Ruby Meadowhawk (Sympetrum rubicundulum)

Elk Grove, IL
2012-07-03

The Ruby Meadowhawk is a dragonfly of the Libellulidae family. Its abdomen is brilliant red, and its underside is black. The face of the Ruby Meadowhawk is brown, a key feature that distinguish itself from similar species such as Cherry-Faced Meadowhawk or White-Faced Meadowhawk.

Elk Grove, IL
2012-07-06

The photo shows the Ruby Meadowhawk in the obelisk posture. On this day, the temperature went up over 100°F (38 °C). The dragonflies are known to raise their abdomens when the temperature goes up. They raise their abdomen to minimize the area that catches the Sun and maximize the area to get the air.