Field Guide
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White-faced Darter
Leucorrhinia dubia
Not yet photographed by the community
Tiny darter of northern bogs; white face, red-spotted body.
Species Profile
UK Nationally Scarce species; listed as Nationally Scarce A in England; considered of conservation concern due to habitat loss.
- Lifespan
- 1 year (adults emerge in summer and overwinter as adults or die in autumn)
- Size & Weight
- 28–31 mm body length; wingspan approximately 44–52 mm
- Habitat
- Acidic, oligotrophic ponds and small lakes with Sphagnum moss and open water, typically in moorland and heathland areas.
- UK Distribution
- Restricted to northern England (Lake District), Scotland, and very locally in Wales. Resident populations, non-migratory.
- Diet
- Small flying insects including midges, mosquitoes, small flies, and other aerial prey captured in flight.
- Prey
- Chironomids (midges), mosquitoes, small Diptera, small mayflies
- Predators
- Robber flies, larger dragonfly species, damselflies, spiders, and insectivorous birds
- Mating Season
- June to August
- Breeding
- Females lay eggs singly or in small clusters on wet Sphagnum moss or floating vegetation; nymphs develop over 2–3 years in the aquatic habitat.
- Behaviour
- Males are highly territorial, patrolling breeding ponds in quick, low-level flights. They perch frequently near water on vegetation. Both sexes are active fliers with a distinctive black and red colouration pattern.
- •The white face marking (actually pale cream or whitish) visible on males gives the species its common name and distinguishes it from closely related Leucorrhinia species
- •Nymphs are aquatic and may take 2–3 years to develop, making the species sensitive to water level fluctuations and drought
- •It is one of Britain's rarest dragonflies, with populations restricted to pristine acid bog and moorland pools with suitable vegetation
- •Males perform a distinctive hovering flight display with rapid wing beats, particularly when competing for territory
- •The species requires exceptional water quality with low nutrients and acidic conditions, making it an indicator of undisturbed wetland habitats
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