General: Variegated Meadowhawk Dragonflies (Sympetrum corruptum) are active daytime fliers often seen in the desert far from water. Males are recognized by the red and olive-brown patterns on the back, and blue-white thoracic stripes with yellow spots on the ventral end. The blue-white stripes on the thorax start with a yellow spot. The wings are clear, except for the two-tone stigma (small yellow and brown patch on the leading edge at the end of the wings). In females, the color pattern is similar, but not as bright.

These active creatures are harmless to humans, but they are voracious predators of small flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes. There are some good places for Watching Dragonflies Around Las Vegas.

Taxonomy: Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera, Family Libellulidae.

Comments: This is the common dragonfly in the open desert around Las Vegas. If you see a dragonfly a long ways from water, it likely is this species.