Have you seen any little red dragonflies around lately?
You’ll probably only spot one type this late in the season: the autumn meadowhawk. These dragonflies begin life as aquatic naiads in spring, hatching from eggs laid in the water. By July, they finally emerge as adults, which is much later than most other dragonfly species.
As young adults, autumn meadowhawks are yellow; they don’t achieve their iconic red coloration until reaching full maturity in August and September. They remain active well into the fall, often until the first hard freeze. On warm, sunny days, you might see them basking to soak up heat that helps them survive chilly nights. Their late-season activity also makes them a convenient snack for migrating birds heading south.
Unlike many dragonflies, autumn meadowhawks spend little time near water. They prefer wooded areas and open meadows, returning to ponds or wetlands only to lay eggs. They’re not particularly territorial, so it’s common to see several pairs sharing the same egg-laying site. So next time you catch a glint of red in the crisp autumn air, take a closer look. It might be one of the last dragonflies of the year, the hardy autumn meadowhawk.
Interested in similar topics? Explore more articles tagged with Invertebrates, Insects, and Dragonflies.
