NC Odonate Website

Related Species in LIBELLULIDAE:		Number of records for 2024 = 3
Added in 2024-00-00 from a previous years = 2 (2023-06-09) (2023-07-01)

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Band-winged Meadowhawk (Sympetrum semicinctum) by John Petranka, Sally Gewalt

Compare with: Autumn Meadowhawk Ruby Meadowhawk White-faced Meadowhawk Cherry-faced Meadowhawk
Identification Tips: Move the cursor over the image, or tap the image if using a mobile device, to reveal ID Tips.
Note: these identification tips apply specifically to mature males; features may differ in immature males and in females.

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Map

Click on county for list of all its records for Band-winged Meadowhawk

Flight Charts

Distribution

This is another Northern meadowhawk, but its range extends southward in the mountains to northern GA. In NC, it is found mainly in the mountains and foothills of the Piedmont, but there are a few (older) records in the northern Piedmont away from the mountains (Rockingham, Caswell, and Franklin counties).

Abundance

Uncommon in the northern mountains, but rare in the central and southern mountain counties; rare in the Piedmont foothills. Very rare east of the foothill ranges in the northern Piedmont. We have no recent reports from east of the mountains/foothills, which clearly indicates that the species has declined in recent decades in the Piedmont, as any bright red dragonfly is bound to attract attention!

Flight

Mid-June to mid-September in the mountains; early June to early September in the Piedmont.

Habitat

Unusual for most dragonflies, it favors marshes, bogs, and wet meadows for breeding -- as opposed to open ponds, lakes, rivers, or wide streams.

Behavior

Adults forage from tips of grasses and sedges in or very close to marshes and bogs.

Comments

Because this species seems to be tied to a fairly limited and specific habitat -- marshes, wet meadows, and bogs -- it can be specifically searched for. As the basal half of each wing is amber in color, coupled with the dull reddish abdomen, the male is quite unmistakable. It is more widespread in the mountains than is the White-faced Meadowhawk, which also can occur in cool/cold bogs, marshes, and other open wetlands.

State Rank

State Status

Global Rank

Federal Status

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Species account update: LeGrand on 2023-01-17 10:21:12

The Dragonflies and Damselflies of North Carolina
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Photo Gallery for Band-winged Meadowhawk 13 photos are shown.		Other NC Galleries: Jeff Pippen Will Cook Ted Wilcox
	Photo 1 by: Lori Arent, Harry LeGrand, Audrey Whitlock Comment: Watauga, 2024-08-11, various sites in the county - Brookshire Park marsh; adult male. Photo by Lori Arent.		Photo 2 by: B. Bockhahn Comment: Henderson, 2024-08-01, Ochlawaha Bog
	Photo 3 by: Rob Van Epps & Kevin Metcalf Comment: Watauga, 2022-08-28, Clawson-Burnley Park		Photo 4 by: P Dixon Comment: Haywood, 2022-07-12, Harmon Den meadows near horse camp, 35.761858680047766, -82.98522559935496
	Photo 5 by: P Dixon Comment: Madison, 2021-07-03, Davis Branch Meadows, Hot Springs area		Photo 6 by: Owen McConnell Comment: Graham, 2018-07-02, First record for county, found in Tulula Wetlands - female
	Photo 7 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Watauga, 2017-09-04, South Fork of the New River, Clawson-Burnley Park, Boone. - 5 males, 1 female. At the retention ponds. Male.		Photo 8 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Watauga, 2017-09-04, South Fork of the New River, Clawson-Burnley Park, Boone. - 5 males, 1 female. At the retention ponds. Female.
	Photo 9 by: Curtis Smalling Comment: Watauga, 2009-08-25. male & female. Meat Camp Creek Environmental Studies Area		Photo 10 by: Curtis Smalling Comment: Watauga, 2009-08-25. male. Meat Camp Creek Environmental Studies Area
	Photo 11 by: Ted Wilcox Comment: Ashe, 2007-06-22, male		Photo 12 by: Beth Brinson Comment: Clay, 2006-09-03, Buck Creek Barrens
	Photo 13 by: Beth Brinson Comment: Clay, 2006-09-03, Buck Creek Barrens