Cherry-faced Meadowhawk
Sympetrum internum
Meet the vibrant sentinel of the late-summer garden. The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk is a striking red dragonfly that brings expert aerial hunting and brilliant color to North American meadows.
Quick Identification
Size
Total length of 21–36 mm (0.83–1.42 inches) with a wingspan of approximately 45–55 mm (1.8–2.2 inches).
Colors
Mature males and females feature a deep cherry-red abdomen and face. The sides of the abdomen are marked with black triangular spots, and the legs are entirely black. Immature specimens are typically golden-brown.
Key Features
- Distinctive dark red face and forehead when mature
- Series of black triangles along the sides of the abdomen
- Uniformly black legs with no pale striping
- Small, slender dragonfly profile
When You’ll See Them
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Behavior
The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk is a quintessential 'percher' dragonfly. Rather than spending its day in constant flight like larger dragonflies, it prefers to sit on low vegetation, twigs, or sun-warmed stones, scanning the environment for prey. When a small insect flies by, the meadowhawk darts out with incredible speed to capture it mid-air before returning to its favorite perch to eat.
These dragonflies are particularly known for their hardiness and are often among the last species seen as autumn approaches. They are frequently found in large 'loose' colonies in meadows and near pond edges. While they are efficient predators, they are also highly sensitive to temperature and will orient their bodies toward the sun to maximize heat absorption during the cooler morning hours.
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Camera Tips
Capturing a high-quality image of a Cherry-faced Meadowhawk requires understanding their perching habits. They love 'sentinel' spots—tall, dead weed stalks, the tips of garden stakes, or the ends of low-hanging branches that offer a clear view of their surroundings. Position your camera about 2 to 3 feet off the ground, aimed at a prominent vertical or horizontal perch. To get that professional 'blurred background' look, ensure there is plenty of open space behind the perch so the dragonfly stands out against the greenery.
Since these insects are relatively small, standard trail cameras may struggle to trigger based on heat signatures alone. Use a camera with high-speed motion detection or a dedicated macro lens setup if possible. If using a backyard AI camera, place it near a water feature or a patch of late-blooming flowers like goldenrod or asters. While they don't eat nectar, they are drawn to the small flies that congregate around these plants, providing plenty of 'strike' action for your lens.
Timing is everything with meadowhawks. They are most sedentary during the early morning when they are still warming up. This is the best time for high-detail close-ups. As the sun gets higher, they become more active and flighty. If you are trying to capture their vibrant red color, the afternoon sun is best, but be sure to set your exposure slightly lower to avoid 'blowing out' the saturated reds of their abdomen, which can lose detail in harsh light.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Cherry-faced Meadowhawk.
Ruby Meadowhawk
Extremely similar but lacks the dark red face and requires microscopic examination of reproductive parts for certain ID.
White-faced Meadowhawk
Easily distinguished by its starkly white face which contrasts with its red body.
Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
Has amber/yellow tinting along the leading edge of the wings and pale stripes on its legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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