Species Sympetrum rubicundulum - Ruby Meadowhawk

1.3"

Males may be recognizable by shape of hamuli, but see comments by Steve here . rubicundulum and internum may be conspecific; see HERE

Recent work by Mike Blust suggests that this species is not found in New England.

A variety of wetlands including ponds (often temporary), marshes, bogs, and sluggish streams. Often in fields and clearings far from water. (1)

Late summer - fall

predaceous on other insects

Cherry-faced Meadowhawk - Males in the east can only be distinguished by the shape of the hamuli; a ventral view is the best for distinguishing them, as the shape of the dorsolateral lobe is the most noticeable difference (roughly triangular in shape on Cherry-faced, scoop-shaped on Ruby). Females can be distinguished by a close-up view of the subgenital plates.

White-faced Meadowhawk - Males distinguished by clean white face (Ruby Meadowhawks can have a dirty white face, but it is never bright, clean white like on White-faced). Females can only be distinguished by a close-up view of the subgenital plates.

"Stokes Beginner's Guide to Dragonflies", pages 144-145 (1)