Autumn Meadowhawk

Sympetrum vicinum

Description:

This meadowhawk dragonfly is about 30--35 mm (1.2 to 1.4 in) in length. The wings are clear with a yellowish patch near the base of the hindwings. The legs are yellow. Mature males are predominantly red while immature males and females are more brown to yellow.

Habitat:

Meadows, edges of wetlands. I photographed this individual in my suburban yard next to a deciduous forest.

Species ID Suggestions

9 Comments

CourtneyVerk 11 years ago

Thanks Gordon :)

Gordon Dietzman 11 years ago

Courtney, The meadowhawks are really tough to ID, at least most of them. Typically I don't try to ID them down to the species because it requires actually handling them and examining the tip of the abdomen with a handlens. That being said, there are some distinctive species. In our area, for instance, only the Autumn Meadowhawk has yellow legs. The specimen in your photo has black legs so wouldn't b an Autumn. Sorry I can't help more.... But, I'll add, your photo is absolutely perfect--love the rich colors!

CourtneyVerk 11 years ago

Gordon, this series is incredible!!! I think I have the same spotting...are you able to verify if this is the same species?
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/123...

Gordon Dietzman 11 years ago

ccszymanski--A photographer could earn no higher praise. Thanks!
bbpreveas--I started with diopters as well and they actually work quite well. The MP-E65 is a very specialized lens and not too many photographers have one. It's got a really steep learning curve, but once mastered it provides outstanding results.

bbprevas 11 years ago

Gordon. Thanks for the info. I'm still working my "poor-man's" diopter filters while I continue to wade into macro, but I like to see what people are using. The detailed texture you got in the eyes is remarkable. Extraordinary shots.

ccszymanski 11 years ago

I may be 11 but that is totally amazing I want to be a photographer too!

Gordon Dietzman 11 years ago

Thanks Carol. Glad you're enjoying the photos....

bbprevas--I'm using a Canon 5DmkII with a Canon MP-E65mm macro lens. For light I focus using sunlight, but use a Canon430EX flash for the primary lighting. I tend to not use a tripod as it hinders moving fast enough to get photos of most insects.

bbprevas 11 years ago

Amazing. What gear are you using?

CarolSnowMilne 11 years ago

This is such a clear, crisp photo as the main one and love the entire series. Stunning photography. Thank you! You have great photos and I am enjoying them so so much!