Sunday, November 29, 2009

Variegated Meadowhawk

Many of the smaller sized skimmers are members of the Sympetrum or meadowhawks. Meadowhawks typically range in size from 1.2 to 1.5 inches. Several of the different types of meadowhawks are indistinguishable from each other except under a microscope or magnifying glass.
One type of meadowhawk that does not look very much like any other type and thus is pretty easy to identify is the variegated meadowhawk. We can tell that the variegated meadowhawk in the photos above is a female because the males are red and silver in color. Variegated meadowhawks can be seen as early as May and as late as mid September, possibly earlier and later in warmer climates. In the spring they are usually travelling north and in fall they typically travel east or southeast as the temps begin to drop in the north. I photographed this meadowhawk near the Old Cedar Ave Bridge in late September.

9 comments:

Teresa said...

What great photographs! Hard to believe an insect can be that beautiful. nice job on the photos!

Anonymous said...

Why am I not surprised! I second Teresa. I do think the second photo is the better of the two.

Jama said...

It is so gorgeous! you photographed it beautifully.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh it's stunning..I love the colors!! Wonderful shot:)Sarah

EG CameraGirl said...

Very nice photos. I love chasing meadowhawks with my camera. ;-)

jay said...

Beautiful photos! And doesn't everyone love dragonflies and damselfies? Such pretty little things and such a symbol of late summer!

Rechie said...

awesome shots...i can closely see the lines in the dragon fly's wings

mine is here

Dave Ingram said...

Nice - love dragonflies! I'm looking for dragonfly images for my web site about BC dragonflies if your interested in submitting them. I can provide a link back and photo credit. The site is at
BC Dragonflies

Cheers,

Dave

catbirdman said...

Nice photos, but this is a Wandering Glider.