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🦂Meet the Nebo Jericho Scorpion – one of Israel’s lesser-known but fascinating desert dwellers.

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🦂Meet the Nebo Jericho Scorpion – one of Israel’s lesser-known but fascinating desert dwellers. This chunky little creature, found in the Jordan Valley & around Jericho, is part of the Nebo genus of scorpions. It’s built low to the ground, with a broad, flattened body adapted for hiding beneath stones & in cracks in arid, rocky terrain. Despite its fierce appearance, the Nebo Jericho scorpion is not considered dangerous to humans - its venom is relatively mild & it prefers to flee rather than fight. It hunts insects & other small invertebrates at night, playing a vital role in the local ecosystem. Like all desert scorpions, it’s nocturnal, secretive & equipped with extraordinary sensory hairs that help it detect vibrations in the sand -perfect for ambushing unsuspecting prey! Another amazing example of how Israel’s land teems with hidden wildlife treasures, even in the harshest environments. #visitisrael🇮🇱❤️   #tourguideisrael   #israeltourism   #is...
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🪲Meet the Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula)🪲

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🪲 Ever spotted this curious little creature in your garden? Meet the Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula) - a common visitor across Israel. With its vibrant, shield-shaped body & red-tipped antennae, it may look like a jewel of the insect world… but it comes with a surprise. True to its name, this bug defends itself with a pungent odour - released when threatened. Completely harmless to humans, but a bit of a nuisance for farmers, as it feeds on fruits, vegetables & leafy crops by piercing the skin & sucking out the sap. Another reminder that not everything beautiful in nature is as sweet as it looks! #simonostertourguideisrael   #visitisrael🇮🇱❤️   #israeltourism   #israeltourguide   #GreenStinkBug   #NezaraViridula   #IsraeliNature   #WildlifeOfIsrael   #InsectsOfInstagram   #UrbanNature   #IsraeliBiodiversity   #ShieldBug   #NatureInIsrael   #BugSpotting   #GardenWildlife   #NatureEducatio...
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⛪ St Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church – A Scottish Legacy in the Heart of Jerusalem

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St Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church is located just outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls; a Scottish tribute, First World War memorial & one of the most peaceful viewpoints in the city - overlooking Mount Zion, the Hinnom Valley, & the domes & spires of the ancient city. Built in 1927 by the Church of Scotland to honour Scottish soldiers who fell during the First World War in the Middle East, this limestone sanctuary reflects both its heritage & its setting. The church was designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, combining Scottish architectural elements with Jerusalem stone. Still run by the Church of Scotland, it serves as both a spiritual home for expats & a centre for interfaith dialogue & community outreach. The guesthouse next door offers warm hospitality to travellers & a quiet place of reflection. At Imagine Israel Tours we love to share the human stories woven throughout Israel's history. This church is not just a religious site, but also...
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🐸💚 The European Green Toad in Israel 💚🐸 - spotted in a car park in Tel Aviv!

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Meet the European green toad (Bufotes viridis). With its pale skin, olive-green blotches & golden eyes, it’s a master of camouflage in semi-arid landscapes. These toads can be found all the way from the Negev desert to urban gardens, especially after rains or near temporary ponds & irrigation ditches. At night, you might hear their trill-like calls, especially during breeding season in spring & early summer. They face threats from habitat loss & water pollution, & some populations are declining. They are mildly poisonous, but not dangerous to humans under normal circumstances. They secrete a milky toxin from glands behind their eyes, which contains bufotoxins - meant to deter predators. Touching the toad is usually safe, but if the toxin gets into your eyes, mouth, or an open wound, it can cause irritation, nausea, or discomfort. Children & pets (especially dogs) may be more sensitive & should avoid contact. Washing hands after contact is a good precaution. ...
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