Large white-faced darter explained

The large white-faced darter or yellow-spotted whiteface (Leucorrhinia pectoralis) is a small dragonfly belonging to the genus Leucorrhinia in the family Libellulidae.

This species is 32mm39mm long^[1] and is the largest member of its genus in Europe.^[2] It is easily identified by the large yellow seventh segment of its abdomen.^[3]

It inhabits marshy borders and prefers less acidic waters than its close relative the white-faced darter, (Leucorrhinia dubia).^[2] It occurs from western Siberia to parts of France.^[4] From England, there was only one record in Kent in June 1859 until two sightings in May 2012 in Suffolk.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Libellennet: gevlekte witsnuitlibel (Leucorrhinia pectoralis). 18 August 2010. Dutch.
2. Book: Dijkstra, Klaas-Douwe B. . Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe. 2006. British Wildlife Publishing. 978-0953139941.
3. Web site: Yellow-Spotted Whiteface (Leucorrhinia pectoralis). DragonflyPix.com. 18 August 2010. https://archive.today/20130102090642/http://www.dragonflypix.com/speciespages/leucorrhinia_pectoralis.html. 2 January 2013. dead.
4. Parr. Andrew J. The Large White-faced Darter Leucorrhinia pectoralis (Charp.) across Britain during 2012. Journal of the British Dragonfly Society. April 2013. 29.