forms, containing from tens to perhaps a hundred individuals. - iNaturalist

My Observations

Total: 20-25 February 2026 (as of 28 February 2026)

• Observations: 58

• Species: 31

Notables

• European Firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus)