ArielSD
Autumn Meadowhawk
Autumn Meadowhawk, Sympetrum vicinum, Male.
I went to one of my local ponds yesterday. I wasn't expecting to see much as the dragonfly activity there has as slowed down considerably. I sat for a bit and watched for movement. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something red camped out on a lily pad. It was so small that I thought it was a "new to me" damselfly. After a closer look I realized it was a small dragonfly. I was SO excited to see a red dragonfly, and a new species to me. Once I took a walk around the pond I saw them everywhere. I have never seen these dragonflies before and had no idea they were about to take over this pond. Apparently they are one of the last dragonflies to be seen in the fall...thus their name Autumn Meadowhawk. They were quite inquisitive and one even came over and landed on my arm. Unfortunately, I missed that photo op. The females are much harder to spot. I did see a few pairs mating but was unable to capture any shots.
"Formerly called Yellow-legged Meadowhawk.
Males are mostly red, lacking the black abdominal triangles of most of our other meadowhawks. Instead they have variable black markings laterally and dorsally on segments 8-10. Females are recognized by the prominent projecting subgenital plate. Contrary to the name, legs range from yellow to brown or even reddish.
The vagrant Saffron-winged Meadowhawk is quite similar and should be looked for."
Autumn Meadowhawk
Autumn Meadowhawk, Sympetrum vicinum, Male.
I went to one of my local ponds yesterday. I wasn't expecting to see much as the dragonfly activity there has as slowed down considerably. I sat for a bit and watched for movement. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something red camped out on a lily pad. It was so small that I thought it was a "new to me" damselfly. After a closer look I realized it was a small dragonfly. I was SO excited to see a red dragonfly, and a new species to me. Once I took a walk around the pond I saw them everywhere. I have never seen these dragonflies before and had no idea they were about to take over this pond. Apparently they are one of the last dragonflies to be seen in the fall...thus their name Autumn Meadowhawk. They were quite inquisitive and one even came over and landed on my arm. Unfortunately, I missed that photo op. The females are much harder to spot. I did see a few pairs mating but was unable to capture any shots.
"Formerly called Yellow-legged Meadowhawk.
Males are mostly red, lacking the black abdominal triangles of most of our other meadowhawks. Instead they have variable black markings laterally and dorsally on segments 8-10. Females are recognized by the prominent projecting subgenital plate. Contrary to the name, legs range from yellow to brown or even reddish.
The vagrant Saffron-winged Meadowhawk is quite similar and should be looked for."