Sierlijke witsnuitlibel (Leucorrhinia caudalis) voortplantend waargenomen in De Weerribben

Muusse, T. & G. Veurink, 2011. Leucorrhinia caudalis found reproducing in De Weerribben. Brachytron 14 (1): 14-27. Recent discoveries show a viable population of Leucorrhinia caudalis in the two adjoining nature reserves of De Weerribben and De Wieden in the eastern part of The Netherlands. The species had been thought to be extinct for the last forty years, until the accidental discovery of specimens in 2009 and 2010. In 2011 this led to a sustained search effort which was crowned with success. The species shows a marked preference for clear water with a submerged vegetation for ovipositing. Males prefer floating lily pads as a basis for guarding their territories, but make do with other perches at need. Protection of the habitat is in order. Current maintenance policies of both nature reserves seem to fulfill the requirements, offering hope for the future. The species has also been rediscovered in Belgium and Luxemburg. On the European Red List the species is still marked as 'near threatened'.