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Sympetrum pallipes
Striped Meadowhawk
Family: Libellulidae
Species account author: Robert Cannings.
Extracted from Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon (2002)
Introduction to the Odonata of BC
The Families of Odonata of BC

Photograph

© Jeremy Gatten     (Photo ID #5936)

Map

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Distribution of Sympetrum pallipes in British Columbia.
(Click on the map to view a larger version.)
Source: (for the static map) RBCM and BCCDC 2004 ©

Species Information


Description

Similar to the White-faced Meadowhawk, but has a yellow face and a pair of yellow-white stripes on the sides of the thorax and usually a smaller pair on top of the thorax. Immatures are yellow to yellow-brown, becoming red, especially on the abdomen, as males and some females mature. The legs are brown, often with pale markings, usually becoming all black, and the wings are laced with brown veins. The sides of the abdomen have saw-toothed black stripes. Hamule shown in figure; vulvar lamina shown in figure. Length: ♂ ♀ 35 mm.


Flight Period

B.C., early June to early November.

Genus Description


Small to medium-sized dragonflies that are mostly yellow when young and mostly red when mature; one common species is black. Females are usually yellow or tan, but can be red like males. You can watch most species easily at close range, because the adults are not powerful flyers and perch often. They are frequently abundant around ponds and lakes and adjacent meadows, especially in the late summer and fall. Many species will perch on the ground; Sympetrum means “with (or on) the rocks”. Species can be difficult to distinguish. Look for the colour of the face, legs and wing veins; the patterns on the sides of the thorax and abdomen; and the details of the genitalia (the male’s hamules and the female’s vulvar lamina).

Biology

Family Description

The largest dragonfly family in our region – 24 species in eight genera live here and one other species in another genus is a rare visitor. They come in many sizes and colours, many with bold wing markings or coloured veins. Their eyes meet broadly on top of the head. The anal loop in the hindwing is distinctive: foot-shaped with a long toe. Most common around ponds, marshy lakeshores and sluggish streams, the adults dart about and most species spend a lot of time perched horizontally in the sun. Females lay eggs alone or in the company of guarding males. Most dip the tip of their abdomen into the water when releasing the eggs, but some will tap or splash the eggs into wet mud or moss, or simply flick them into a dry pond basin. Some larvae, like those of the emeralds, move sluggishly or squat on the bottom mud; others climb in vegetation.
Field Notes

Common, especially in southern valleys and on the south coast. Found at marshy lakes and around many kinds of ponds, from acidic peatland waters to temporary saline pools.

Distribution


Western. In B.C., widespread south of 54°N.

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeS5YellowNot Listed



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