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Autumn meadowhawk

Autumn meadowhawk

Sympetrum vicinum

A species of Darters

The autumn meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) is a red dragonfly. It flies near marshes, lakes, and ponds, especially if there's a wooded area nearby. These bugs have compound eyes with highly developed eyesight. They will wait for smaller insects to fly by, and then they'll pursue the prey, with a near perfect catch rate.

General Info About Autumn meadowhawk
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Attributes of Autumn meadowhawk
Colors
Brown
Black
Red
Habitat
marsh; pond; stream; lake
Adult Food Sources
Mosquitoes, flies, moths, butterflies, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Aquatic insect larvae, zooplankton, small fish, tadpoles, other small aquatic organisms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Autumn meadowhawk is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Predatory
The Autumn meadowhawk typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Autumn meadowhawk
It can be seen throughout the eastern United States, southern Canada, the Great Plains, and the west coast of North America. Populations are widespread, abundant, and secure.
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Distribution Area of Autumn meadowhawk
United States, Canada
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Appearance of Autumn meadowhawk
This is a small dragonfly, with a length of 3 - 3.5 cm. The wings are mostly clear but have a small patch of yellowish to orange clouding at the base of each hindwing. Mature males are brownish black on the face and thorax and have a red abdomen, while immature males have a yellow thorax and a yellowish brown abdomen. Females have a brown thorax and a brownish-red abdomen. The legs of the adults are yellow.
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How to Identify Autumn meadowhawk?

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Life Cycle of Autumn meadowhawk
Egg During the egg stage, the autumn meadowhawk lays eggs in water or on vegetation near water. The eggs are small, typically oval, and well-adapted to their aquatic environment.
Naiad In this stage, autumn meadowhawk naiads emerge from the eggs. The naiads are aquatic, predacious, and undergo incremental growth, molting several times while developing. They exhibit wing pads and compound eyes, though not yet functional for flight or acute vision.
Adult Transitioning into adults, autumn meadowhawk undergo incomplete metamorphosis. The process includes an immature stage, where the wings develop externally, and the naiad form resembles the adult. They are larger, have fully developed wings, and exhibit sexual dimorphism. The primary focus shifts to reproduction and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Autumn meadowhawk
3 - 3.5 cm
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Predators of Autumn meadowhawk Larvae
Fish, frogs, water beetles, dragonfly nymphs, tadpoles, salamanders
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Predators of Adult Autumn meadowhawk
Birds, frogs, spiders, wasps, mantis, other dragonflies
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Scientific Classification of Autumn meadowhawk
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Genus
Darters
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Tips for Finding Autumn meadowhawk
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How Can You Attract Autumn meadowhawk
Since adult autumn meadowhawk are predatory, they are not typically attracted to conventional baits. Instead, they are lured by the presence of prey such as small flying insects.
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Habitat Preferences of Autumn meadowhawk Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of autumn meadowhawk are laid in water bodies like ponds, marshes, and slow-flowing streams, often among aquatic plants. naiads, or naiads, also inhabit these aquatic environments, where they can be found among submerged vegetation or debris on the water bottom. After undergoing metamorphosis, the adult autumn meadowhawk favor terrestrial habitats near these water sources. They are commonly seen perched on vegetation, rocks, or ground, often in sunny spots to regulate their body temperature. To find the various stages, one must carefully inspect these locations, gently sweeping through the foliage with a net for adults or gently disturbing the water's edge vegetation for naiads and eggs.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Autumn meadowhawk
The best time to find adult autumn meadowhawk is typically on sunny days, particularly in the late morning and afternoon, when they are most active and are likely to be hunting or basking in the sun.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Autumn meadowhawk
Adult autumn meadowhawk prefer warm, sunny, and calm weather, as they rely on the sun to regulate their body temperature and wind can inhibit their flying capabilities.
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How and Where Can You Find Autumn meadowhawk at Different Life Stages
Egg Autumn meadowhawk eggs are typically laid in or near bodies of water. To find them, search the edges of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Look for plants or submerged wood where autumn meadowhawk might attach their eggs.
Naiad Autumn meadowhawk naiads are aquatic and dwell at the bottom of freshwater habitats. To find naiad autumn meadowhawk, gently search through submerged vegetation, debris, and the sediment of ponds or calm streams with a net.
Adult During the emergence stage, autumn meadowhawk naiads climb onto nearby vegetation to undergo metamorphosis. Spotting autumn meadowhawk emergents requires visiting waterside locations early in the morning and looking for naiadal skins (exuviae) on plants or structures close to water.
Adult autumn meadowhawk can be observed near water bodies, fields and meadows. They are often seen perching on vegetation or flying around to hunt. A net or just visual observation during the day, particularly when it's sunny and warm, can help locate adults.
Are Autumn meadowhawk harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Autumn meadowhawk
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Small Insects
Autumn meadowhawk preys on pests both in its aquatic naiad stage and as an airborne adult. It primarily consumes small insects to sustain itself. With agile flight and acute vision, autumn meadowhawk captures prey mid-air, using its sharp mandibles. It is especially beneficial in controlling mosquito populations.
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