Sunday, March 18, 2012

Calico Pennant

The calico pennant is one of the brightest and easily distinguishable dragonflies in this area. Mature males are red and black with the signature heart shape spots running down the abdomen, above. Females and immature males are yellow and black with the top spots more of a triangle shape then a heart shape, below. They are found through out much of eastern and central North America. Like most skippers they are usually found around slow moving water such as ponds and marshes. They often perch horizontally off of a branch or blade of grass making them appear like a flag or pennant bowing in the wind. Males are not territorial and often perch on the shore of a pond waiting for females.

8 comments:

Barb said...

Stunning shots! Cute little fellas, too.

Tasha said...

Your level or sharpness is amazing!

Lea said...

I've never paid much attention to the dragonflies here, but yours are really beautiful!
Thanks to you, I'll start looking more closely.
Happy Macro Monday!
Lea
Lea's Menagerie

forgetmenot said...

Absolutely superb macro shots--such gorgeous insects. Mickie :)

lotusleaf said...

Amazing macro shots! I have never seen a polka dotted dragonfly here.

kirstallcreatures said...

Wow what a beauty, lovely photo!

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Great macro photos.

Regards and best wishes

Bryan said...

Nice picture and thanks for the description. I just my dragonfly book to start studying for the summer. I hope to identify alot more this year than last.