Species account

Lilypad Whiteface (Leucorrhinia caudalis)    (Charpentier, 1840)
   Skimmers (Libellulidae) [Dragonflies]    LIWH    24827
Åkande-kærguldsmed (dk)   Bred Kärrtrollslända (se)  
Synonyms (common):
Dainty White-faced Darter (gb) Dainty Whiteface (gb)
Synonyms (scientific):
Libellula triedra Müller, 1764
Libellula fallax Eversmann, 1841 (nec Burmeister, 1839)
Libellula hellmanni Eversmann, 1841
Libellula ornata Brittinger, 1845 (nec Rambur, 1842)
Measurements:
To 33-39mm Ab 23-25mm Hw 29-32mm
Generations:
Identification:
Similar species:
Life stages:
Mating lasts a few minutes and takes place on floating broad-leaf plants on the water. The solo flying female drops the eggs above the water. The male might stick around to watch over her while doing so. The eggs hatch after a few weeks and the larvae live in-between water plants and develop during 1-3 years. With climate changes 2 years is probably the time needed in Denmark and southern Sweden) [the number of years might change within each population depending on weather and environment - 3 in the most northern parts]. The imago-transformation takes place near the water, and low.
Distribution: (?):Altitude is often taken from a specific localized resource, why the true entire range very likely is wider.
Central  and northeastern Europe from France to southern Fennoscandinavia, the Baltics and locally through Ukraine, Belarus and Russia to the Altai mountains. Absent Mediterranean region. Extinct in Denmark with recent re-discoveries on Falster.
Habitat:
Behavior:
Endemic:
Status:
Bern Convention. EU Habitat Directive IV. In Denmark known since the 18th century from several localities on Sjælland, but died out during the first half of the 20th century, last confirmed in 1910. Recently however, 2018, a single male was discovered on Falster, and in 2023, several males and females were seen at Horreby Lyng, also Falster, giving promise to the re-introduction of the species. None were seen in 2024 and only two in 2025, but being an up to 3-years species 2026 is the year to have eyes on! Rare in Norway but common in both Sweden and Finland.
Comment:
Articles:
Lilypad Whiteface 1699    (6 photos)
2023-06-24    Horreby Lyng (Falster), Denmark

Imago Male
Different animals.
Target of the day. And perhaps of the year in Denmark. Reported a week ago by Lars Johansen. After many years without any records, and with the clear perception that the species was not breeding in Denmark, despite of the near presence in both Sweden and Germany. Erland Nielsen saw a mating two days ago, why females are around. Up to six males have been reported by Kis Guldborg, though we only could find 4 males when visiting right after she left. But there was a frenetic activity over the lake why we could easily have missed some.

Of course it's not a new species to Denmark. In fact it's been present in the country at least throughout the last century. Perhaps in small numbers and finally dying out, only to be found a few years ago at a nearby spot with a single individual.

Rare
Lilypad Whiteface 1621    (16 photos)
2023-06-08    Grundsjön (Skåne), Sweden

Imago Male & Female
Many different animals. All males except two females busy mating. They were everywhere and I loosely estimated some 50+.

The males are unmistakable when seen well, with the white uppersides to the wingmarks and the broad-tailed abdomen and white appendages.