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Cherry-faced Meadowhawk

Sympetrum internum

The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk is a bright red dragonfly that loves to fly around ponds and wetlands. It has a special cherry-colored face that makes it easy to spot!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Cherry-faced Meadowhawk is a small dragonfly. Males are distinguished by their bright cherry-red face and abdomen, contrasting with clear wings that have a reddish vein near the base. Females are typically yellowish-orange with similar wing patterns, making them visually different from other red meadowhawks.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusSympetrum
Cherry-faced Meadowhawk
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Cherry-faced Meadowhawk

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A meadowhawk's two sets of wings beat separately, allowing super-precise flight control!

Baby meadowhawks live underwater as fierce hunters for up to two years!

Dragonflies are ancient insects, flying since before dinosaurs roamed the Earth!

These dragonflies can warm themselves by sunbathing or cool down by perching in the shade!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Acrobatics

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk can fly in every direction, even backward, because of powerful independent wing control, helping them dodge and chase prey.

Ability

Predator Vision

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk has huge compound eyes covering most of its head, providing nearly 360-degree vision that helps spot tiny insects.

Ability

Flying Food Basket

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk has spiny legs that form a basket-like trap, helping them scoop up and hold flying insects mid-flight.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
45-60 mm
Size
30-40 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
40 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Tiny insects like mosquitoes and gnats are snatched from the air by this speedy hunter!

Age differences: Nymphs hunt aquatic insects and tiny tadpoles underwater, while adults hunt flying insects in the air.

Primary Foods

  • Mosquitoes
  • Gnats
  • Midges
  • Small flies
  • Leafhoppers

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

Adults snatch flying mosquitoes from the air.

eaten by

Green Frog

Lithobates clamitans

Adult meadowhawks can become a meal for hungry frogs.

eaten by

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Nymphs living underwater are prey for these fish.

depends on

Common Cattail

Typha latifolia

Nymphs hide and hunt among cattail stems underwater.

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 Cherry-faced Meadowhawk's wingspan?

45-60 mm

How big is Cherry-faced Meadowhawk?

30-40 mm

How long does Cherry-faced Meadowhawk live?

30-60 days

How fast can Cherry-faced Meadowhawk fly?

40 km/h

What does Cherry-faced Meadowhawk eat?

Tiny insects like mosquitoes and gnats are snatched from the air by this speedy hunter!

Where is Cherry-faced Meadowhawk usually found?

Wetlands

How does Cherry-faced Meadowhawk hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Cherry-faced Meadowhawk have?

6

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