Species Celithemis eponina - Halloween Pennant

Classification · Size · Identification · Range · Habitat · Season · Food · Life Cycle · Remarks · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

DRAGON OR DAMSELFLY - Celithemis eponina

Mating pair - Celithemis eponina - male - female

Halloween Pennant - Celithemis eponina - male

Halloween Pennant in Oklahoma - Celithemis eponina - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)

Suborder Anisoptera (Dragonflies)

Family Libellulidae (Skimmers)

Genus Celithemis (Pennants)

Species eponina (Halloween Pennant)

Size

Length 3.8 cm

Identification

Distinctive wing pattern.

Range

Eastern North America

Habitat

Ponds, marshes (breeding), old fields (foraging)

Season

Year-round in Florida, summer in northern part of range

Food

Predatory on other insects

Life Cycle

Males are not territorial, perch near edge of ponds, waiting for incoming females. Mating typically takes place in the morning. Oviposition is in tandem. Frequently seen perched on weeds in fields as it forages, pivoting with the wind.

Remarks

Usually the most common of the Celithemis pennants.

Print References

Dunkle, p. 233, plate 44 (1)

Internet References

Dragonflies of the United States

NJ Odes

Odonata Central--Texas

Works Cited

1.	Dragonflies Through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America By Sidney W. Dunkle

Contributed by Cotinis on 8 March, 2004 - 7:26pm
Last updated 7 August, 2004 - 8:19am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2009 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version