Sympetrum internum

Montgomery, 1943

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk

Sympetrum internum, commonly known as the cherry-faced meadowhawk, is a small in the Libellulidae. It is distinguished by its dark red at maturity, which gives the its . The is brown in individuals, turning dark red in both sexes when mature. This species is known to be difficult to distinguish from several closely related meadowhawk species, including the ruby, saffron-winged, and white-faced meadowhawks.

Sympetrum internum by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Sympetrum internum by (c) Quinten Wiegersma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinten Wiegersma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sympetrum internum: /sɪmˈpiːtrəm ɪnˈtɜːrnəm/

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Identification

The dark red at maturity is the primary distinguishing feature, though this overlaps substantially with and is difficult to separate from Sympetrum rubicundulum (ruby meadowhawk), Sympetrum costiferum (saffron-winged meadowhawk), and Sympetrum obtrusum (white-faced meadowhawk). Close examination of facial coloration, abdominal patterning, and wing venation may be required for definitive identification.

Images

Distribution

Northern and central United States and most of Canada, including southern portions of Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Similar Taxa

Sympetrum rubicundulumRuby meadowhawk; overlaps in range and is difficult to distinguish visually
Sympetrum costiferumSaffron-winged meadowhawk; overlaps in range and is difficult to distinguish visually
Sympetrum obtrusumWhite-faced meadowhawk; overlaps in range and is difficult to distinguish visually

More Details

Taxonomic note

Described by Montgomery in 1943. The epithet 'internum' refers to internal or inward-facing characteristics, though the specific etymology is not documented in available sources.