The blue-winged sand insect (Sphingonotus caerulans) is a short-antennae insect from the family of field locusts (Acrididae) and the subfamily of wasteland terrors (Oedipodinae). It is considered endangered in Germany. The blue-winged sand insect lives exclusively in heat-favored habitats with only sparse vegetation cover. Habitats are e.g. Lean sand lawns, inland dunes, gravel banks and (more rarely) rock heaths. Thanks to its very good flight ability, it has meanwhile also developed secondary habitats such as train station areas, sand pits, urban wastelands or industrial wasteland. It shows a high level of color adaptability to its living space. There is a certain risk of confusion with the blue-winged wasteland insect (Oedipoda caerulescens). Red List Bavaria 2003: critically endangered, 2016: critically endangered, D 2011: critically endangered. Food: grasses, herbs, moss, lichens, also carrion. Body length: males: 14 - 26 mm, females 20 - 31 mm. Occurrence (adult): July to October.
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