White-faced meadowhawk

The white-faced meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum. It is found in the northern United States and southern Canada. Adult males are identifiable by a distinctive pure white face and red bodies.[2] However, females are usually yellowish or brown.[3]

White-faced meadowhawk
Immature female, central Connecticut
Mature male, Temagami, Ontario
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Infraorder: Anisoptera
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Sympetrum
Species:
S. obtrusum
Binomial name
Sympetrum obtrusum
(Hagen, 1867)
Female white-faced meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum)

Similar species

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Juvenile white-faced meadowhawks are almost indistinguishable from the ruby and cherry-faced meadowhawks. The three species habitats also overlap extensively. White-faces can be identified by having white faces, as the name implies, at maturity.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Paulson, D.R. (2017). "Sympetrum obtrusum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T51291811A65836604. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T51291811A65836604.en. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b Dunkle, S.W., Dragonflies through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America. New York:Oxford University Press, 2000:201.
  3. ^ Marshall, Stephen A. (2006). Insects: their natural history and diversity; with a photographic guide to insects of eastern North America. A Firefly book (2. printing ed.). Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books. ISBN 978-1-55297-900-6.
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