Sympetrum obtrusum

(Hagen, 1867)

White-faced Meadowhawk

Sympetrum obtrusum, the White-faced Meadowhawk, is a in the Libellulidae. males are distinguished by a pure white and red bodies. The is found in the northern United States and southern Ontario. Research has documented physiological variation in postcopulatory mate-guarding in this species.

Sympetrum obtrusum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Sympetrum obtrusum P1470586a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Sympetrum obtrusum P1470697a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sympetrum obtrusum: /sɪmˈpɛtrəm ɒbˈtruːsəm/

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Identification

males are readily identified by the combination of a pure white and red body coloration. This separates them from other Sympetrum in their range, such as the Variegated Meadowhawk (S. corruptum) which has patterned, variegated coloration rather than uniform red with a white face.

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Appearance

males have a distinctive pure white and red bodies. As a member of the Sympetrum, it shares the typical meadowhawk body plan with relatively broad, somewhat flattened and clear wings held horizontally at rest.

Habitat

Specific details are not documented in available sources. As a northern meadowhawk , it likely occupies wetlands and associated open areas typical for the .

Distribution

Northern United States and southern Ontario, Canada.

Behavior

Males exhibit postcopulatory mate-guarding , with variation in this behavior being physiologically mediated. The function of this guarding is to prevent sperm competition.

Similar Taxa

  • Sympetrum corruptumSimilar size and general meadowhawk appearance, but S. corruptum has variegated, patterned coloration rather than the uniform red body and pure white of male S. obtrusum.

More Details

Research significance

S. obtrusum has been studied as a model for understanding the physiological basis of reproductive variation in , specifically postcopulatory mate-guarding.

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Sources and further reading