Variegated Meadowhawk Dragonfly (female)

The Variegated Meadowhawk is a small to medium-sized dragonfly with a slender abdomen, often reaching a length of 1 5/8 to 1 11/12 inches. The male is commonly dark brownish black with an abdomen of bright red, pink, and golden brown. The thorax may be marked with a pair of yellow dots on each side. The leading edges of the wings are marked with pinkish. The females are similar in color but not as brightly colored, with gray and yellow replacing the red of the male.