Sympetrum ambiguum

(Rambur, 1842)

Blue-faced Meadowhawk

Sympetrum ambiguum, commonly known as the blue-faced meadowhawk, is a small in the Libellulidae. It is distinguished from by its distinctive aqua blue , a key field mark for identification. The occurs in Midwestern North America near water sources and is active from summer through fall. Mature males display bright red with black stripes, while females and juveniles retain brown coloration.

Sympetrum ambiguum by (c) rasamoto, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Sympetrum ambiguum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sympetrum ambiguum: /sɪmˈpɛtrəm æmˈbɪɡjuəm/

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Identification

The aqua blue is the primary diagnostic feature separating S. ambiguum from similar meadowhawks in the Sympetrum, particularly S. vicinum. This coloration may not be immediately obvious to casual observers but becomes apparent upon close inspection. The six black abdominal rings are present in both sexes. The combination of small size (38 mm maximum), blue face, and abdominal pattern distinguishes this from .