Sympetrum illotum “Cardinal Meadowhawk” LibellulidaeWashington Park Arboretum, Seattle,
Sympetrum illotum “Cardinal Meadowhawk” LibellulidaeWashington Park Arboretum, Seattle, WAMay 9, 2016Robert NieseThere are quite a few species of red dragons in the PNW and they can be pretty tricky to ID. The redder individuals tend to be males, and, as they mature they often lose all other markings that might facilitate identification. This species is most easily distinguished by the two white dots present on the lower sides of its abdomen (barely visible here). Even in very red, healthy, mature adults, the lower margins of these white dots are usually still visible. Generally, Cardinal Meadowhawks can also be distinguished from other red meadowhawks by their reddish legs, diffuse yellow-bronze wings, and black markings at the base of the wings. -- source link
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