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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) » Dragonflies (Anisoptera) » Skimmers (Libellulidae) » Pennants (Celithemis) » Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina)
Photo#221779
dragonfly - Celithemis eponina
Copyright © 2008 Matt Edmonds

dragonfly - Celithemis eponina
Pinellas County, Florida, USA
ID?

I've seen several dragonlies adopt this "tail up" posture....is it defensive?
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Contributed by Matt Edmonds on 4 September, 2008 - 5:34pm
Last updated 4 September, 2008 - 7:36pm

Celithemis eponina
female? We think the purpose of the pose is thermoregulation, often pointing the abdomen directly at the sun to avoid overheating.
… john and jane balaban, 4 September, 2008 - 6:25pm login or register to post comments

 
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Thanks guys!
I took this picture at the hottest part of the day and he was pointing his abdomen at the sun, so I would bet you are right on with termoregulation!
Thanks.
… Matt Edmonds, 5 September, 2008 - 9:54am login or register to post comments

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