When the leaves are changing to brilliant yellows and red hues of fall, few people are thinking of dragonflies. Yet there is a species of dragonfly that flies and breeds now. Not to be out-done by the fall foliage colors, the male of this species has a brilliant red body. It will be the last dragonfly species we will see till spring: behold the autumn meadowhawk.

The autumn meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) is a late-summer-to-fall flier and can be seen until November if the weather is mild. This species used to be known as the yellow-legged meadowhawk, though some individuals have light- to dark-brown legs. Males have brilliant red abdomens and those of females are more of a rust-colored brown. Mating pairs can be spotted in favorable habitats, and perched individuals might stay for a good picture if you move slowly.

You can spot this colorful member of the Odonata family near lakes, ponds or slow-moving streams. The dragonflies can be found frequently perched on rocks, soaking up warmth from the sun. 

Any mild day from now through the end of October is a good day to look, as long as the warm temperatures can hang on for a little longer and we don’t get a hard frost.