description Striped Meadowhawk Overview
The Striped Meadowhawk (Sympetrum pallipes) is a dragonfly in the skimmer family, Libellulidae, native to western North America. It is identified by pale yellow or cream stripes along the sides of its dark thorax, while mature males typically develop a red abdomen. The species is associated with ponds, marshes, and other still or slow-moving freshwater habitats, where adults hunt small flying insects.
help Striped Meadowhawk FAQ
Where in North America can I find Striped Meadowhawk dragonflies?
The Striped Meadowhawk (Sympetrum pallipes) is found across western North America, from British Columbia down through California and into parts of the southwestern U.S. They favor marshy areas, ponds, and slow-moving streams where they can breed and hunt for small insects.
How do I identify a Striped Meadowhawk in the field?
Look for the distinctive pale yellow stripes running along the sides of the dark thorax, which give the species its common name. Males tend to develop a reddish abdomen as they mature, while females and immature males are more yellowish-brown in coloration.
When are Striped Meadowhawks most active during the year?
Like many dragonflies in the genus Sympetrum, they are primarily a late-season species, most visible from mid-summer into autumn. They can often be seen perching on low vegetation near water sources during warm afternoon hours.
What do Striped Meadowhawk nymphs eat?
The aquatic nymph stage is predatory, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, and even tiny fish or tadpoles. As adults, they hunt mosquitoes, flies, and small moths on the wing, making them beneficial for natural pest control around wetlands.
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