Striped Meadowhawk
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Sympetrum pallipes
Hagen, 1874
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Libelluloidea
Family Libellulidae
Genus Sympetrum
Species pallipes (Hagen, 1874) [Diplax]
Identification
This species is distinctive among the slender-bodied Meadowhawks in the region because of the pale lateral thoracic stripes. Its face and thorax are brown. There are two pale cream-colored lateral stripes on the thorax. The legs are light brown in young individuals and turn black with age. The wings are clear with a small touch of amber basally. The abdomen is initially yellow-brown but becomes pale red in older individuals. There are little to no dark markings on abdomen.
Size
Total length: 34-38 mm; abdomen: 22-26 mm; hindwing: 26-28 mm.
Similar Species
Cardinal Meadowhawk (S. illotum
) has extensive amber in the basal areas of the wings and is generally more robust. Variegated Meadowhawk (S. corruptum
) has two yellow spots laterally on the thorax.
Habitat
Permanent marshy ponds, pools and streams with thick riparian vegetation.
Discussion
Nothing has been reported on the biology of this western species, but females lay eggs in tandem.
Distribution
Western U.S. and Canada
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