Meadowhawk
Guides
Sympetrum corruptum
Variegated Meadowhawk
Sympetrum corruptum, commonly known as the Variegated Meadowhawk, is a migratory dragonfly native to North America. It is one of five species tracked by the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership due to its seasonal north-south movements. Adults are notable for their distinctive red-marked coloration and persistence late into autumn, often being the last active dragonflies in many areas. The species is abundant in diverse habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and even agricultural areas like lavender fields.
Sympetrum costiferum
Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
Sympetrum costiferum, the saffron-winged meadowhawk, is a small dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is distinguished by yellowish-brown to pale red abdomen coloration and distinctive saffron-colored wing stripes in juveniles and females. The species occurs across northern and central North America and is notably difficult to distinguish from closely related meadowhawk species.
Sympetrum madidum
red-veined meadowhawk
Sympetrum madidum, the red-veined meadowhawk, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distinguished from congeners by gold to red clouding of its wings and red wing veins. The species ranges across western and northern North America, inhabiting shallow marshy ponds and lakes. Adults are active from mid-June to mid-September, with some populations flying from April through September.
Sympetrum obtrusum
White-faced Meadowhawk
Sympetrum obtrusum, the White-faced Meadowhawk, is a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Adult males are distinguished by a pure white face and red bodies. The species is found in the northern United States and southern Ontario. Research has documented physiological variation in postcopulatory mate-guarding behavior in this species.
Sympetrum pallipes
Striped Meadowhawk
Sympetrum pallipes, commonly known as the striped meadowhawk, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found across North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017. As a member of the genus Sympetrum, it shares characteristics with other meadowhawks, including late-season flight activity.
Sympetrum semicinctum semicinctum
Sympetrum semicinctum semicinctum is a subspecies of meadowhawk dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. As a member of the genus Sympetrum, it shares characteristics typical of meadowhawks, including relatively small size and late-season flight activity. The nominate subspecies designation indicates this is the type subspecies of the species Sympetrum semicinctum. Like other Sympetrum species, it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with aquatic nymphal stages and aerial adult predation.
Sympetrum vicinum
Autumn Meadowhawk, Yellow-legged Meadowhawk
Sympetrum vicinum is a small dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae, commonly known as the Autumn Meadowhawk or Yellow-legged Meadowhawk. Adults measure 26–35 mm in length and are distinguished by their yellow legs and late-season flight period. This species exhibits two disjunct populations in North America—one in the eastern United States and Canada, and another in the Pacific Northwest. It is notable for flying later into autumn than any other dragonfly species in its western range, with observations extending into November.