On a special request we did a small private "Moth-tour" to Slovenia in search of one of the gem of the Slovenian fauna, Perisomena caecigena. This large and rare species occurs in warm mediterranea oak-forests, and being extremely local. This species was first discovered by Rau, an imperial officer from the nearby Fijume (Rijeka), Croatia in 1815, and its scientific author, Kupido was so overwhealmed with its beauty, that he dedicated a full book for its description.

I first discovered the species for myself in 1993, and since than I am visiting those spots on regular basis. Now this short weekend-tour resulted 1 specimen at the first night and 6 on the second. Apart from this gorgeous moth we also had a long list of other rarities, like Ennomos quercaria, Dryobotodes protea, D. monochroma, Dichonia aeruginosa, D. aprilina, Trigonophora flammea, and many others. Unfortunatelly we had no luck with another extreme rarity, Gortyna puengelerii, what I have seen here about a decade ago. During the daytime we had some time to drive to and look the spectacular yacht-show of Trieste, where we also enjoyed some great coffe in front of the recently re-opened Hotel Savoy, a historical place for many famous world-traveler of the "belle epoc". This is where they usually started their journey to Africa and further, aboard on some cruisers of the Lloyd Triestino. This is such historical like many famous hotels of Egypt, incl. Hotel Cataract of Assuan, the H. Winter Palace of Luxor, or the Mena House near the Pyramids.

We also had some great birding en route, which produced Eagle Owl, Blue Rock Trush, Rock Partridge and one Griffon Vulture, supposedly from the not too far Cres islands of Croatia.
(17, October, 2009)

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