Identification

Field Marks

• Average adult size is approximately from 1.3 to 1.4 inches
• White face with dark vertex
• Eyes dark maroon to brown
• Thorax patterned in red and black
• Black legs
• Abdominal segments 1 and 2 red
• Abdominal segments 3 to 10 black with minimal red stripping and dots on top
• Dark terminal appendages
• The radial planate on the forewing typically has a double row of cells
• There is a small dark wing patch at the base of each hindwing. There are no veins showing on these wing patches

Field Marks

• White face with dark maroon to brown eyes
• Yellow and black patterned thorax
• Abdominal segments 1 and 2 yellow
• Yellow top spots on segments 3 to 7
• "M" shaped subgenital plates

Behavior

The Crimson-ringed Whiteface is most common in the northern parts of Minnesota, particularly the northeast. Males often perch low or on the ground in clearings away from the water to forage. They will perch low, close to the water, or on floating vegetation or water lilies to defend their territories Females are not commonly seen except when mating and ovipositing

Habitat

Marshes and boggy edged lakes and ponds

Reproduction

Mating usually occurs while perched and can take up to 30 minutes. Females lay eggs by dipping abdomen into the water