Variegated Meadowhawk

Description:

This is a small to medium-sized dragonfly (but large for this genus) with a length of 1 5/8 to 1 11/16 inches (39 to 42 mm). The abdomen is quite slender. Mature males have a base color of dark brownish black. Each side of the thorax may be marked with a pair of yellow spots. The abdomen is marked with an eye-catching pattern of red, pink, and golden brown. The leading edges of the wings have pinkish wing veins. Mature females are marked similarly but with less red. Immature males and females are much paler in color and are mottled with pale green, pale yellow, golden brown, and orange. The leading edges of the wings have brownish or "regular" (non-colored) veins.

Habitat:

The Sweetwater Wetlands is a water treatment facility, an urban wildlife habitat, and an outdoor classroom. As a water treatment facility, it is one of the most important facets of the City's Reclaimed Water System. Treated water filters through sediments beneath recharged basins and replenishes the local aquifer. This reclaimed wastewater is recovered by extraction wells during periods of high water demand and distributed for reuse in Tucson's golf courses, parks, schools and other large turf irrigation areas. As an urban wildlife habitat, the Sweetwater Wetlands is a tranquil park where visitors can view native wildlife in an urban setting. This water-rich streamside riparian zone supports a huge variety of wildlife including dragonflies, raccoons, hawks, bobcats and dozens of other species that make the wetlands their full- or part-time home. As an outdoor classroom, the Sweetwater Wetlands provides an environmental, educational experience in natural laboratory settings for teaching about ecology and water resource management. The wetlands helps establish and enhance the wildlife population in harmony with Tucson's urban environment.