| Status | LC |
|---|---|
| Status system | IUCN3.1 |
| Genus | Sympetrum |
| Species | costiferum |
| Authority | (Hagen, 1861) |
Sympetrum costiferum, the saffron-winged meadowhawk, is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum. It is found across northern and central United States and most of Canada, including a southern portion of the Northwest Territories.
Its abdomen is yellowish-brown, turning pale red at maturity in both sexes. Juveniles and females have gold (saffron) coloured wing stripes.[1] Veins of males and females are reddish or orange.[2] The sides of the abdomen are marked with black triangles. Some females have amber in basal areas of their wings. Legs are striped in black and yellow or red. Size: 35 mm (1.4 in).[1] This species overlaps with and is difficult to distinguish from both the ruby and white-faced meadowhawks.[1]
Similar species
- Sympetrum obtrusum – white-faced meadowhawk
- Sympetrum rubicundulum – ruby meadowhawk
- Sympetrum internum – cherry-faced meadowhawk
References
- ^ Dunkle, S.W., Dragonflies through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America. New York:Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 0195112687
- ^ Mead, Kurt. Dragonflies of the North Woods. Second edition. Duluth, MN:Kollath+Stensaas, 2009. ISBN 978-0979200656
External links
- Saffron-winged Meadowhawk, Nature Inquiries
- Saffron-winged Meadowhawk, BugGuide