VU

Ruby Whiteface

Leucorrhinia rubicunda

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Ruby Whiteface faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation and loss of suitable bog and fen ecosystems across its range. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the hydrology and temperature regimes of the acidic wetlands this species requires for breeding. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and peat extraction activities further compromise the quality of remaining habitats, while habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Ruby Whiteface inhabits acidic bog pools, fens, and moorland ponds with Sphagnum moss and sparse emergent vegetation. This species requires clean, oligotrophic waters with stable water levels and is particularly associated with peat bog ecosystems across northern Europe.

Other threatened species in Libellulidae

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White-faced Darter

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Unknown
Scarce ChaserCR

Scarce Chaser

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Unknown

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Calidris ferrugineaVU

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VU

Syndyas nigripes

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Chrysotus cupreusCR

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VU

narulukkokiiluri

Syntormon filiger

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ruby Whiteface classified as Vulnerable?
Ruby Whiteface is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Ruby Whiteface faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation and loss of suitable bog and fen ecosystems across its range. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the hydrology and temperature regimes of the acidic wetlands this species requires for breeding. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and peat extraction activities further compromise the quality of remaining habitats, while habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.
Where does Ruby Whiteface live?
Ruby Whiteface occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia, and Denmark (plus 17 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ruby Whiteface?
The main threats to Ruby Whiteface are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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