About Sympetrum corruptum (Hagen, 1861)
The variegated meadowhawk, Sympetrum corruptum, is a small to medium-sized dragonfly with a slender abdomen. Adults typically reach lengths between 1 5/8 inches (41 mm) and 1 11/12 inches (49 mm). Males are generally dark brownish black, with abdomens marked in bright red, pink, and golden brown. Their thorax often has a pair of yellow dots on each side, and the leading edges of their wings are marked pinkish. Females have a similar overall color pattern but are less brightly colored; gray and yellow replace the red seen on males. Young variegated meadowhawks are much paler, with mottled coloring in pale green, pale yellow, golden brown, and orange. This species ranges from southern British Columbia and Ontario south through most of the United States to southern California and Florida. It migrates as far south as Honduras and as far west as eastern Asia. Variegated meadowhawks inhabit areas near ponds, lakes, and swamps.
