Insects Active during the day

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk

Sympetrum internum

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A vibrant crimson hunter of the late summer, the Cherry-faced Meadowhawk adds a splash of brilliant red to northern wetlands and backyards. These agile dragonflies are the garden's best defense against mosquitoes, patrolling the air with unmatched precision.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

21–36 mm (0.83–1.42 in) in length with a wingspan of approximately 45–55 mm

palette

Colors

Mature males and females have a deep cherry-red abdomen and face. Both sexes feature black triangle markings on the sides of the abdomen and solid black legs.

visibility

Key Features

Distinctive cherry-red face when mature
Black triangle-shaped markings along the sides of the abdomen
Solid black legs without lighter stripes
Small-bodied percher usually found on low vegetation

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern Active during the day

brightness_5

Peak hours 10 AM - 5 PM

calendar_month

Season July-October

restaurant

Diet Carnivorous generalist that eats small flying insects like mosquitoes, midges, and flies caught in mid-air.

park

Habitat Edges of ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams, as well as nearby meadows and sunny backyard gardens.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Cherry-faced Meadowhawk Live?

The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk is native to the northern half of North America. Its primary range extends across the northern and central United States and throughout most of Canada, reaching as far north as the southern Yukon and Northwest Territories. It is a common sight in the Great Lakes region and the Pacific Northwest, appearing in high densities where permanent wetlands meet open grasslands or suburban yards.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

2 Countries

12.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

CA Canada US United States

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 2,200 m

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

View on iNaturalist open_in_new

Explore more Insects arrow_forward

Behavior

Cherry-faced Meadowhawks are classic 'perchers,' meaning they spend much of their day sitting on low-hanging twigs, tall grass, or garden stakes while scanning for prey. Unlike some larger dragonflies that hunt on the wing for long periods, these meadowhawks prefer short, explosive bursts of flight to snatch a mosquito or midge before returning to the exact same spot to consume it.

They are particularly fond of basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature, often positioning their bodies to maximize sun exposure on cool autumn mornings. While they are territorial, they are less aggressive than larger species, often congregating in large numbers in meadows or near pond edges during the peak of the breeding season in late summer.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Cherry-faced Meadowhawk on camera, focus on 'perching posts.' These dragonflies love to sit on the very tips of thin, vertical structures. Placing a few bamboo garden stakes or leaving tall, dried flower stalks in a sunny part of your yard will give them the perfect lookout point. Aim your camera at the top 2-4 inches of these stakes where the dragonfly is likely to land.

Since these are small insects, use a camera with a close-focusing distance or a macro lens. If using a standard trail camera, set it to its highest resolution and use a high-speed trigger. Because they return to the same perch repeatedly, you have multiple chances to get the shot. Position your camera so the sun is behind it or to the side; this highlights the translucent wings and makes the 'cherry' red of their body pop against the background.

Environmental lures are more effective than food. A small water feature or birdbath will attract them, but the best way to keep them in frame is to provide a wind-sheltered, sun-drenched spot. Dragonflies are cold-blooded, so they will seek out the warmest parts of your garden during the morning. Setting your camera to record short video clips (5-10 seconds) is often better than still photos, as it allows you to capture their rapid take-offs and landings.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Cherry-faced Meadowhawk.

Ruby Meadowhawk

Nearly identical, but the Ruby Meadowhawk often has a slightly lighter face and different subtle patterns on its underside.

White-faced Meadowhawk

Easily distinguished by its stark, creamy-white face which contrasts sharply with its red body.

Saffron-winged Meadowhawk

Identified by the yellow or 'saffron' wash along the leading edges of its wings and its yellowish-brown legs.

Browse all Insects arrow_forward

Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the warmest parts of the day, typically from mid-morning (10 AM) until late afternoon (5 PM). They require the sun's heat to maintain the energy needed for hunting.

You can attract them by providing vertical perches like bamboo stakes in sunny areas and maintaining a small pond or water feature. Avoiding pesticides also ensures there are plenty of small insects for them to eat.

They are insectivores that primarily eat small flying insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, midges, and small flies, which they catch mid-flight.

Yes, they are very common in suburban areas, especially those located near parks, lakes, or drainage basins, as they often travel away from water into gardens to hunt.

It is extremely difficult. The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk usually has a darker red face and more pronounced black triangles on the side of the abdomen, but definitive identification often requires examining the reproductive structures (hamules) under magnification.

Record Cherry-faced Meadowhawk at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo