About Sympetrum ambiguum (Rambur, 1842)
Sympetrum ambiguum, commonly called the blue-faced meadowhawk, is a small dragonfly in the genus Sympetrum. A key field mark for this species is its aqua blue face, which may not be immediately noticeable to casual observers, and which changes to green or turquoise after the insect dies. This field mark helps distinguish it from other similar meadowhawks such as Sympetrum vicinum. This species reaches a maximum total length of 38 mm. Its thorax is grayish or olive brown. Mature males have a bright red abdomen marked with black stripes, while females and juvenile individuals have a brown abdomen. Both sexes have six black rings on the abdomen. This dragonfly can be found near water sources in Midwest North America from summer through fall.
