Autumn Meadowhawks, scientifically known as Sympetrum vicinum, are a fascinating species of dragonflies.
Found in various wetlands, these insects have a unique appearance with red or yellow-orange abdomens and reddish or chestnut-colored eyes, making them a sight to behold in the natural world.
As their name suggests, Autumn Meadowhawks are most active during the fall season.
These small dragonflies, ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches in length, play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of mosquitoes and other small insects.
In fact, they can often be seen perched horizontally on low vegetation, patiently waiting for their next meal.
Being a part of the Skimmer family Libellulidae, Meadowhawks are one of 15 different species in their genus, 9 of which can be found in Wisconsin.
Some species within this group exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females exhibit different colors and patterns.
This adds to the vibrancy and diversity found within Autumn Meadowhawk populations.
Autumn Meadowhawk Overview
Appearance and Identification
The Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) is a red dragonfly species found in North America. It belongs to the Odonata order and Skimmer family.
- Male: Males have a bright red abdomen.
- Female: Females have a yellow to brownish-red abdomen.
Both sexes share features like clear wings without heavy stigmas and small size compared to other dragonflies.
Here’s a comparison table of an Autumn Meadowhawk and a related species, the Blue-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum ambiguum):
| Feature | Autumn Meadowhawk | Blue-faced Meadowhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Red / Yellow | Blue / Yellow |
| Size | Small (<1.5 inches) | Small (<1.5 inches) |
| Wings | Clear | Clear |
Behavior and Habits
Autumn Meadowhawks are active during late summer and fall, hence their name. Their typical behavior includes:
- Hunting: Catching small insects like flies and mosquitoes.
- Perching: They often perch on foliage or low vegetation to rest and survey their surroundings.
- Mating: Males court and mate with females by clasping onto their thorax.
Habitat and Range
These dragonflies are commonly found near ponds, marshes, and other wetland habitats. They are widespread across North America, including:
- Alabama
- Central regions
- Doleritic areas
- Wisconsin
- Montana
- Baja California
Overall, the Autumn Meadowhawk is a fascinating and easily identifiable species due to its vibrant colors, clear wings, and distinctive habits.
Lifecycle and Reproduction
Mating Behavior
Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum) are part of the Libellulidae family.
Males and females perform a mating ritual which involves the male displaying his brightly colored abdomen to attract a female for mating.
In some cases, male aggression and courtship rituals may be observed.
Eggs and Larval Development
As a member of the insecta class, the Autumn Meadowhawk’s lifecycle consists of four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Egg Laying
- Females lay eggs in aquatic vegetation or water surface
- Males guard females during egg-laying process
Larval Development
- Larvae feed on insects such as mosquitoes and mayflies
- Growth cycle consists of several molts
- Once fully developed, larvae emerge as adults
In contrast to other species in the same family, the Autumn Meadowhawk has a relatively smaller range in size, is often found far from water, and has specific habitat preferences.
| Autumn Meadowhawk | Other Libellulidae |
|---|---|
| Smaller range in size | Larger range in size |
| Habitat: bogs and wetlands | Habitat: various wetlands |
| Found far from water | Found near water sources |
Diet and Predators
Feeding Habits
Their diet mainly consists of flying insects, such as:
- Moths
- Flies
- Gnats
- Small bees
They typically feed near pools and wetlands, often waiting on low vegetation to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Natural Enemies
Autumn Meadowhawks face several predators in their natural habitat, including:
- Birds
- Frogs
- Fish
- Spiders
Moreover, their nymph stage (immature stage before becoming an adult dragonfly) occurs underwater and faces threats from aquatic predators.
During this stage, their size and orange-brown coloration make them vulnerable to predation.
| Feature | Autumn Meadowhawk | Yellow-legged Meadowhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Approximately 1.5 inches long | Comparable |
| Identification | Red or yellow-orange abdomen, yellow legs | Similar, with distinct yellow legs |
| Food | Flying insects (moths, flies, gnats, and small bees) | Similar diet |
| Habitat | Wetlands and areas near pools | Overlapping, often found in similar areas |
| Season | Late June/early July until fall | Comparable |
| Family & Order | Family: Libellulidae, Order: Odonata | Same family and order |
| Dimorphic (Sexual Dimorphism) | A few species have different colors for males and females | Similar traits |
Conclusion
To summarize, Autumn Meadowhawks are small dragonflies that feed on a diverse range of flying insects near pools and wetlands.
They can be distinguished by their red or yellow-orange abdomens, yellow legs, and size.
These dragonflies face predators throughout their life stages, from aquatic threats during their nymph stage to birds, frogs, fish, and spiders as adults.
