The first two adult Autumn Meadowhawk dragonflies (Sympetrum vicinum) of 2016 were spotted at Mason Neck West Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. Both individuals are males, as indicated by their coloration and terminal appendages.
Male 1
21 SEP 2016 | Mason Neck West Park | Autumn Meadowhawk (male)
The first male was perching on aquatic vegetation growing in a small water retention pond at the park.
21 SEP 2016 | Mason Neck West Park | Autumn Meadowhawk (male)
Male 2
The second male was spotted perching on grasses growing on a knoll overlooking the pond.
21 SEP 2016 | Mason Neck West Park | Autumn Meadowhawk (male)
Related Resources: The first teneral Autumn Meadowhawks were observed beginning in mid-June 2016; see More previews of coming attractions for details. Every year, meadowhawk dragonflies — including Blue-faced Meadowhawks and Autumn Meadowhawks — mysteriously disappear for several months until they reappear sometime during fall.
Autumn Meadowhawks are one of the more common fall species of odonates. The species is well-adapted for survival in cooler temperatures and has been spotted as late as January 3rd in Northern Virginia!
- Previews of coming attractions – first sighting of teneral Blue-faced Meadowhawks in 2016
- Return to terra firma – first sighting of adult Blue-faced Meadowhawks in 2016
- More previews of coming attractions – first sighting of teneral Autumn Meadowhawks in 2016
Copyright © 2016 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Autumn Meadowhawk dragonfly, male, Mason Neck West Park, Skimmer Family, Sympetrum vicinum, teneral, terminal appendages, wetlands, wildlife photography
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November 7, 2016 at 10:50 am |
Looking at Male#2, is the right wing pair deformed?
November 7, 2016 at 11:40 am |
I don’t think its wings are deformed, Timothy. I took a second look at the rest of my photos of Male 2. All six shots show essentially the same view, so I can’t be 100% certain its wings aren’t deformed. Any type of deformity usually gets my attention, so I’m guessing the wings look odd due to the point of view.