Agencies
Services
white-faced meadowhawk
white-faced meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) [female]
Illinois Status: common, native
Photos © Mary Kay Rubey
white-faced meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) [male]
Illinois Status: common, native
Photos © Mary Kay Rubey
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The white-faced meadowhawk is a medium-sized dragonfly, whose white to yellow face distinguishes it from other meadowhawks. However, examination of reproductive structures is best for identification to species within this genus. This is due to the face color on females and young specimens that may vary greatly. Males are mostly red with black markings alongside their abdomens, and females are bright to dull yellow with similar black markings.
BEHAVIORS
The white-faced meadowhawk can be found statewide from summer to fall. They are very common in shallow waters and lakes near, and within forests. Mating is very rarely observed and male guard females while they deposit their eggs.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Habitats
shallow waters and lakes near, and within forests
