Yellow-spotted Whiteface
Leucorrhinia pectoralis
The large white-faced darter or yellow-spotted whiteface is a small dragonfly belonging to the genus Leucorrhinia in the family Libellulidae.
36
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_white-faced_darter
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Odonata
Family
Libellulidae
Genus
Leucorrhinia
Yellow-spotted Whiteface belongs to the family Libellulidae, order Odonata, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The large white-faced darter or yellow-spotted whiteface is a small dragonfly belonging to the genus Leucorrhinia in the family Libellulidae.
The Yellow-spotted Whiteface faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Climate change and water pollution further threaten the delicate aquatic ecosystems this dragonfly depends on for reproduction and larval development, while its limited dispersal ability makes populations particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits shallow, acidic bog pools, fens, and marshy areas with emergent vegetation, particularly favoring small water bodies with Sphagnum moss and sedge communities. Requires clean, oligotrophic waters with stable water levels for successful larval development.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Yellow-spotted Whiteface faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Climate change and water pollution further threaten the delicate aquatic ecosystems this dragonfly depends on for reproduction and larval development, while its limited dispersal ability makes populations particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Agricultural intensification near breeding sites
Climate change affecting water levels
Fragmentation of suitable habitats
Water pollution and eutrophication
Wetland habitat loss and drainage
Found in 36 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Yellow-spotted Whiteface (Leucorrhinia pectoralis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/yellow-spotted-whiteface