Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Naturetrek Tour Report 8 – 15 April 2015 Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Naturetrek Tour Report 8 – 15 April 2015

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK

T: +44 (0)1962 733051

E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Report compiled by Paul Harmes & Jessica Turner

Images by John Mason, Jessica Turner and Paul Harmes

Crocus vernus by John Mason

Lotus tetragonolobus by John Mason

Ophrys bombyliflora by John Mason Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera

mailto:[email protected]

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Tour Report Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

© Naturetrek September 15 1

Tour Leaders: Paul Harmes Naturetrek Naturalist

Jessica Turner Naturetrek Naturalist

Together with 11 Naturetrek participants

Summary

This year’s trip to the Sorrento Peninsula enjoyed a week of almost unbroken sunshine. Botanically, it was a

relatively late season, with Spring Crocus being particularly abundant on Monte Faito, but it was noticeable how

plants blossomed during the week. The magnificent views of a Montagu’s Harrier were probably the birding

highlight, but we also enjoyed very good views of both Blue and Common Rock Thrushes, Wryneck and

frequent Peregrines, while the migrating Steppe Buzzards were a bonus. The stunning scenery, the intrigue of

Vesuvius and Pompeii, and the delights of freshly-picked and freshly-squeezed oranges and lemons, all

contributed to an excellent experience of this part of Italy.

Day 1 Wednesday 8th April

Travel to Sorrento

Eleven tour members met with Jessica and Paul at Gatwick’s North Terminal for our British Airways flight

BA2606 to Naples. With the luggage and vehicle formalities completed, we set off for the Sorrento Peninsula, in

bright sunshine and high cloud. After a short drive, we made a stop for refreshments in a motorway service area.

Whilst having a snack, Kestrel, Blackbird and Hooded Crow were seen and, on the steep bank of the car park,

we found Reseda alba (White Mignonette), Fumaria capreolata (White Ramping Fumitory), Malva sylvestris (Common

Mallow) and Anchusa undulata subsp. hybrida (Undulate Anchusa). Leaving the service area, our route took us past

the imposing Mount Vesuvius and the beautiful Bay of Naples. As we went Barn Swallow, House Martin,

Kestrel and Collared Dove were all noted.

We left the motorway at Castellammare di Stabia, and turned onto the busy, but scenic, coastal road, entering the

first of three long tunnels which cut through the mountain. Emerging, we were soon enjoying the views of the

Bay of Sorrento and the wider Bay of Naples, including the islands of Capri and Ischia, and the rugged coastline.

We made a brief stop, in a stiff sea breeze, to stretch our legs at Punta Gradelle, near Meta. Numerous Yellow-

legged Gulls were seen together with Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, and a flock of about 30

Alpine Swift, and Sardinian Warbler heard. For the botanists there was Antirrhinum siculum (Sicilian Snapdragon),

Euphorbia dendroides (Tree Spurge), Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) and Asplenium ruta-muraria (Wall Rue).

Continuing on through the busy evening traffic, we soon arrived at the Best Western Hotel La Solara, our base

for the week. We were welcomed by our host, Massimo, who ushered us into the lounge for a complimentary

welcome drink, before settling us into our rooms. We met again at 6.15pm, when our leaders outlined some of

the week’s excursions and general logistics, before going into the restaurant for dinner.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

2 © Naturetrek September 15

Day 2 Thursday 9th April

Punta Campanella

Today, on a bright fresh morning, we travelled the relatively short distance south of Via Capo to the village of

Termini. Before we left the hotel, we had reasonable views of a Short-toed Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. Along

the way, we saw Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) and Allium triquetrum (Three-cornered Leek). In Termini, we

parked the vehicles. Our plan was to walk the track from the town to the old lighthouse at Punta Campanella.

The Mediterranean flora was very much in evidence here, and it was not long before we were beginning to

identify an array of species. The early part of the track, near the town, descended through olive groves, market

gardens and woodland, and then into more open “Garrigue” scrubland nearer the lighthouse. Early sightings

were Kestrel, Serin and Blackcap. As we moved on, we also began to record plants. Ulmus canescens

(Mediterranean Elm), Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern), Parietaria officinalis (Eastern Pellitory-of-the-Wall), Leopoldia

comosa (Tassel Hyacinth), Calendula arvensis (Field Marigold) and Anemone hortensis (an Anemone) were all seen.

Butterflies were also active, with Holly Blue and Wall Brown early sightings.

A little further on we found the endemic Glandora rosmarinifolia (Rosemary-leaved Gromwell) and, very close by,

we found Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (a Spider Orchid), Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes (Early Spider

Orchid) and an emerging spike of Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid). There was also some activity on the bird

front, with Subalpine Warbler heard, Sardinian Warbler, Robin, Raven, Peregrine Falcon and Chiffchaff all

recorded. With regard to botanical interest, the Pea family was particularly well represented, with Trifolium

stellatum (Starry Clover), Lotus ornithopodioides (a Bird’s-foot Trefoil), Anthyllis barba-jovis (Jupiter's Beard), Lathyrus

clymenum, Lotus tetragonolobus (Asparagus Pea), and Coronilla scorpioides (Annual Scorpion Vetch) all noted.

While enjoying our picnic lunch at the old lighthouse, we saw a number of Alpine Swifts, Black Redstart, Yellow-

legged Gull and Common Swift. Italian Wall Lizards were also very numerous and active in the afternoon sun.

As we began to retrace our steps, we found Onobrychis aequidentata (a Sainfoin), Lotus edulis (Edible Lotus) and

Silene gallica (Small-flowered Catchfly). When we reached Termini, we stopped for well-earned refreshments at a

local Juice bar/cafe, before beginning our homeward journey.

Day 3 Friday 10th April

Positano

Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we drove in the direction of Massa Lubrense and Sant Agata, with the objective

today of visiting the splendid Amalfi coastal road to the lovely little town of Positano. As we drove, we enjoyed

some dramatic views of the mountains and sea cliffs, with the road clinging to their sides. Jessica and Paul parked

the mini-buses in a lay-by, where we distributed the lunch and set off, in bright, warm sunshine, for the steep

path which would take us up above this splendid coastline. Before departing, we had very good views of three

Peregrine Falcons, Blackcap and Sardinian Warbler.

As we began the early climb we soon found Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes (Early Spider Orchid), Teucrium

fruticans (Shrub Germander) and Arisarum vulgare (Friar’s Cowl), in flower. We climbed slowly up through Quercus

pubescens (Downy Oak) and Pinus halepensis (Aleppo Pine) based woodland, passing emerging Colutea arborescens

(Bladder Senna) and clumps of Centaurea cinerea (a Knapweed). After a steep climb, we emerged onto a saddle,



where we paused to catch our breath and to take on water. Whilst resting, we added the song of Blue Rock

Thrush and a solitary Marsh Harrier, coursing a distant rock-face, presumably on passage. Butterflies were also

emerging, and we saw Wall Brown, Green Hairstreak, Cleopatra and Speckled Wood. There was also Serapias

lingua (Tongue Orchid), the leaves of Cephalanthera longifolia (Sword-leaved Helleborine) and Lupinus angustifolius

(Narrow-leaved Lupin), and Cyclamen repandum (Spring Sowbread). Birds were not very active, although we did

have numerous further views of Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel and Black Redstart. Additional butterflies included

Orange Tip, Swallowtail, Speckled Wood, and Wall Brown.

Continuing on up, the path levelled out under a cliff with Thymelaea tartonraria (a Thymelaea), Cytisus hirsutus

(Hairy Broom), Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid) and Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher’s Broom). Descending through

more Quercus (Oak), Castanea sativa (Spanish Chestnut) and Fraxinus ornus (Flowering or Manna Ash) woodland,

we emerged, via some more steep steps, just outside Positano. From here we made our way into the town to the

famous Bar Internationale for refreshments, before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day 4 Saturday 11th April

Monte Faito

After breakfast, on another bright sunny day, we headed northeast through Sorrento and on up to Seiano, where

we turned right and began to climb into the Lattari Mountains. Unfortunately, there was an unannounced road

closure, so we had to find an alternative route. We retraced our steps and made our way through Vico Equense,

and on up to the Town of Moiana. Here we turned right and began to climb more steeply towards Monte Faito,

our destination for the day. Just below the ridge we spotted a large raptor. Stopping to check it out, we found it

to be a Steppe Buzzard, on migration with two others. As they disappeared, a male Montagu’s Harrier was also

seen, and provided prolonged, clear views, together with Winchat. We also noted Orange Tip butterfly.

Monte Faito is one of the summits which dominate the Lattari range, over 1200m high. From here we had

stunning views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius and Ischia. We parked at the cable-car station, and were

soon exploring the ridge path. Our walk took us on a gentle incline through open rocky grassland and Pinus nigra

subsp. nigra (Black Pine) and Alnus incana (Grey Alder) open woodland. As a result of its altitude, Mte Faito has a

sub-alpine feel to it, and the flora here confirms this. Crocus vernus (Spring Crocus) was abundant, together with

Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill). Birds seen included a Firecrest, Pied Flycatcher, Coal Tit, Raven and Song Thrush,

and Nuthatch was heard. A Southern Festoon butterfly was also seen.

The path, which leads to the church of St. Michele, took us past a splendid rocky outcrop overlooking the valley

below. Here we found the very attractive endemic Viola eugeniae (a Pansy) and good numbers of the delicate blue

or white Anemone apennina (Blue Anemone). On the return journey, we noted some more good plants including

the emerging Asphodelus albus (White Asphodel), and many plants of Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore). A

Northern Wheatear was also seen, before we re-joined our vehicles. We now made our way east to a picnic site

in the woods, and while Paul prepared lunch, Jessica took the group up to the church of St. Michele where,

although the church was closed, we enjoyed more stunning views.

With lunch complete, we dropped down to a local restaurant for warming refreshments, before beginning our

descent from the mountain. As we descended, Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton) was seen when we



stopped to watch a dark-phase Booted Eagle, before we made our way through Moiana and Vico Equense, back

to our hotel for dinner.

Day 5 Sunday 12th April

Capri

We left the hotel early today, in order to drive into Sorrento and down to the Marina Piccola, parking the

minibuses at the port. Paul went to buy our tickets for the boat over to the beautiful island of Capri, whilst

Jessica organised breakfast at a local bar. Just as we exited the vehicles, a Blue Rock Thrush was spotted sitting

on a pontoon, allowing excellent views before it flew up to a rock face behind. We soon boarded the 8.30am

ferry for the 25-minute journey over to the island. We travelled on a jet boat which, unfortunately, had no

external viewing area, so there was little scope for seeing any seabirds.

Upon our arrival on Capri, we needed to acquire travel tickets for the funicular railway, which took us up the hill

to the bus station, and the little buses that connect Capri town with Anacapri, the other main town of the island.

At Anacapri, we began the walk towards the top of Monte Solaro which, at 587 metres, is the highest point of

the island.

Setting off, it was not long before we were finding things of interest, beginning with superb views of a Wryneck

in a tree over our heads, plus Sub-Alpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler and Serin. There were masses of emerging

Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid) and a few Anacamptis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid), Ophrys bombyliflora

(Bumblebee Orchid), as well as Small White, Holly Blue, Cleopatra and Wall Brown Butterflies. When we

reached a junction in the path, some group members elected to continue to the summit. As we continued to

explore the area, the botanists, with Paul, found Ranunculus paludosus (Jersey Buttercup), Narcissus tazetta (Bunch-

flowered Daffodil), magnificent spikes of Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (a Spider Orchid) and Brassica oleraceus

subsp. robertiana (a Wild Cabbage). They also heard a Nightingale. The birders, with Jessica, explored a rocky

hillside, finding Whinchat, Linnet, Black Redstart, Northern Wheatear, Raven, Peregrine Falcon and a very

obliging Common Rock Thrush.

It was now time to make our way back to Anacapri for lunch, selecting the ‘Ristorante Le Terrazze’, before

getting the bus and the funicular back to Capri Harbour, to catch the 4.20pm ferry back to Sorrento. Before

leaving, we had time for genuine Italian ice-creams ‘Gelati’ and a short birding session on the end of the harbour

arm, but we did not manage to add anything to our species list., other than Common Sandpiper. Upon our

return to Sorrento, we collected our vehicles and made our way back to our hotel.

Day 6 Monday 13th April

Vesuvius and Pompeii

After breakfast, on another bright sunny day, we were soon heading north to spend the morning on Mount

Vesuvius. We took the road towards Naples and, after a short distance on the autostrada, we turned off onto the

road into the Vesuvius National Park and the steep winding ascent that goes almost to the top of this awesome

volcano. Along the way we noted a good number of clumps of Asphodelus fistulosus (Small Asphodel) and Glebionis

coronarium var. coronarium (Crown Daisy). We made our way up to the summit car park, where, with tickets



purchased, the group set off to walk up the sloping path to the crater. When we got there, we were treated to

outstanding but hazy views of the Bay of Naples. Whilst up here, birds included Common Rock Thrush and

Black Redstart, and Wrens were singing continuously. The slopes of the mountain had good colonies of Genista

aetnensis (Etna Broom), Rumex scutatus (French Sorrel) and the pioneer Lichen, Stereocaulon vesuvianum, which

gradually, over time, will help break the rock down so that vascular plants can grab a foothold.

Rejoining our vehicles, we retraced our route back down the mountain and stopped in a lay-by in order to take

our picnic. We took all the food up into a long-vegetated lava-flow, and set up our lunch, passing a Western

Whip Snake in an old water tank. Cetti’s Warbler was heard during the meal and Magpie, Hooded Crow and Jay

were recorded, together with Swallowtail, female Orange Tip and Eastern Dappled White butterflies. After

eating, Paul pointed out Vicia villosa (Fodder Vetch), Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens (Maidenhair Fern),

Asplenium ceterach (Rustyback) and Anacamptis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid).

We now made our way to the extensive ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii, situated ominously beneath Mount

Vesuvius, which had destroyed the city in the eruption of 79AD. After parking the buses, we made our way to

the entrance where we bought tickets, maps and guides, before we set off to explore. All group members made

their own way around the archaeological site, reporting a number of species of birds and plants. These included

Tree Sparrows, Blackcap, Greenfinch, Hooded Crow, Barn Swallow and Serin. Among the plants were Polycarpon

tetraphyllum (Four-leaved Allseed), Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed), Capsella rubella (Red Shepherd’s Purse) and

Erophila verna (Common Whitlow-grass).

From Pompeii, we now made our way back to the hotel for dinner.

Day 7 Tuesday 14th April

Above Termini, then Marina del Cantone

Today, in warm, but hazy sunshine, we returned to the cliff-top village of Termini. However, just outside

Marceano, we stopped by a small stream gorge. Here we found Grey Wagtail, Peregrine Falcon and heard Cetti’s

Warbler. For the botanists there was Melilotus italica (Italian Melilot), naturalised Ipomoea purpurea (Purple Morning

Glory), Symphytum bulbosum (Bulbous Comfrey) and Osyris alba (Osyris).

Once again, parked just outside the village of Termini, and began by walking down through the residential area

below the town, with the object of walking up to the church of Santa Costanzo. There was now some low cloud,

but we were hopeful of some additional migrant birds. At first it was relatively quiet, but, as we left the village

and began to walk up the hill, Italian Sparrow, Greenfinch, Collared Dove, gave way to Barn Swallow and

Kestrel and it was not too long before we had views of Rock Bunting, a species that had, so far, eluded us. We

also saw Peregrine Falcon, a pair of Northern Wheatear, and Western Bonelli’s warbler was heard. Amongst the

plants, we found Ophrys bombyliflora (Bumblebee Orchid), Anacamptis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid) and a

fine show of Orchis provincialis (Provence Orchid).

Returning to Termini, we took lunch with the delightful Enrico and Laura, sitting in the sun outside their small

Snack Bar. We dined on Mozzarella and tomato salad, prosciutto and freshly squeezed fruit juice followed by

coffee. As we finished, a Wryneck was spotted on an overhead line, giving more, excellent views.



Returning to our vehicles, in what was now warm sunshine, we now moved down to Marina del Cantone, a little

beyond Nerano, where we parked behind the shingle beach. Along the way we noted Gladiolus italicus (Field

Gladiolus) and Urospermum dalechampii. We set off along the coast path, where we found Onobrychis aequidentata (a

Sainfoin), Onobrychis caput-galli (Cockscomb Sainfoin), and Hedysarum spinosissimum (Spiny Sainfoin). On the bird

front, we recorded Red-legged Partridge, Sardinian Warbler, and on the ancient coastal watchtower, there was a

Common Rock Thrush. It was now time to return to the beach for afternoon refreshments, before making our

way back to the hotel in good time.

Day 8 Wednesday 15th April

Saying our farewells to the staff at the Best Western Hotel, La Solara, we left at 7am, making our way through

Sorrento and back to Naples airport for our flightback to Gatwick, with memories of the beautiful area that is

the Sorrento Peninsula.

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Species Lists

Plants (* = Very localised distribution or endemic)

Nomenclature contained within this list follows the taxonomic amendments, based on DNA analysis, made by the Royal

Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanic Garden, and following The Plant List, an internationally accepted list of

vascular plant families, published and maintained by these two Institutions.

Scientific Name Common Name Location

LICHENS

Stereocaulon vesuvianum Mount Vesuvius Lichen Mt Vesuvius

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Lycophytes Clubmosses & Quillworts

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family

Selaginella denticulata Mediterranean Clubmoss Punta Campanella

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort family

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Punta Campanella

Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Punta Campanella

Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Punta Campanella

Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall Rue Punta Gardelle

Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens Maidenhair Spleenwort Monte Faito

Athyriaceae Lady Fern Family

Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Punta Campanella

Dennstaeditiaceae Bracken Family

Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Punta Campanella

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family

Cyrtomium falcatum House Holly-fern Punta Campanella

Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern Above Positano

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family

Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Capri

Polypodium interjectum Intermediate Polypody Punta Campanella

Pteridaceae Ribbon Fern Family

Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Above Positano

Anogramma leptophylla Jersey Fern Punta Campanella

Cheilanthes pteridioides - Punta Campanella

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family

Cupressus sempervirens Italian Cypress Naturalised on Capri

Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper Punta Campanella




Pinaceae Pine Family

Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Above Positano

Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Black Pine Monte Faito

Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Capri

Pinus pinea Stone or Umbrella Pine Common

Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Monte Faito

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

Pre-Dicots Primitive Angiosperms

Lauraceae Bay Family

Laurus nobilis Bay Tree Punta Campanella

Eu-Dicots True Dicotyledons

Acanthaceae Bear's-breech Family

Acanthus mollis Bear's-breech Capri

Adoxaceae Moschatel Family

Sambucus nigra Elderberry Punta Campanella

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family

Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree Punta Gardelle

Apiaceae Carrot Family

Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Punta Campanella

Daucus carota Wild Carrot Punta Campanella

Elaeoselinum asclepium Elaeoselinum Above Positano

Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Below Monte Faito

Ferrula communis Giant Fennel Punta Campanella

Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Punta Campanella

Orlaya daucoides Orlaya Above Positano

Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's-needle Punta Campanella

Seseli montanum subsp. polyphyllum a Moon Carrot Above Termini

Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Punta Campanella

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family

Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Punta Campanella

Aquifoliaceae Holly Family

Ilex aquifolium Holly Monte Faito

Aralaceae Ivy Family

Hedera helix Ivy Punta Campanella

Hedera hibernica Irish Ivy Capri

Betulaceae Birch Family

Alnus incana Grey Alder Monte Faito

Corylus avellana Hazel Capri

Carpinus orientalis Eastern Hornbeam Punta Campanella




Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family

Anchusa azurea Large Blue Alkanet Walls above Meta

Anchusa undulata subsp. hybrida an Undulate Anchusa M'way Service Area

Borago officinalis Borage Punta Campanella

Echium parviflorum Small-flowered Viper's-bugloss Capri

Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's-bugloss Above Positano

Glandora rosmarinifolium Rosemary-leaved Gromwell Punta Camanella

Symphytum bulbosum Bulbous Comfrey Above Positano

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family

Brassica oleracea subsp. robertiana Wild Cabbage Punta Campanella

Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse Punta Campanella

Capsella rubella Red Shepherd's Purse Pompei

Cardamine impatiens Cut-leaved Bitter-cress Above Positano

Cactaceae Cactus Family

Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly Pear Naturalised, Punta Gardelle

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family

Campanula trachelium Nettle-leaved Bellflower Above Positano (leaves)

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family

Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Punta Campanella

Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Punta Campanella

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family

Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Anacapri

Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Punta Campanella

Silene italica Italian Catchfly Above Positano

Silene latifolia White Campion Punta Campanella

Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Above Positano

Stellaria media Common Chickweed Punta Campanella

Stellaria neglecta Greater Chickweed Punta Campanella

Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot Family

Atriplex halimus Shrubby Orache Punta Campanella

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family

Cistus creticus Pink Cistus Above Positano (leaves)

Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Marceano Gorge

Fumana ericoides a Fumana E of Marina del Cantone

Helianthemum nummularium Rock-rose Above Positano

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family

Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Punta Gardelle

Bellis perennis Daisy Monte Faito

Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Punta Campanella

Calendula arvensis Field Marigold Punta Campanella

Carduus pycnocephalus Plymouth Thistle Punta Campanella

Centaurea cinerea* a Knapweed Punta Campanella

Dittrichia graveolens Stink Aster Punta Campanella

Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican Fleabane Walls, Via Capo




Filago (Evax) pygmaea Evax Punta Campanella

Galactites tomentosa Galactites Punta Campanella

Glebionis coronarium Crown Daisy Roadsides

Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold Below Moiana

Helichrysum italicum Italian Everlasting Punta Gardelle

Helichrysum stoechas A Curry Plant Punta Campanella

Hyoseris radiata - Punta Campanella

Hypochaeris radicata Cat's-ear Punta Campanella

Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Above Positano

Phagnalon rupestre Phagnalon Punta Campanella

Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Oxtongue Above Positano

Santolina chamaecyparissus Lavender Cotton Below Monte Faito

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Punta Campanella

Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle Punta Campanella

Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle Punta Campanella

Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum Roadside, Nerano

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family

Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Above Positano (leaves)

Convolvulus cneorum Silvery Bindweed Above Positano

Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Pompei

Ipomoea purpurea Common Morning Glory Marceano Gorge

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family

Sedum dasyphyllum Fat-leaved Stonecrop Punta Campanella

Sedum forsterianum Rock Stonecrop Above Positano

Sedum litoreum a Stonecrop Capri Harbour wall

Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Punta Campanella

Ericaceae Heather Family

Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Above Positano

Erica arborea Tree Heather Punta Campanella

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family

Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Above Positano

Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Mediterranean Spurge Punta Campanella

Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Punta Gardelle

Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Punta Campanella

Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Above Positano

Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge Capri

Euphorbia terracina Carnation Spurge Lower slopes of Vesuvius

Mercurialis annua [Male and Female] Annual Mercury Punta Campanella

Fagaceae Beech Family

Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Above Positano

Fagus sylvatica Beech Monte Faito

Quercus ilex Holm Oak Above Positano

Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Punta Campanella

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family

Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill Punta Gardelle

Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Punta Campanella




Erodium moschatum Musk Stork's-bill Above Termini

Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Punta Campanella

Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Monte Faito (leaves)

Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Punta Campanella

Geranium purpureum Little Robin Punta Campanella

Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane's-bill Punta Campanella

Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane's-bill Punta Campanella

Hypericaceae St. John's-wort Family

Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's-wort Capri

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family

Ajuga reptans Bugle Above Positano

Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Punta Campanella

Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle Punta Campanella

Micromeria graeca a Micromeria Punta Campanella

Prasium majus Prasium E of Marina del Cantone

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Punta Campanella

Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Punta Campanella

Satureja hortensis Summer Savory Above Positano

Teucrium fruticans Shrub Germander Above Positano

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family

Anthyllis barba-jovis Jupiter's Beard Punta Campanella

Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Above Termini

Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. rubriflora Mediterranean Kidney Vetch Punta Campanella

Bituminaria bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Punta Campanella

Calycotome villosa Hairy Thorny Broom Punta Gardelle

Ceratonia siliqua Carob or Locust Tree Punta Campanella

Colutea arborescens Bladder Senna Above Positano

Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion-vetch Punta Campanella

Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca a Scorpion-vetch Punta Campanella

Cytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom Above Positano

Cytisus villosus a Broom Above Positano

Genista aetnensis Etna Broom Vesuvius

Hedysarum spinossisimum Spiny Sainfoin E of Marina del Cantone

Hippocrepis (Coronilla) emerus Scorpion Senna Punta Gardelle

Lathyrus clymenum a Pea Punta Campanella

Lathyrus vernus Spring Vetchling Punta Campanella

Lotus creticus Southern Bird's-foot Trefoil Punta Campanella

Lotus edulis Edible Lotus Punta Campanella

Lotus ornithopodioides a Bird's-foot Trefoil Punta Campanella

Lotus tetragonolobus Asparagus Pea Punta Campanella

Lupinus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Lupin Lower slopes of vesuvius

Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Punta Campanella

Medicago arborea Tree Medick Carpi

Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Punta Campanella

Melilotus indicus Small Melilot Punta Campanella

Onobrychis aequidentata a Sainfoin Punta Campanella

Onobrychis caput-galli Cockscomb Sainfoin E of Marina del Cantone

Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Lower Slopes of Vesuvius

Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Above Positano




Trifolium repens White Clover Punta Campanella

Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover Termini

Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover E of Marina del Cantone

Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Punta Campanella

Tripodion (Anthyllis) tetraphylla Bladder Vetch E of Marina del Cantone

Vicia bithynica Bithynian Vetch Punta Campanella

Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Fodder Vetch Punta Campanella

Vicia villosa Fodder Vetch Lower Slopes of Vesuvius

Linaceae Flax Family

Linum bienne Pale Flax Punta Campanella

Malvaceae Mallow Family

Lavatera cretica Small Tree Mallow Punta Campanella

Malva arborea Tree Mallow Punta Campanella

Malva sylvestris Common Mallow M'way Service Area

Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Above Positano

Moraceae Mulberry Family

Ficus carica Fig Naturalised

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family

Myrtus communis Myrtle Punta Campanella

Oleaceae Olive Family

Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Above Positano

Olea europaea Olive Below Monte Faito

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family

Orobanche hederae Ivy Broomrape Capri (over)

Orobanche lavandulacea Lavander Broomrape Above Termini

Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Punta Campanella

Oxalidaceae Wood Sorrel Family

Oxalis articulata Pink Sorrel Punta Campanella

Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow Oxalis Punta Gardelle

Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda Buttercup Punta Gardelle

Papaveraceae Poppy Family

Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Below Monte Faito

Fumaria capreolata White Ramping Fumitory Punta Campanella

Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Punta Campanella

Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy M'way Service Area

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family

Antirrhinum majus Common Snapdragon Walls, Via Capo

Antirrhinum siculum Sicilian Snapdragon Walls, Punta Gardelle

Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Walls, Punta Gardelle

Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove Above Positano (leaves)

Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax Above Positano

Plantago arenaria Branched Plantain Above Termini

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Monte Faito




Veronoica arvensis Wall Speedwell Above Termini

Veronica cymbalaria Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell Punta Campanella

Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Punta Campanella

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family

Polygala myrtifolia - Naturalised near Marceano

Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Above Positano

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family

Rumex crispus Curled Dock Punta Campanella

Rumex scutatus French Sorrel / Rubble Dock Upper Slopes of Vesuvius

Primulaceae Primrose Family

Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Punta Campanella (Blue & Red)

Cyclamen repandum Spring Cyclamen Punta Campanella

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family

Anemone apennina Blue Anemone Monte Faito

Anemone hortensis an Anemone Punta Campanella

Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard Punta Campanella

Ficaria verna agg. Lesser Celandine Monte Faito

Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Monte Faito

Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Roadside, Termini

Ranunculus paludosus Jersey Buttercup Capri

Resedaceae Mignonette Family

Reseda alba White Mignonette M'way service Area

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family

Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn Punta Gardelle

Rosaceae Rose Family

Crataegus laevigata Midland Hawthorn Monte Faito

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Monte Faito

Eriobotrya japonica Japanese Loquat Planted

Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Above Positano

Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry Monte Faito

Prunus persica Peach Punta Campanella

Pyrus amygdaliformis Almond-leaved Pear Punta Campanella

Rosa canina Dog Rose Lower Slopes of Vesuvius

Rubus ulmifolius a Bramble Capri

Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Above Positano

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family

Galium album Hedge Bedstraw Punta Campanella

Galium aparine Cleavers Punta Gardelle

Galium album Hedge Bedstraw Punta Campanella

Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Punta Campanella

Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Punta Campanella

Valantia hispida Valantia Punta Campanella




Rutaceae Rue Family

Citrus limon Lemon Planted

Citrus sinensis Orange Planted

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family

Osyris alba Osyris Punta Campanella

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family

Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Monte Faito (leaves)

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family

Scrophularia canina French Figwort Capri

Verbascum rotundifolium subsp. rotundifolium* Round-leaved Mullein Above Positano

Verbascum sinuatum a Mullein M'way Service Area

Verbascum thapsus Aaron’s Rod Monte Faito

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family

Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Monte Faito

Thymelaea tartonraira - Above Positano

Ulmaceae Elm Family

Ulmus canescens Mediterranean Elm Punta Campanella

Urticaceae Nettle Family

Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella

Parietaria officinalis Eastern Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella

Urtica membranacea Mediterranean Nettle Punta Campanella

Verbenaceae Vervain Family

Lantana camera Lantana Roadsides

Violaceae Violet Family

Viola eugeniae* a Pansy Monte Faito

Viola hirta Hairy Violet Punta Campanella

Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Above Positano

MONOCOTS Monocotyledons

Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family

Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Punta Campanella

Allium neapolitanum Naples Garlic Roadsides

Allium subhirsutum - Punta Campanella

Allium triquetum Three-cornered Leek Roadsides

Narcissus tazetta Bunch-flowered Narcissus Capri

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family

Agave americana Century Plant Naturalised, Punta Gardelle

Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Punta Campanella

Leopoldia (Muscari) comosa Tassel Hyacinth Punta Gardelle

Ornithogalum angustifolium Common Star of Bethlehem Capri

Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom Above Positano

Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill Monte Faito




Urginea maritima Sea Squill Punta Gardelle (leaves)

Araceae Arum Family

Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Punta Campanella

Arum italicum subsp. neglectum Large Cuckoo Pint (plain leaves) Punta Gardelle

Arisarum vulgare Friar's Cowl Above Positano

Cyperaceae Sedge Family

Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Above Positano

Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Above Positano

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family

Dioscorea (Tamus) communis Black Bryony Punta Campanella

Iridaceae Iris Family

Crocus vernus Spring Crocus Monte Faito

Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Roadside, Nerano

Iris albicans a White Iris Naturalised near Positano

Juncaceae Rush Family

Luzula forsteri Southern Woodrush Above Positano

Orchidaceae Orchid Family

Anacamptis (Orchis) papilionacea Pink Butterfly Orchid Capri

Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Above Positano (leaves)

Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (O. pollinensis) - Punta Campanella

Ophrys bombyliflora Bumblebee Orchid Capri

Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes (O. cilentana) - Punta Campanella

Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Above Positano

Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid Above Termini

Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid Above positano

Poaceae Grass Family

Aegilops ovata Aegilops E of Marina del Cantone

Aira caryophyllea Silver Hair-grass Lower slopes of Vesuvius

Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Mauritanian Vine Reed Punta Campanella

Anisantha diandra Great Brome Punta Campanella

Anisantha madritensis Madrid Brome E of Marina del Cantone

Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Above Positano

Arundo donax Giant Reed Punta Campanella

Avena barbata Bristle Oat E of Marina del Cantone

Avena sterilis Winter Wild Oat Punta Campanella

Brachypodium retusum Mediterranean False Brome Punta Campanella

Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Punta Campanella

Calamagrostis epigejos Wood Small-reed Above Positano

Catapodium rigidum Fern-grass Above Termini

Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Punta Campanella

Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Termini

Hyparrhenia hirta - Punta Campanella

Lagurus ovatus Hare’s-foot Grass Lower slopes of Vesuvius

Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Punta Gardelle

Setaria pumila Small Bristle-grass Termini




Smilaceae Smilax Family

Smilax aspera Common Smilax Punta Campanella

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family

Asphodelus aestivus Common Asphodel Punta Campanella

Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Monte Faito

Asphodelus fistulosus Small Asphodel Roadside near vesuvius

Asphodelus ramosus an Asphodel Punta Campanella

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO = leader only)

April

Common name Scientific name 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

1 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

2 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus

3 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

4 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus

5 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

6 Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus

7 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

8 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

9 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

10 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

11 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

12 Common Pigeon Columba livia feral

13 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

14 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

15 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus H

16 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H H

17 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba

18 Common Swift Apus apus

19 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

20 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla

21 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H H

22 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis H

23 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius

24 Common Magpie Pica pica

25 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

26 Northern Raven Corvus corax

27 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris

28 Coal Tit Parus ater

29 Great Tit Parus major

30 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus H

31 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

32 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum

33 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti H H H

34 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

35 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli H

36 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

37 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans H H

38 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala H



April


39 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla

40 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H

41 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea H

42 Common Blackbird Turdus merula

43 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

44 European Robin Erithacus rubecula H

45 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

46 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

47 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe H

48 Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis

49 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius H

50 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

51 Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

52 Italian Sparrow Passer domesticus italiae

53 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

54 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

55 White Wagtail Motacilla alba LO LO

56 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

57 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

58 European Serin Serinus serinus

59 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris

60 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis H

61 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina

62 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia

Reptiles & Amphibians

1 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis

2 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula

3 Western Whip Snake Coluber viridiflavus

Mammals (D = Dead)

1 Western Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus LO

2 Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus D

Butterflies

1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon

2 Southern Festoon Zerynthia polyxena

3 Large White Pieris brassicae

4 Small White Pieris rapae

5 Eastern Dappled White Euchloe ausonia

6 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines

7 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra

8 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi

9 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeus

10 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus

11 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

12 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

13 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria

14 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera



April


Moths

Micros. (C = caterpillar)

1 Garden Pebble Evergestis forficalis LO

2 A Bagworm Psychidae sp. C

3 Yellow Under Pearl Uresiphita gilvata

Macros. (B = bivouac)

1 Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus C

2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum

3 Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa B B C B B B

Other Invertebrates ( N=nymph)

1 Egyptian Grasshopper Anacridium aegyptium

2 Roesel's Bush-cricket Metrioptera roeselii N

3 a Shield Bug Cydnus aterrimus

4 Gendarme Ground Bug Lygaeus saxatilis

5 Lacewing Hemerobiidae sp.

6 a Beefly Bombylius sp.

7 a Hoverfly Scaeva pyrastri

8 Drone-fly Eristalis tenax

9 a Carpenter Bee Xylocopa sp.

10 Honey Bee Apis mellifera

11 Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris

12 Common Carder Bee Bombus pascuorum

13 Ground Beetle Pterostichus melanarius

14 a Chafer Ceratonia aeruginosa

15 a Chafer Oxythyrea funesta

16 Pollen Beetle Tropinota squalida

17 Seven-Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata

18 Two-spot Ladybird Adalia bipunctata

19 Ground Beetle Pterostichus melanarius

20 an Oil Beetle Meloe proscarabaeus

21 a Millipede Diplopoda sp

22 Pill Woodlouse Armadillium vulgare

Medusozoa

1 A jelly Fish Plelagiidae sp.

Documents

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Naturetrek Tour Report 8 – 15 April 2015 Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK