Cretan bluet facts for kids

The Cretan bluet (Coenagrion intermedium) is a beautiful type of insect called a damselfly. It belongs to the Coenagrionidae family, which includes many kinds of bluet damselflies. This special insect used to be considered a subspecies (a group within a species) of another damselfly called Coenagrion ponticum.

Quick facts for kids Cretan bluet
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Coenagrionidae
Genus:	Coenagrion
Species:	C. intermedium
Binomial name
Coenagrion intermedium Lohmann, 1990
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Synonyms
Coenagrion ponticum intermedium

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What Does the Cretan Bluet Look Like?

The Cretan bluet is a typical Coenagrion species, meaning it shares many features with other damselflies in its group.

Male Cretan Bluets

Male Cretan bluets are very striking. They have bright blue and black colors on their bodies. These colors help them stand out.

Female Cretan Bluets

Female Cretan bluets can look a bit different from the males. Some females have the same blue and black colors as the males. Other females are brown or olive-colored. This makes them easy to tell apart from the blue males. The top part of a female's body, called the dorsal abdomen, is mostly black. It has a small blue-green spot on the front of each body segment.

How Big Is the Cretan Bluet?

The Cretan bluet is a medium-sized damselfly. Here are its typical measurements:

• Its total body length is about 35 to 36 millimeters (about 1.4 inches).
• The main part of its body, the abdomen, is 26 to 32 millimeters long.
• Its back wings (hindwings) measure 19 to 24 millimeters.

Where Does the Cretan Bluet Live?

The Cretan bluet is a very special insect because it is endemic to just one place. This means it can only be found on the Greek island of Crete. It does not live anywhere else in the world!

What Is the Cretan Bluet's Home Like?

You can find the Cretan bluet living in or near rivers. The young damselflies, called larvae, have been found hiding among floating tree roots in the water. This shows they need clean water and natural river environments to grow.

Life Cycle and Habits of the Cretan Bluet

The life of a Cretan bluet is fascinating. Like other damselflies, it goes through different stages.

Larval Stage

Scientists believe the larval stage of the Cretan bluet lasts about one year or less. This idea comes from studying similar damselfly species that live in the Mediterranean area. During this time, the larvae live underwater.

Adult Stage and Flight Period

Adult Cretan bluets can be seen flying from late April until the middle of August. This is their "flight period." During this time, they are busy finding food and reproducing.

What Do They Eat?

Adult bluets are predators. They hunt and eat small flying insects. This helps control insect populations in their habitat.

Reproduction

Male damselflies usually do not defend their territories. When it's time to lay eggs, the female Cretan bluet works with the male. They fly together in a "tandem" position. The female uses a special tool called an ovipositor. This tool helps her cut a small slit in plants or wood. She then lays her eggs inside floating herbs, small roots along the river's edge, or rotten wood in the water.

What Threats Does the Cretan Bluet Face?

Even though the Cretan bluet is common in its small home on Crete, it might face challenges in the future. Its habitat could be threatened by how water is used on the island. Also, global warming and drier conditions could make it harder for this damselfly to survive.