Shropshire Birder
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Shropshire
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White-faced Darter (Leucorrhinia dubia)
A highly localised Darter, apart from Scotland just a handful of localities in England (possibly just 5 now) and we have one in Shropshire - Whixall Moss!. The habitat required is a lowland acidic bog with associated moss. An early species to emerge, on the wing from May until July. Adult males are unmistakable, narrow black waisted body has red markings and the thorax has red antehumeral stripes plus side markings. Females and immatures are similar in structure but marked yellow rather than red. Both sexes have the striking creamy-white frons from which the name is derived. It can be tricky to find as adults soon disperse from the water. The end of May/early July is a good time to look for this species.
The striking red marked male is unmistakeable with the red markings on the abdomen ....
Side view ....
Seen head on view, the white face (frons) is quite striking....
The female with extensive yellow markings on the thorax / abdomen....
seen from above ....
A close up - note the dark wing base which is common to both sexes.....
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