Sympetrum costiferum

Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
male, Temagami, Ontario
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Sympetrum
Species: S. costiferum
Binomial name
Sympetrum costiferum
(Hagen, 1861)

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.

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

References

  1. 1 2 3 Dunkle, S.W., Dragonflies through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America. New York:Oxford University Press, 2000.
  2. ↑ Mead, Kurt. Dragonflies of the North Woods. Second edition. Duluth, MN:Kollath+Stensaas, 2009.
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