Like other dragonflies, autumn meadowhawks prey on flying insects
This wild looking dragonfly is called an autumn meadowhawk. These ornate dragonflies are on the small side, measuring up to 1.5 inches long. This species is also referred to as the yellow-legged meadowhawk, because the legs of the adults are yellow. If you look closely, the legs of the autumn meadowhawk in this photo are yellow, indicating it is likely an adult. The scientific name is Sympetrum vicinum.
Like other dragonflies, autumn meadowhawks prey on flying insects. Some of their diet consists of mosquitos, flies, moths, gnats, flying ants, termites, and even small bees. They are often found near wetlands, ponds, lakes, or streams. This is due to the fact that they are aquatic as juveniles. This habitat provides them a lot of food; however, it also opens them up to predation from other creatures. Autumn meadowhawks are preyed upon by frogs, fish, and birds that also share this habitat.
To breed, the autumn meadowhawks attach to each other in the air. They call this “in tandem”. After breeding, the female flies to the surface of the water to lay eggs. The female dips her abdomen onto the surface of the water, releasing her eggs. Interestingly, large-mouth bass have been seen following “in tandem” dragonflies as they fly right above the surface of the water. As soon as the female drops down to lay her eggs of the surface of the water the large-mouth bass makes its move and eats the dragonflies.
Autumn meadowhawks can be found across the eastern United States, minus Florida and Louisiana. They can be found across the Great Plains, Oregon, Washington, and California. They can also be found throughout southern Canada.
As the names suggests, this species is often found in the late summer and into fall. They are often the last species of dragonfly in their area. I shot this photo in Bangor, Maine in the summer. The golden color of its eyes caught my attention. I started shooting photos from a few feet away and slowly moved closer until I was only a couple inches away. I blinked my eyes and it was gone.
After breeding, the female flies to the surface of the water to lay eggs
Did you know?
- There are around 15 species of autumn meadowhawk in North America.
- Male autumn meadowhawks use their colorful abdomen to attract females for mating.
- Despite being found around wetlands, autumn meadowhawks can be found far from water sources.
- Adult autumn meadowhawks are airborne from late July to early November.
- Male autumn meadowhawks do not patrol territories like other species of dragonflies.
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