Hudsonian Whiteface
Leucorrhinia hudsonica
This record describes Leucorrhinia hudsonica (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Older males: Younger males: Females: Note that females and immature males are similar to mature males, but instead of pale red they have yellow.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Leucorrhinia (Whitefaces)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most commonly found in bogs.
Geographic Range
Alaska and Yukon and Hudson Bay area, east and south into the Appalachians and as far south as West Virginia.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Small invertebrates caught on the wing.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Leucorrhinia hudsonica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hudsonian Whiteface (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Stephen_WV
Frequently Asked Questions About Hudsonian Whiteface
What is Hudsonian Whiteface?
Hudsonian Whiteface (Leucorrhinia hudsonica) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Hudsonian Whiteface?
28-32 mm
How do you identify Hudsonian Whiteface?
Older males: Younger males: Females: Note that females and immature males are similar to mature males, but instead of pale red they have yellow.
Where is Hudsonian Whiteface found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Most commonly found in bogs. |
| Range | Alaska and Yukon and Hudson Bay area, east and south into the Appalachians and as far south as West Virginia. |
What does Hudsonian Whiteface eat?
The diet of the Hudsonian Whiteface includes Small invertebrates caught on the wing..