Sympetrum costiferum
The Saffron-winged meadowhawk (Sympetrum costiferum) 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.
| Saffron-winged meadowhawk | |
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| male, Temagami, Ontario | |
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| Species: | S. costiferum |
| Binomial name | |
| Sympetrum costiferum (Hagen, 1861) | |
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.
- Mead, Kurt. Dragonflies of the North Woods. Second edition. Duluth, MN:Kollath+Stensaas, 2009.
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