Walking around corfu

[kevin-beverly]

Firefly

Lampyridae

Common names lightning bugs,glowworms,fire beetles,Fire Devils,Moon Bug,Glow Fly are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,000 described species, many of which are light-emitting. They are soft-bodied beetles
Known for their conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates. The type species is Lampyris noctiluca, the common glow-worm of Europe. Light production in the Lampyridae is thought to have originated as a warning signal that the larvae were distasteful. This ability to create light was then co-opted as a mating signal and, in a further development, adult female fireflies of the genus Photuris mimic the flash pattern of the Photinus beetle to trap their males as prey.

Scientific classification
Domain:   Eukaryota
Kingdom:   Animalia
Phylum:   Arthropoda
Class:   Insecta
Order:   Coleoptera
Suborder:   Polyphaga
Infraorder:   Elateriformia
Superfamily:   Elateroidea
Family:   Lampyridae
Subfamilies
Amydetinae
Cheguevariinae
Chespiritoinae
Cyphonocerinae
Lamprohizinae
Lampyrinae
Luciolinae
Ototretinae
Photurinae
Psilocladinae
Pterotinae

Fireflies are beetles and in many aspects resemble other beetles at all stages of their life cycle, undergoing complete metamorphosis. A few days after mating, a female lays her fertilized eggs on or just below the surface of the ground. The eggs hatch three to four weeks later. In certain firefly species with aquatic larvae, such as Aquatica leii, the female oviposits on emergent portions of aquatic plants, and the larvae descend into the water after hatching
The larvae feed until the end of the summer. Most fireflies hibernate as larvae. Some do this by burrowing underground, while others find places on or under the bark of trees. They emerge in the spring. At least one species, Ellychnia corrusca, overwinters as an adult. The larvae of most species are specialized predators and feed on other larvae, terrestrial snails, and slugs. Some are so specialized that they have grooved mandibles that deliver digestive fluids directly to their prey. The larval stage lasts from several weeks up to, in certain species, two or more years. The larvae pupate for one to two and a half weeks and emerge as adults

HABITAT

Fireflies can live in many habitats, including forests, fields, meadows, and wetlands. They need moisture and warm, humid environments.
Soil: Fireflies thrive in moist, well-aerated soil.
Water: Fireflies need standing water, such as ponds, streams, marshes, rivers, and lakes.
Cover: Fireflies need cover for larval stages and open space for adults to glow. Fireflies do not eat plants, but they do eat snails, slugs, and worms.
They may help keep pest populations low.

Fireflies that typically range from 5 to 25 millimeters (or up to 1 inch) in length.
Species Variation: Fireflies vary in size and appearance depending on the species. 
Bioluminescence: They are famous for their ability to produce light, called bioluminescence, which they use for communication and finding mates.

The fireflies you see flashing are males looking for females. Males flash a specific pattern when they fly and hope a female will reply. If a female firefly likes what she sees, she will respond with a flash of her own. The fireflies will have this "conversation" until the male locates the female and they mate.

Having a firefly land on you: be proud of yourself.

If a firefly lands on you, take it as the ultimate compliment—it has welcomed you into its world! This could be a sign that you'll find your tribe by staying true to yourself.t







NO TO HUMANS
 some fireflies contain poisonous chemicals called lucibufagins, which are a defense mechanism against predators and can be harmful to lizards, amphibians, and birds.


Fireflies, or lightning bugs, are beneficial insects with various uses, including being predators of soft-bodied invertebrates like snails and slugs, and their bioluminescence is used for communication and potentially as a defense mechanism against predators.


Medical and Scientific Research:
The chemical reaction that causes fireflies to glow, involving luciferase and luciferin, is used in various medical and biochemical research areas, including drug discovery, imaging, and studying cell viability.
Luminescence-based tests:
Can measure cell viability to identify drugs that are most effective at killing tumor cells.
Imaging:
Fireflies can help scientists develop real-time, noninvasive imaging to see what's happening inside living organisms.

[kevin-beverly]

 

Reading a plant book i read that this plants grows oc Corfu

Lupin

Lupinus

 commonly known as lupin, lupine, or regionally bluebonnet, is a genus of plants in the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes over 199 species, with centres of diversity in North and South America. Smaller centres occur in North Africa and the Mediterranean. They are widely cultivated, both as a food source and as ornamental plants, but are invasive to some areas Lupins are a popular garden plant known for their tall, colorful spikes of pea-like flowers,

The species are mostly herbaceous perennial plants 0.3–1.5 metres (1–5 feet) tall, but some are annual plants and a few are shrubs up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. An exception is the chamis de monte (Lupinus jaimehintonianus) of Oaxaca in Mexico, which is a tree up to 8 m (26 ft) tall
Lupins have soft green to grey-green leaves which may be coated in silvery hairs, often densely so. The leaf blades are usually palmately divided into five to 28 leaflets, or reduced to a single leaflet in a few species of the southeastern United States and eastern South America.
The flowers are produced in dense or open whorls on an erect spike, each flower 1–2 centimetres (3⁄8–3⁄4 inch) long. The pea-like flowers have an upper standard, or banner, two lateral wings, and two lower petals fused into a keel. The flower shape has inspired common names such as bluebonnets and quaker bonnets.

The fruit is a pod containing several seeds. The seeds contain alkaloids which lend them a bitter taste


Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Eudicots
Clade:   Rosids
Order:   Fabales
Family:   Fabaceae
Subfamily:   Faboideae
Tribe:   Genisteae
Genus:   Lupinus
L.
Type species
Lupinus albus
L.
Subgenera
Lupinus
Platycarpos (S.Wats) Kurl.

HABITAT

 Found in various habitats, including meadows, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas, with some species thriving in wetlands and others in drier, sandy environments.
Sundial lupine is commonly found in dry, sandy openings such as those found in savannas, woodland clearings, or disturbed areas

                                      ALSO
Lupinus perennis
also wild perennial lupine, wild lupine, sundial lupine, blue lupine, Indian beet, or old maid's bonnets


HISTORY

The term "Lupin" can refer to both a plant genus (Lupinus) and a fictional character, Arsène Lupin, with the plant having a history rooted in ancient civilizations and the character in the work of French author Maurice Leblanc.
In ancient Greece, lupins, particularly the white lupin (Lupinus albus), were cultivated and used as a food source, with mentions in the writings of Hippocrates and Theophrastus, who noted their nutritional value and cultivation on sandy soils.
The ancient Greeks likely selected wild lupin varieties with large white seeds and light-colored flowers from the Balkan Peninsula and introduced them into cultivation.

Hippocrates and Theophrastus:
Hippocrates (460-364 BC) mentioned lupins in his writings, highlighting their nutritional benefits and noting that lupin pods were less harmful than those of chickpeas.
Theophrastus (372-288 BC) provided instructions on lupin cultivation, specifically mentioning sandy soils as suitable for growing lupins.
Lupin's Greek Name:
The Greek name for lupin, "termis", translates to "hot" or "ardent", which may further suggest the plant's association with the Mediterranean region.
Spread and Use:
White lupin dispersed from Greece to adjacent regions and states, including Egypt and Ancient Rome.

Modern Usage:
Even today, white lupin is still cultivated in some Mediterranean countries, particularly Egypt, and is a popular snack in Greece, especially during Lent, and in other Mediterranean countries like France, Spain, and Portugal.




Yes, all parts of lupins (Lupinus spp.) are toxic to humans, especially the seeds and leaves, and can cause poisoning if ingested, though death is rare. Lupins contain toxic alkaloids, including lupanine and sparteine, which can cause various symptoms if ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning:
These can include stomach pain, dizziness, confusion, nausea, palpitations, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest and respiratory paralysis. Edible Lupins:
Some lupin species are cultivated for their seeds, which are traditionally eaten in some regions after a debittering process to remove the toxins.


Gardens,Parks, In Landscapes,flower arrangements
 used as a versatile food ingredient, particularly for its high protein and fiber content, and can be found in various products like flour, protein isolates, and whole beans, often as a substitute for wheat, soy, or animal proteins. Lupins are mostly used as fodder and food crops, and some species are also used ornamentally. They are traditionally part of the human diet mainly in the Mediterranean

Lupins, particularly sweet lupins, have been used traditionally and are now being researched for their potential medicinal benefits, including supporting diabetes management, heart health, and potentially aiding in weight management and gut health.
Diabetes Management:
Some research suggests that lupins, especially the protein extracts, may help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Lupin seeds contain gamma-conglutin, a protein that has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels.
Heart Health:
Lupins may contribute to heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels and potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lupin protein extracts have been shown to reduce the development of atherosclerotic plaques in coronary blood vessels.
Weight Management:
Lupins are high in protein and fiber, which can contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially aiding in weight management.
Some studies suggest that replacing part of the usual diet with lupin products may not help overweight or obese patients lose weight.
Gut Health:
Lupins are a good source of prebiotic fiber, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improve digestive health.
Other Potential Benefits:
Lupins may help reduce inflammation and protect against various chronic diseases.
They are a good source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Lupins may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, blood lipids and the gut microbiome.


Important Considerations:
Toxicity:
Only sweet lupins are safe for consumption. Bitter lupins contain alkaloids that can be toxic.



 

 

 

[kevin-beverly]

Some of you will be in Arillas this May and see the TOADS

Common toad, European toad


Bufo bufo

Bufo bufo, from Latin bufo "toad"

 is a toad found throughout most of Europe (with the exception of Ireland, Iceland, parts of Scandinavia, and some Mediterranean islands), in the western part of North Asia, and in a small portion of Northwest Africa. It is one of a group of closely related animals that are descended from a common ancestral line of toads and which form a species complex. The toad is an inconspicuous animal as it usually lies hidden during the day. It becomes active at dusk and spends the night hunting for the invertebrates on which it feeds. It moves with a slow, ungainly walk or short jumps, and has greyish-brown skin covered with wart-like lumps.
Although toads are usually solitary animals, in the breeding season, large numbers of toads converge on certain breeding ponds, where the males compete to mate with the females. Eggs are laid in gelatinous strings in the water and later hatch out into tadpoles. After several months of growth and development, these sprout limbs and undergo metamorphosis into tiny toads. The juveniles emerge from the water and remain largely terrestrial for the rest of their lives

How to identify
The common toad has olive-brown, warty skin, copper eyes and short back legs. It walks rather than hops, and lays its spawn in long strings around aquatic plants, with two rows of eggs per string.

Despite its name, the Common Toad is no longer as common as it once was, and toads are now considered an 'at risk', Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, and are protected by law from sale and trade.

Domain:   Eukaryota
Kingdom:   Animalia
Phylum:   Chordata
Class:   Amphibia
Order:   Anura
Family:   Bufonidae
Genus:   Bufo
Species:   B. bufo
Binomial name
Bufo bufo


HABITAT

woodland, grassland and gardens as adults. Ponds as tadpoles.

Common toads are most active at night when they hunt, their favourite foods including snails, slugs, ants and spiders. Toads tend to be fairly sedentary, and may remain in your garden for long periods over the summer. However, as the temperature drops in the autumn, they will start to look for somewhere to hibernate. This could be a log pile, under a large stone, or in a man made structure like an old flower pot, and you can encourage toads to stay in your garden by providing suitable hibernation structures. Toads then wait out the cold months of the year before starting the whole cycle again in the spring, and it is said that they can live for up to 40 years.

Statistics
Length: 8-13cm
Weight: up to 80g


 Predators: carnivorous mammals like otters and hedgehogs, grass snakes, herons, birds of prey.

Toads have a strong migratory instinct, following the same route back to their ancestral breeding ponds each spring. This leads to the characteristic mass 'toad crossings', which can sadly result in considerable road deaths.
Breeding toads congregate in early spring, often a couple of weeks after the common frogs, but then after a week or so tend to move away from ponds and resume their solitary lifestyle in a more terrestrial habitat.



CORFU HAS TWO TOADS THAT ARE THE MOST WELL KNOWN


European green toad

Bufotes viridis

 is a species of true toad found in steppes, mountainous areas, semi-deserts, urban areas and other habitats in mainland Europe, ranging from far eastern France and Denmark to the Balkans, Western Russia and the Caucasus. As historically defined, the species ranged east through the Middle East and Central Asia to western China, Mongolia and northwestern India, and south through Italy and the Mediterranean islands to North Africa.
Following genetic and morphological reviews, 14 populations (all largely or entirely Asian, except for the African and Balearic green toads) are now regarded as separate species. These species and the European green toad are placed in their own genus Bufotes, but they were included in Bufo

The spots on the back vary from green to dark brown and sometimes red spots appear, too. The underside is white or very lightly coloured. The European green toad will change colour in response to heat and light changes. Females are larger than males and can lay 9,000 to 15,000 eggs at a time.


Bufotes viridis tadpoles
It can reach a maximum size (head and body length) of 10 centimetres (3.9 in), but growth to this size is rare


Domain:   Eukaryota
Kingdom:   Animalia
Phylum:   Chordata
Class:   Amphibia
Order:   Anura
Family:   Bufonidae
Genus:   Bufotes
Species:   B. viridis
Binomial name
Bufotes viridis

Diet
Bufotes viridis eats a variety of insects and invertebrates, mainly crickets, meal worms, small butterflies, earthworms, moths, beetles, ants, spiders and caterpillars. There has also been a reported attack on a bat

The European green toad has the ability to secrete defensive toxins from its parotid glands and these toxins are effective enough to kill most of the toad's predators. They are harmless to humans when contact is made with the skin.

HABITAT

Bufotes viridis is one of the most polytopic amphibians of the Palearctic. It lives in the zones of forests, forest steppes, steppes, semi-deserts and deserts. It is more tolerant to dry conditions than many other amphibians. It inhabits both wet swampy areas as well as dry deserts of different types.

The true toads (Bufo), with more than 300 species, are found worldwide


When threatened, the common toad may emit a white liquid poison from the glands on the back of its head. In addition to causing skin irritation in humans, the secretions are very harmful to dogs, cats, and other pets.

The European green toad has the ability to secrete defensive toxins from its parotid glands and these toxins are effective enough to kill most of the toad's predators. They are harmless to humans when contact is made with the skin.


Both Toads are good for the Garden eatting slugs etc


Toads are mainly used in treating malignant tumors (e.g., liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, among others), and some major diseases such as hepatitis B.
 The medicinal parts of toads mainly include their venom, skin, and clothing. The toad's venom and skin possess the same chemical components, mainly the toad venom lactone class, and their pharmacological effects primarily include the maintenance of strong heart, antitumor, antivirus, anti-infection, and analgesic effects. So far, the produces from the medicinal raw materials of the toad are widely used clinically around the world, especially in China, Japan, and South Korea. About 50 varieties of medicines are used in the clinical treatment of various complicated diseases in China, such as "Liushen pills" which was popular in the whole world.











                           

[kevin-beverly]

Almonds

Prunus amygdalus, syn. Prunus dulcis

The fruit of the almond is a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed, which is not a true nut.
 Shelling almonds refers to removing the shell to reveal the seed. Almonds are sold shelled or unshelled. Blanched almonds are shelled almonds that have been treated with hot water to soften the seedcoat, which is then removed to reveal the white embryo. Once almonds are cleaned and processed, they can be stored for around a year if kept refrigerated; at higher temperatures they will become rancid more quickly. Almonds are used in many cuisines, often featuring prominently in desserts, such as marzipan.
The almond tree prospers in a moderate Mediterranean climate with cool winter weather. It is rarely found wild in its original setting. Almonds were one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees, due to the ability to produce quality offspring entirely from seed, without using suckers and cuttings. Evidence of domesticated almonds in the Early Bronze Age has been found in the archeological sites of the Middle East, and subsequently across the Mediterranean region and similar arid climates with cool winters.

Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Eudicots
Clade:   Rosids
Order:   Rosales
Family:   Rosaceae
Genus:   Prunus
Subgenus:   Prunus subg. Amygdalus
Species:   P. amygdalus
Binomial name
Prunus amygdalus

The almond is a deciduous tree growing to 3–4.5 metres (10–15 feet) in height, with a trunk of up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) in diameter. The young twigs are green at first, becoming purplish where exposed to sunlight, then grey in their second year. The leaves are 8–13 cm (3–5 in) long,[9] with a serrated margin and a 2.5 cm (1 in) petiole.
The almond tree, which has existed in Greece since the antiquity, is the first deciduous tree to flower, usually in February or even January if the weather is mild; it has thus been particularly associated with the rebirth of nature and undying hope, giving rise to myths linked to its early bloom.
The fragrant flowers are white to pale pink, 3–5 cm (1–2 in) diameter with five petals, produced singly or in pairs and appearing before the leaves in early spring in uk

HABITAT
Almond trees thrive in Mediterranean climates, including areas of Greece, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. They prefer sunny locations with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and well-draining, moderately fertile soil. They also require a period of chill time (300-600 hours below 7°C) to break dormancy and begin flowering, according to Gardenia.net.
Will grow in the UK
 they are usually found in gardens or orchards, especially in more sheltered and sunny locations.

HISTORY
The Greek almond tree has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was considered a symbol of fertility and rebirth. It's been cultivated in Greece for centuries, with evidence suggesting it was introduced from Western Asia around the 5th century BCE. Almonds have been associated with Greek mythology, like the story of Phyllis and Demophon, where the tree blossoms in a miraculous way. In Greek culture, the almond tree symbolizes love, hope, and eternal hope.
Demophon, duty bound to Greece, returns home to help his father, leaving Phyllis behind. She sends him away with a casket, telling him that it contains a sacrament of Rhea and asking him to open it only if he has given up hope of returning to her. From here, the story diverges. In one version, Phyllis realizes that he will not return and commits suicide by hanging herself from a tree. Where she is buried, an almond tree grows, which blossoms when Demophon returns to her. In another version, Demophon opens the casket and, horrified by what he sees inside, rides off in such great haste that his horse stumbles and he accidentally falls on his own sword
Almonds are often used in Greek weddings and baptisms, representing good luck and prosperity.

The word almond is a loanword from Old French almande or alemande, descended from Late Latin amandula, amindula, modified from Classical Latin amygdala, which is in turn borrowed from Ancient Greek amygdálē (ἀμυγδάλη) (cf. amygdala, an almond-shaped portion of the brain). Late Old English had amygdales 'almonds'

The adjective amygdaloid (literally 'like an almond, almond-like') is used to describe objects which are roughly almond-shaped, particularly a shape which is part way between a triangle and an ellipse. For example, the amygdala of the brain uses a direct borrowing of the Greek term amygdalē



Yes, certain parts of the almond tree can be poisonous, particularly the seeds of bitter almonds. Bitter almonds contain a compound called amygdalin, which releases cyanide when ingested, making them potentially dangerous, especially for children.
While sweet almonds, which are commonly eaten, are not considered poisonous, the seeds of bitter almonds should be handled with caution and not consumed.

In large gardens parks in landscapes
Because of their sweet but mild flavor, you can use them in everything from brownies to ice cream. Chopped almonds, slivered almonds, almond milk and almond sauce are just a few of the many ways you can go about adding them to your dessert. And because they're a nutritious snack, you can enjoy them guilt free!
Almonds have a variety of uses, from being eaten as a healthy snack to being incorporated into various culinary creations and skincare products. They are also a valuable source of nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins.


Nutrient Source: Almonds are packed with essential nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E.
Heart Health: Almonds can support heart health by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure.
Weight Management: Almonds can aid in weight management by promoting satiety due to their high fiber and protein content.
Blood Sugar Control: Almonds can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Bone Health: Almonds contain calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health.
Brain Function: Almonds are rich in nutrients that can support brain health, including vitamin E and other antioxidants.
Immune System: Almonds contain antioxidants that can support the immune system.
Digestive Health: Almonds can improve digestion by promoting healthy gut bacteria.
Skincare: Almond oil can be used for skincare, particularly for dry or sensitive skin conditions.
Exfoliation: Almonds can be used as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
Hair Health: Almond oil can nourish and strengthen hair.