The meadowhawks (genus Sympetrum) are small skimmers of mid-late summer and early fall. Wisconsin hosts 8 species and although most are common, they can be extremely difficult to tell apart, especially without capture. Coloration on the face, legs, and wing veins are important for identification, but even with good photos a conclusive ID may be impossible. In the White-faced Meadowhawk, adult males can be readily identified by their white faces, which highlight a red abdomen with black side triangles and black legs. Females and juveniles, however, can NOT be separated visually from Cherry-faced and Ruby Meadowhawks. The White-faced is very common throughout Wisconsin.