Cardinal Meadowhawk
Sympetrum illotum
Unlike many dragonflies that patrol on the wing, male Cardinal Meadowhawks prefer to perch on prominent twigs, darting out to intercept intruders or prey before returning to the same spot.
- Scientific name
- Sympetrum illotum
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Odonata › Libellulidae › Sympetrum
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Ponds, marshes, lakes, slow-moving streams, and adjacent wet meadows.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; preys on small flying insects including mosquitoes, gnats, and flies.
- Range
- North America, Central America
- Size
- Wingspan of 50-60 mm; total body length of 35-43 mm
- Lifespan
- 1 year (with only 1 to 2 months spent as a winged adult)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Wetland degradation, water pollution, and widespread pesticide use that depletes their insect food supply.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. Cardinal Meadowhawks do not sting and will not bite unless physically handled or pinched. You can safely observe them from inches away. If one lands on you, enjoy the close encounter. In the highly unlikely event of a pinch or bite that breaks skin, wash the area with soap and water.
Sympetrum illotum , the cardinal meadowhawk , is a species of skimmer in the family of dragonflies known as Libellulidae. It is found in the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America.
Photo: Ken-ichi Ueda, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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