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variegated meadowhawk
variegated meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) [female]
Illinois Status: uncommon, native
Photos © Mary Kay Rubey
variegated meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) [male]
Illinois Status: uncommon, native
Photos © Mary Kay Rubey
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The variegated meadowhawk is one of a small group of red dragonflies in our region. They have a red to brown face, black legs, and a brown thorax with yellow spots on each side. Females have brown eyes and males have eyes that are red above and grey below. Males have a red abdomen with an ornate pattern. Females have a brown abdomen with cream spots on the sides.
BEHAVIORS
The variegated meadowhawk can be seen statewide from April to October along the shores of lakes and streams with vegetation, feeding in a swarm above the water or perched nearby. Breeding occurs in vegetation near the waters’ edge and pairs deposit eggs together, flying low the entire time and tapping the water frequently. In late summer these dragonflies can be spotted in swarms on their journey southwest after breeding season.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Habitats
shores of lakes and streams with vegetation
