Minnesota Seasons - Meadowhawks (Sympetrum spp.)

Overview • Description • Distribution • Taxonomy

meadowhawk (Sympetrum sp.) — Photo by Alfredo Colon

Overview

Sympetrum is a genus of dragonflies known as meadowhawks. It has a worldwide distribution, occurring on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. There are more than 50 Sympetrum species of meadowhawks worldwide, 13 species in North America north of Mexico, and at least 10 species in Minnesota.

Meadowhawks are very common in Minnesota. Most are late-season, appearing in summer and flying into autumn. They are found in grassy meadows, in marshes, and on lakeshores. All but one (variegated meadowhawk) are relatively tame and easily photographed..

Description

Meadowhawks are small to medium-sized skimmers. Mature males of all species are red except for variegated meadowhawk, which has extensive red markings, and black meadowhawk, which shows no red at all. Some female and juvenile meadowhawks are very similar and nearly impossible to tell apart in the field. Much time and frustration can be avoided by listing these simply as “meadowhawk (Sympetrum sp.)”.

Distribution
		Sources 7, 18, 24, 27, 29, 30, 82, 83. Biodiversity occurrence data published by: Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas (accessed through the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Portal, bellatlas.umn.edu, 10/22/2025). Steffens, W. P., and W. A. Smith. 1999. Status survey for special concern and endangered dragonflies of Minnesota: population status, inventory and monitoring recommendations. Final report submitted to the Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 54 pp.
10/22/2025