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Leucorrhinia glacialis
Crimson-ringed Whiteface

Hagen, 1890
Libellulidae, Skimmer Family
photo of Male crimson-ringed whiteface
Male crimson-ringed whiteface — Cleveland Mus. of Nat. Hist. (Renee Boronka)
This genus of small, mostly black, low flyers are easy to identify as whitefaces by their white faces with thin short black hairs, small black basal wing spots, and black legs. They are is similar to Sympetrum species in appearance and behavior in some cases. Because species within this genus are similar-looking and change in appearance as they age, careful observation and considerable practice is required to correctly identify both genders of various ages of all species.
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S4
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The male is black with a white face, red on the thorax, and a black abdomen with some red markings. Females are either yellow form, with yellow spots on the abdomen, or red form, with the spots on the abdomen that turn red. Males could be confused with mature male belted whitefaces, however, they do not have the white on the abdomen. The length of the body varies from 1.3 to 1.4 inches.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species is common in southern Canada and northern United States. It is usually found at vegetated ponds, lakes, marshes, and bogs. It is widely distributed throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Mid-May to late August in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male crimson-ringed whiteface
Male crimson-ringed whiteface — Cleveland Mus. of Nat. Hist. (Renee Boronka)
photo of Male crimson-ringed whiteface
Male crimson-ringed whiteface — Dan Jackson
photo of Intermediate male crimson-ringed whiteface
Intermediate male crimson-ringed whiteface — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature male crimson-ringed whiteface
Immature male crimson-ringed whiteface — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male crimson-ringed whiteface thorax
Close-up of male crimson-ringed whiteface thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Hamular process of male crimson-ringed whiteface (venter up)
Hamular process of male crimson-ringed whiteface (venter up) — Dan Jackson
photo of Detail of crimson-winged whiteface wingtip showing radial planate with divided cells
Detail of crimson-winged whiteface wingtip showing radial planate with divided cells — Dan Jackson
photo of Female crimson-ringed whiteface
Female crimson-ringed whiteface — Dan Jackson
photo of Crimson-ringed whiteface pair
Crimson-ringed whiteface pair — Dan Jackson
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