blue-winged locust
Sphingonotus caerulans
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphingonotus_caerulans
Overview
Sphingonotus caerulans is a species belonging to the family Acrididae subfamily Oedipodinae.The northern limit is northern France, eastern Sweden and southern Finland. In Central and Northern Europe the species is restricted to low-vegetation special habitats, in which the soil remains free of vegetation through constant rearrangement. It is very common in the Mediterranean area, especially in rocky heaths.
The blue-winged locust faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its range. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes in the dry grasslands and scrublands this species depends on, while overgrazing by livestock further degrades suitable habitat.
Habitat
Inhabits dry grasslands, scrublands, and semi-arid steppes with sparse vegetation, typically in areas with sandy or rocky soils. The species prefers open habitats with scattered shrubs and low-growing vegetation in Mediterranean and continental climate zones.
Other threatened species in Acrididae
Threatened in Albania
Frequently asked questions
Why is blue-winged locust classified as Vulnerable?
Where does blue-winged locust live?
What are the main threats to blue-winged locust?
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