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Variegated Meadowhawk

Sympetrum corruptum

Description:

Variegated Meadowhawk is a very colorful dragonfly with behaviors typical for the group: it sits on perches near or over water, dashes out after prey or females, and often returns to the same perch.

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3 Comments

Geodialist
Geodialist 11 years ago

It is a male, as indicated by its red coloration and the "claspers" (terminal appendages) at the end of its abdomen. In contrast, females are honey colored. http://bugguide.net/node/view/688057/bgi...

MeganM
MeganM 11 years ago

How can you tell it is a male?

Yes, I was very fortunate to go on this trip; it was my first time to California and first time seeing the Pacific! The only thing that bummed me out was I didn't see very many insects. I thought for sure I would see some during my redwood hike, but I wasn't so fortunate there. I got some cool photos of spider webs, but no spiders!

This photo was taken at a mountainside winery while I was walking through the vineyard. Since you were curious about my equipment: this was shot with my kit lens (18-55) on full auto mode.. Again, it is not perfect, but for full auto, I was pleased to find it was mostly in focus.

Geodialist
Geodialist 11 years ago

You are, or were, a long way from Iowa, Megan! I envy your good fortune: A) A visit to Napa Valley is always fun; B) A Variegated Meadowhawk! I love VMs, but we don't see 'em on the East Coast. The individual in your photo is a male.

MeganM
Spotted by
MeganM

Napa, California, USA

Spotted on Oct 9, 2012
Submitted on Oct 14, 2012

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