Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Suborder Anisoptera Scientific name Sympetrum semicinctum | Phylum Arthropoda Order Odonata Family Libellulidae Rank Species | |
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Similar White‑faced meadowhawk, Sympetrum internum, Sympetrum vicinum, Sympetrum costiferum, Sympetrum rubicundulum | ||
Band winged meadowhawk
The band-winged meadowhawk (Sympetrum semicinctum) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum belonging to the family Libellulidae.
Contents
Sympetrum semicinctum is closely related to, and may not be a distinct species from, the western meadowhawk (Sympetrum occidentale). Other subspecies or geographical variants are S. californicum and S. fasciatum.
Band winged meadowhawk
Synonyms and subspecies
Description
Sympetrum semicinctum can reach a length of 28–36 millimetres (1.1–1.4 in), with a wingspan of 45–55 millimetres (1.8–2.2 in). The male has a bright red abdomen with black markings on the lower sides and on the top of the segments 8 and 9, creating a U like pattern. The thorax is brownish red and the sides show three irregular black stripes. Face and eyes are dark red. The legs are black. The hind wings have a rusty patch at the base, covering one-third of the wings, while the front wings are almost completely transparent. The female is mainly greenish-yellowish, with red over green on eyes and extended blackish markings on the abdomen. The flight period extends from April to mid October, but this dragonfly is more common in late summer.
Distribution
This species is native to Canada and Continental United States, from coast to coast.
Habitat
This dragonfly can be found perched on vegetation along the edges of meadows, in weedy ponds, marshes and lakes, also in the hills or mountains.