The Cretan bluet (''Coenagrion intermedium'') is a damselfly in the family
Coenagrionidae. It used to be a
subspecies
In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...
of ''
Coenagrion ponticum''
Size
*Length: 35 – 36 mm
*Length of abdomen: 26 – 32 mm
*Hindwing: 19 – 24 mm
Description
The Cretan bluet is a typical ''
Coenagrion
''Coenagrion'' is a genus of damselfly, damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae,
commonly called the Eurasian Bluets (although three species are found in North America: ''Coenagrion angulatum'', ''Coenagrion interrogatum'', and ''Coenagrion reso ...
'' species. Males have a vibrant blue-and-black colouration. Females come in two colour forms, either sharing the male’s same blue-and-black colouration, or being different, typically brown to olive-coloured, and therefore easily distinguishable from the male. The dorsal part of the female's abdomen is largely black with a small blue-green area on the anterior part of each segment. No females in their restricted are all brown to olive-color. Female bluets are easily distinguishable from the males, which are predominantly blue with black areas.
Distribution
The Cretan bluet is
endemic to the Greek island of
Crete.
Habitat
This species is found in or around rivers, where larvae have been collected from between floating tree roots.
Biology
The larval period of the Cretan bluet is thought to last around one year or less, by extrapolation of what occurs in the closest related species from the
Mediterranean area. The flight period of Coenagrion intermedium is from the late April to mid-August. Adult bluets feed on small flying insects. Male damselflies are unlikely to defend their territories. Oviposition with the female is done in tandem with the male. Female bluets will lay their eggs in floating herbs, small roots along the river edge and rotten wood in the water, using their
ovipositor
The ovipositor is a tube-like organ used by some animals, especially insects, for the laying of eggs. In insects, an ovipositor consists of a maximum of three pairs of appendages. The details and morphology of the ovipositor vary, but typical ...
to cut a slit in the substrate.
Threats
This species is widespread and abundant in its restricted area, but its likely to become vulnerable in the near future due to water use, global warming and dryness.
References
Cretan bluet - Coenagrion intermedium - Information - ARKive* Boudot, J.-P. 2020.
''Coenagrion intermedium'' Downloaded on 23 January 2021.
Coenagrionidae
Insects described in 1990
Endemic fauna of Crete
{{Coenagrionidae-stub