Minnesota Seasons - ruby meadowhawk

Conservation • Description • Habitat • Biology • Distribution • Taxonomy


Conservation Status
IUCN Red List
NatureServe
Minnesota

Description

The face is yellow to brown.

The wings on most adults are clear except for a small amber patch at the base. The basal half of the wings of some adults is amber. The wing veins are black.

The legs are black.

Size

Total length: 1⅜″

Similar Species

Habitat

Temporary ponds. Sometimes permanent ponds and marshes.

Biology

Season

Late June to late September

Behavior

Life Cycle

Naiad Food

Adult Food

Small flying insects


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, 7/29/2025). Discover Life has observations for ruby meadowhawk in many more counties than any other source. This map does include those counties.
7/29/2025

Occurrence
Common


Taxonomy
Order	Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
Suborder	Anisoptera (dragonflies)
Superfamily	Libelluloidea
Family	Libellulidae (skimmers)
Genus	Sympetrum (meadowhawks)

Subordinate Taxa


Synonyms
Libellula assimilata Libellula rubicundulum Sympetrum rubicundulum ssp. rubicundulum

Common Names
ruby meadowhawk


Visitor Photos

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Andy Witchger


MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos



Male		Female

Camera

Slideshows

Ruby Meadowhawk
DianesDigitals

About

Copyright DianesDigitals

Sympetrum rubicundulum (Ruby Meadowhawk)
Allen Chartier

slideshow


Visitor Videos

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Other Videos

Ruby Meadowhawk - August 8, 2013
Don Gagnon

About

Published on Aug 9, 2013

Ruby Meadowhawk (female Sympetrum rubicundulum), Resting on Stepping Stone near Water Garden, Gagnon Wildlife Habitat, Pottersville, Somerset, Massachusetts, Thursday afternoon, August 8, 2013, 5:29 PM - Canon PowerShot SX50 HS MVI_39195; 2:22 min

Ruby Meadowhawk - August 31, 2013
Don Gagnon

About

Published on Sep 3, 2013

Ruby Meadowhawk (Sympetrum rubicundulum), Pottersville Woods, near Purington Street, Somerset, Massachusetts, Saturday afternoon, August 31, 2013, 5:18 PM - Canon PowerShot SX50 HS MVI_44576; 1:23 min.

Ruby Meadowhawk - August 25, 2013
Don Gagnon

About

Published on Aug 26, 2013

Ruby Meadowhawk (Sympetrum rubicundulum), Pottersville Woods, Somerset, Massachusetts, Sunday morning, August 25, 2013, 12:23 PM / 12:26 PM - Canon PowerShot SX50 HS MVI_43207 / MVI_43213; 36 sec.

Camcorder


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