Mature males are predominantly red all over except for some black on the side of the abdomen with some segments having a black triangular mark on on.   They also have a black mark in the center of S8 & S9 which creates a U like pattern on those two segments.   When the males first emerge, they are yellow and slowly attain their red coloration so they could be various shades of yellow, orange or red.

Females are usually yellow and have a bit more black on the abdomen then the males.   They share the same pattern on the side of the abdomen, but also typically have a black ring between each abdominal segment with the last 3 segments being mostly black.   Some mature female Meadowhawk species can eventually become red and this is shown in one of the photos above.

Note: several of our other meadowhawk species can have a very small amber or yellow patch at the base of the wings but it very small and is typically no more than 3mm-5mm in size.