Meadowhawk (genus sympetrum)
Place observed
Former golf course area, Miller Marsh and Tylee Marsh
Description
Meadowhawk is a genus of dragonflies of the family Libellulidae comprising 63 species, of which 9 can be observed in Quebec, according to the list of odonates of Quebec. Interesting fact: the origin of odonates dates back more than 300 million years. They have therefore seen the dinosaurs pass. It seems that they have changed little since then biologically and morphologically, but it seems that they have already become gigantic like some other species. The largest insect fossil to have been discovered was an odonate whose wings measured 70 cm!
Habitat
Most species of Meadowhawks are found in the temperate mixed and/or deciduous zones of southern Quebec. Some also live in the boreal zone and much more rarely in the subarctic zone. They live in and around slow-moving waterways such as marshes and ponds and feed, as adults, on winged insects. Data shows that in Rosemère, Sympetrum have been observed on the site of the former golf course, which contains wetlands, at the Tylee Marsh and at the Miller Marsh.
Status
Unfortunately, it appears that the dragonfly population is decreasing and some species are becoming extinct. The loss and degradation of their habitat is probably to blame.
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