Variegated Meadowhawk

The Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) is a medium-sized dragonfly with a complex pattern of gray, red, and brown markings on its abdomen, giving it a variegated or mottled appearance. The thorax features distinctive lateral stripes, and mature males develop brighter reddish coloration while females remain more patterned with yellowish and gray tones.

The Variegated Meadowhawk is native to North and Central America, with a range that extends across much of the western United States, parts of Canada, and into Mexico. It breeds in a variety of wetland habitats including ponds, marshes, and temporary pools.

The Variegated Meadowhawk is known for its long-distance dispersal and migratory behavior, with individuals sometimes appearing far outside their normal range. This species has been recorded in eastern North America and even occasionally in Europe as a vagrant, demonstrating its exceptional capacity for movement.

The Variegated Meadowhawk is distinguished from other North American Sympetrum species by its heavily patterned abdomen and complex wing venation, whereas most other meadowhawks have more uniform red or yellow coloration. Its variegated patterning makes it one of the more readily identifiable species in the genus.