Crimson-ringed whiteface

Leucorrhinia glacialis

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

IDENTIFICATION

Ranging between 1.4”-1.5” in length, the crimson-ringed whiteface’s coloration is red and black. The male has a mostly black body, with some red on the thorax. The base of the abdomen is ringed with red. The face is white and the eyes are dark. Females are similar but can take a red form or yellow form with the color differences visible on thorax and abdomen.

Distribution & Habitat

The crimson-ringed whiteface prefers the habitat of quaking sphagnum bogs, which are rare in New Jersey. They are found in only a few areas in northern New Jersey. Their full range is north to Quebec, south to West Virginia, and west to British Columbia.

Diet

Larvae feed on aquatic invertebrates and adults feed on flying insects.

Life Cycle

The crimson-ringed whiteface has been seen in New Jersey in the month of June.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

The crimson-ringed whiteface is considered a species of Special Concern in New Jersey due to the rarity of its required habitat.

References

Text derived from the book, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey. 2009.  By Allen E. Barlow and Jim Bangma.

Edited and updated by Larissa Smith in 2011.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Leucorrhinia
Species: L. glacialis