As we move into December, I am still managing to see a few Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum), like this dragonfly on the rocks that I spotted on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Dragonfly on the rocks…sounds like a holiday adult beverage to me.
I suspect that the end is near for these little creatures. Although these dragonflies can tolerate brief periods of cold temperatures, it is difficult for them to survive during an extended cold snap. I will be keeping an eye out for these tiny red dragonflies in the upcoming weeks, but it is clear that the end of the dragonfly season is rapidly approaching.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
So late, it’s december ! Increadible…. 🙂
Red tips on the wings really show up in this tantalizing photo. i do wonder how long they can hold out!
I have seen Autumn Meadowhawks well into December and a friend of mine saw one in early January a few years ago. I suspect the ones still around are nearing the end of their lives.