Autumn Meadowhawk Identification Guide
A small, late-flying reddish dragonfly best known for its pale yellow legs and its habit of remaining active into the cool days of fall.
Read the full Autumn Meadowhawk encyclopedia entry →
Key Visual Features
- Size: Small dragonfly, roughly 1.1 to 1.4 inches (28–35 mm) long.
- Color: Mature males show a soft reddish-orange abdomen, somewhat less intensely red than some other meadowhawks, while females and immature individuals are yellowish-brown.
- Legs: A key identifying feature — the legs are pale straw-yellow rather than black or dark brown, which is unusual among meadowhawks and one of the easiest ways to confirm this species.
- Face: Plain, unmarked face without a dark crossline.
- Wings: Clear wings with a small amber-yellow stigma near each wingtip.
- Body shape: Slender abdomen typical of meadowhawks, with a fairly small head relative to the body.
Where and When You'll See It
This species is found around ponds, marshes, and slow streams with abundant low vegetation, and it is famous for being one of the last dragonflies flying each year, often active into late autumn and sometimes after the first light frosts when most other dragonflies have disappeared. It perches frequently on low plants, fences, and sunny patches of ground, basking to stay warm on cool days. Because so few other dragonflies remain on the wing that late in the season, simply spotting a small reddish dragonfly in October or November is itself a useful clue toward this species, especially in northern parts of its range where it may be the very last one flying before winter.
Similar-Looking Species
- Ruby Meadowhawk: Has darker legs and a more vivid red color in mature males, without the pale yellow legs of the Autumn Meadowhawk.
- White-faced Meadowhawk: Shows a bright white face, clearly different from the plain face here.
- Band-winged Meadowhawk: Has a distinct amber-brown band across the base of each wing, which Autumn Meadowhawk lacks.
Quick ID Checklist
- Small, slender dragonfly under 1.5 inches
- Pale straw-yellow legs, unlike the darker legs of most other meadowhawks
- Soft reddish-orange abdomen in mature males; yellow-brown in females
- Plain, unmarked face
- Remains active later into fall than most other dragonflies
Frequently asked questions
What is the single most reliable feature for this species?
The pale, straw-yellow legs are the most distinctive feature, setting it apart from other reddish meadowhawks that have dark legs.
Why is it called the Autumn Meadowhawk?
It is one of the latest-flying dragonflies of the year, often remaining active into late fall after most other species have stopped flying.
How red does this species actually get?
Mature males show a softer reddish-orange rather than the deep, glossy red seen in some other meadowhawk species.
Where should I look for it in autumn?
Sunny, sheltered spots near ponds and marshes with low vegetation, where it basks to stay warm on cool days.