Frosted Whiteface

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Identification

Mature males are dark with pale blue-gray pruinescence on the abdomen and thorax, a white face and a dark patch at each hindwing base.

A mature male has a white face and gray-white pruinescence over a dark body, plus dark patches at the hindwing bases. Compare the abdominal pattern and extent of pruinescence with other Leucorrhinia rather than using the white face alone.

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Documented range

The 2024 checklist limits Frosted Whiteface to Manitoba and New Brunswick south to Minnesota, Indiana and West Virginia, with an isolated North Dakota record.

No Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas or Utah occurrence is supported. This guide's inclusion is a legacy-link recovery decision and must not be read as evidence of Colorado mountain distribution.

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Habitat & flight period

Boggy ponds, sedge-fringed lakes and quiet acidic or peaty waters in the northern and eastern range.

Adults fly mainly in late spring and summer across the verified northern and eastern range.

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Finding strategy

Watch low patrols along sedge margins and floating vegetation. Perched individuals often choose low stems close to the water.

Within its verified northern and eastern range, check quiet boggy ponds, peaty pools and sedge-fringed lakes. Southwest birding itineraries are not a finding strategy for this species; consult northern state or provincial records before travel.

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Similar species

Dot-tailed Whiteface and other Leucorrhinia require comparison of abdominal markings and pruinescence; range alone is not enough.

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Photography in the field

A perched dragonfly allows more depth of field than a damselfly; stop down and keep the wing bases sharp because they carry useful marks.

Protect the water edge, keep a working distance, and leave the insect and its perch as found.