Small Whiteface

This species has a predominantly black body, usually 33–37 mm (1.3–1.5 in) in length - the abdomen is 21–27 mm (0.83–1.06 in) long and the hindwing is 23–28 mm (0.91–1.10 in) long. Mature males have striking red and orange markings on the abdomen and thorax which become darker with age, whereas young males and females have pale yellow markings. All individuals have a conspicuous white frons at the front of the head. The wings have a brown patch at the base and noticeable black pterostigma. It may be confused with similar species, including the black darter (Sympetrum danae), ruddy darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) and common darter (Sympetreum striolatum), however is usually distinguishable by its white face patch.

This dragonfly's range extends from western Europe to Japan, and it is commonly found in western, northern and eastern Europe at higher altitudes, but is rare in southern Europe and the United Kingdom. In recent decades, this species has been observed as far afield as Russia and China, however the vast majority of sightings have occurred in central and northern Europe. In Britain, the majority of individuals of this species are found in the highlands of Scotland, with key populations located in Inverness-shire and Ross-shire. In England, a few isolated populations occur in Cheshire and Cumbria, where biodiversity action plans have been set up to protect them, and as far south as Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve in Staffordshire. However, when British populations are considered overall, this species has been in decline over the past 35 years.