Insects Active during the day

Autumn Meadowhawk

Sympetrum vicinum

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The Autumn Meadowhawk is the late-season sentinel of the dragonfly world, bringing a flash of brilliant red to the garden long after summer has faded. Recognized by its unique yellow legs, this hardy insect is a favorite for backyard naturalists across North America.

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Quick Identification

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Size

26–35 mm (1.0–1.4 inches) in length; wingspan of 45–55 mm (1.8–2.2 inches)

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Colors

Mature males are bright cherry-red with red faces; females and juveniles are golden-brown or yellowish-tan. Both sexes have distinctive pale yellow to light brown legs.

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Key Features

Pale yellow or tan legs (unique among meadowhawks)
Bright red abdomen in mature males
Small body size, often under 1.5 inches
Tendency to fly very late into the autumn season

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 10 AM - 4 PM

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Season August-November

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Diet Carnivorous generalist; eats small flying insects including mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and occasional small moths caught in mid-air.

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Habitat Slow-moving water sources including ponds, marshes, lakes, and wet meadows, often near wooded edges or suburban gardens.

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Where Does the Autumn Meadowhawk Live?

The Autumn Meadowhawk is native to the North American continent, boasting a very wide distribution. Its range extends from the Atlantic coast of Canada and the United States across to the Pacific Northwest, reaching as far south as the Gulf Coast and northern Mexico. Because it is highly adaptable to human-altered landscapes, it is one of the most common dragonflies found in suburban backyards across temperate North America.

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3 Countries

16.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States CA Canada MX Mexico

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Autumn Meadowhawks are distinct for their incredible resilience to cold weather, often remaining active well into November after other dragonfly species have disappeared. They are categorized as 'perchers,' spending much of their day stationed on sun-lit twigs, rocks, or even bare ground. From these vantage points, they survey their surroundings for prey and rivals, making quick, darting flights to snatch small insects out of the air before returning to the same spot.

These dragonflies are particularly known for their late-season mating rituals. You will often see them flying in 'tandem,' where the male attaches himself to the female's head while she searches for a place to deposit eggs. Unlike many more skittish dragonfly species, Autumn Meadowhawks are relatively approachable, often allowing humans to get within a few feet, which makes them an ideal subject for backyard photography and observation.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Autumn Meadowhawk on camera requires a focus on their perching habits. Because they are cold-blooded, they seek out 'heat sinks' during the crisp fall mornings. Position your camera about 18 to 24 inches off the ground, aimed at a prominent, sun-exposed twig or a light-colored stone near a water feature. They have a strong site fidelity, meaning if you see one land on a specific branch, it will likely return to that exact spot dozens of times throughout the afternoon.

Lighting is your best friend with this species. To highlight the male's brilliant red body, try to place your camera so the sun is behind it or to the side, rather than shooting into the sun. This prevents the dragonfly from becoming a silhouette and captures the translucency of its wings. If your camera allows for focal range adjustments, set it to a macro or close-range setting, as these are small insects and can easily get lost in a wide-angle landscape shot.

While traditional bait doesn't work for dragonflies, you can attract them by creating a 'perching highway.' Place several upright bamboo stakes or dry sticks in an open, sunny area of your yard. If you have a backyard pond, the edges are the primary activity zone. Set your camera to a high-speed trigger or burst mode; the 'take-off' and 'landing' moments are the most dramatic, but their stationary perching posture allows for excellent high-resolution still portraits during the midday heat.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Autumn Meadowhawk.

Ruby Meadowhawk

The Ruby Meadowhawk has black legs and a more intensely red face compared to the Autumn Meadowhawk.

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk

Look at the legs; Cherry-faced Meadowhawks have solid black legs, while Autumn Meadowhawks have distinctively pale legs.

White-faced Meadowhawk

Identifiable by its stark white face and black legs, appearing earlier in the summer than the Autumn Meadowhawk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the warmest part of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, when they bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature.

You can attract them by providing sun-exposed perching spots like twigs or garden stakes and maintaining a small water feature or pond where they can hunt and lay eggs.

They are beneficial predators that eat a variety of small flying insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, and flies, which they catch mid-flight.

Yes, they are very common in suburban settings, particularly in yards that have ponds, swimming pools, or are located near wetlands and woods.

The easiest way is to look at their legs; the Autumn Meadowhawk has pale yellow or tan legs, whereas most other red 'meadowhawk' species have black legs.

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