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Cardinal Meadowhawk

Sympetrum illotum

The Cardinal Meadowhawk is a bright red dragonfly that loves to fly around ponds and marshes. They are fun to watch as they dart and hover in the air, catching tiny insects.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Cardinal Meadowhawk is a striking dragonfly, with males boasting a vibrant, fiery red body and face. Females are typically yellowish-brown with subtle red markings. Both sexes have clear wings, often with a faint amber patch at the base, distinguishing them from other meadowhawk species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusSympetrum
Cardinal Meadowhawk
solitary trait badgeaerial trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Cardinal Meadowhawk

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A Cardinal Meadowhawk can catch its insect prey right in the air, without ever slowing down!

Baby meadowhawks live underwater for years, breathing through gills before they fly!

Dragonflies have been soaring the skies since before the dinosaurs roamed Earth!

They are expert flyers, capable of hovering perfectly still like a miniature helicopter!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

Cardinal Meadowhawks can fly forwards, backwards, and hover because of their powerful, independently moving wings that helps them hunt.

Ability

360-Degree Vision

Cardinal Meadowhawks have enormous compound eyes that helps them spot tiny prey and predators in all directions at once.

Ability

Underwater Ninja

Cardinal Meadowhawk larvae are aquatic predators with a special hinged jaw that helps them ambush prey underwater.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-65 mm
Size
30-45 mm
Lifespan
30-90 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These flying hunters eat small insects like mosquitoes, catching them in mid-air!

Age differences: Larvae eat aquatic insects; adults hunt flying insects.

Primary Foods

  • mosquitoes
  • gnats
  • flies
  • small moths
  • midges

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

eats adult mosquitoes

hunts

Lake Midge

Chironomus plumosus

larvae eat midge larvae

eaten by

American Bullfrog

Rana catesbeiana

adults are prey for frogs

hunts

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

eats dragonfly larvae

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Dragonflies are friendly and won't hurt you, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cardinal Meadowhawk's wingspan?

50-65 mm

How big is Cardinal Meadowhawk?

30-45 mm

How long does Cardinal Meadowhawk live?

30-90 days

How fast can Cardinal Meadowhawk fly?

25 km/h

What does Cardinal Meadowhawk eat?

These flying hunters eat small insects like mosquitoes, catching them in mid-air!

Where is Cardinal Meadowhawk usually found?

Wetlands

How does Cardinal Meadowhawk hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Cardinal Meadowhawk have?

6

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