Range & Habitat:

Recorded from spotty locations around the state, leading one to suspect it should be elsewhere.

Found around all sorts of slow waters, usually more common near woodlands.

One of our latest odes, they fly into December even in north Jersey.

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge additional photos. 

male dorsal

Description:

Formerly called Yellow-legged Meadowhawk.

Males are mostly red, lacking the black abdominal triangles of most of our other meadowhawks.  Instead they have variable black markings laterally and dorsally on segments 8-10.  Females are recognized by the prominent projecting subgenital plate.  Contrary to the name, legs range from yellow to brown or even reddish.

The vagrant Saffron-winged Meadowhawk is quite similar and should be looked for.

Conservation Status:

Global: G5 - Secure globally, but possibly rare in parts of its range

Flight season:

Early Date: 6/21
Late Date: 12/8

Please scroll down for monthly graph.