White-faced Darter Leucorrhinia dubia (male)
One of the rarest Dragonflies in the UK.
27th June 2019 Whixall Moss Shropshire UK
Weight1
Latin NameLeucorrhinia dubia
Habitat
A species of lowland peatbogs.
It requires relatively deep, oligotrophic, acidic bog pools with considerable rafts of Sphagnum at the edges in which to breed.
Larvae also occur among waterlogged Sphagnum in depressions devoid of standing water.
The larvae live within the matrix of submerged and floating sphagnum and are confined to waters without fish. Away from its aquatic habitat it also requires scrub or woodland, which provides important roosting and feeding sites.
Threats
The main threats to this species come from habitat destruction and fragmentation, removal of Sphagnum Moss, Succession, changes in site hydrology, pollution and eutrophication, predation, climate change, and the impact of people visiting inhabited sites.
Status & Distribution
In Britain the White-faced Darter is a rare dragonfly having declined, notably in England, in the last 35 years. It is the subject of Biodiversity Action Plans in Cheshire and Cumbria.
In Britain the White-faced Darter is found at isolated sites from the Midlands to north Scotland and Chartley Moss is currently the most southerly distribution in the UK. Major strongholds for the species occur in the highlands of Scotland. The populations in both Inverness-shire and Ross-shire are particularly important.
Similar Species
Can be confused with the Black Darter but can be distinguish by its white face.
Management
General management principles include maintenance of the lowland peatland habitat, control of scrub encroachment, and maintenance of both the water quality and quantity. Best practice guidelines have also been suggested for management of inhabited sites, focusing on the control of scrub and management of the aquatic vegetation within bog pools. Habitat creation and restoration should be considered as an option where possible.
Species GroupDragonflies
Identification Notes
Length: 33-37mm
Pale creamy white patch on the front of the head.
Wings have small black patches at the base.
Male: red and orange markings.
Female and immatures: yellow markings.
Flight PeriodWhite-faced Darter Courtesy - British Dragonflies
White-faced Darter Leucorrhinia dubia (male)
One of the rarest Dragonflies in the UK.
27th June 2019 Whixall Moss Shropshire UK
Weight1
Latin NameLeucorrhinia dubia
Habitat
A species of lowland peatbogs.
It requires relatively deep, oligotrophic, acidic bog pools with considerable rafts of Sphagnum at the edges in which to breed.
Larvae also occur among waterlogged Sphagnum in depressions devoid of standing water.
The larvae live within the matrix of submerged and floating sphagnum and are confined to waters without fish. Away from its aquatic habitat it also requires scrub or woodland, which provides important roosting and feeding sites.
Threats
The main threats to this species come from habitat destruction and fragmentation, removal of Sphagnum Moss, Succession, changes in site hydrology, pollution and eutrophication, predation, climate change, and the impact of people visiting inhabited sites.
Status & Distribution
In Britain the White-faced Darter is a rare dragonfly having declined, notably in England, in the last 35 years. It is the subject of Biodiversity Action Plans in Cheshire and Cumbria.
In Britain the White-faced Darter is found at isolated sites from the Midlands to north Scotland and Chartley Moss is currently the most southerly distribution in the UK. Major strongholds for the species occur in the highlands of Scotland. The populations in both Inverness-shire and Ross-shire are particularly important.
Similar Species
Can be confused with the Black Darter but can be distinguish by its white face.
Management
General management principles include maintenance of the lowland peatland habitat, control of scrub encroachment, and maintenance of both the water quality and quantity. Best practice guidelines have also been suggested for management of inhabited sites, focusing on the control of scrub and management of the aquatic vegetation within bog pools. Habitat creation and restoration should be considered as an option where possible.
Species GroupDragonflies
Identification Notes
Length: 33-37mm
Pale creamy white patch on the front of the head.
Wings have small black patches at the base.
Male: red and orange markings.
Female and immatures: yellow markings.
Flight PeriodWhite-faced Darter Courtesy - British Dragonflies