Calico Pennant dragonflies in June

June 24, 2020 by Mike Powell

Although Calico Pennant dragonflies (Celithemis elisa) are quite small, about 1.3 inches (33 mm) in length, they pack a lot of color into their tiny bodies and wings. Adult females have bright yellow markings, as shown in the first photo, and wonderful designs on their wings that appear to be outlined in gold when the sun hits them from the right angle. Adult males have bright red markings that look almost like little hearts and have similarly detailed patches on their wings, although the pattern and colors are different from those of the females.

What about the dragonfly in the third photo? Its coloration is similar to that of the adult female, but it is in fact a juvenile male that will eventually turn red. How can I tell it is a male? If you look closely at the tips of the abdomen (the “tail”) in all three images, you will note that the terminal appendages are similar in the final two photos and are different from those in the first photo. Normally I will try to rely on those anatomical features when trying to tell the gender of a subject, because in quite a large number of dragonfly species, juvenile males and females have the same coloration.

I spotted all three of these Calico Pennant dragonflies during a visit last Friday to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, one of my favorite places to spend time with my camera. This refuge was one of the few facilities in our area to remain open during the stay-home period and got a bit too crowded for my taste. Now that other parks have reopened, the number of visitors has dropped to much lower levels and I am able to enjoy the solitude of nature once again.

Posted in Dragonflies, dragonfly, Insects, Nature, Photography, Summer, wildlife | Tagged Calico Pennant, Calico Pennant dragonfly, Canon 50D, Celithemis elisa, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tamron 180mm, Woodb | 19 Comments

19 Responses

on June 24, 2020 at 9:26 am | Reply Platypus Man

As always, I’m in awe of your photos. I don’t know a great deal about dragonflies, but your photos make it possible for folk like me to better appreciate them.
- on June 24, 2020 at 9:55 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. When I first started photographing dragonflies (and birds) I did not know much about them, but over time I have learned a lot. I try to use my postings to highlight my photos and also to educate others a little bit about the beauty that is all around us.
on June 24, 2020 at 9:31 am | Reply rugby843

So intricately beautiful!

Sent from my iPad

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- on June 24, 2020 at 9:55 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. The cool patterns on their wings really help these dragonflies to stand out from the crowd.
on June 24, 2020 at 10:03 am | Reply Dan Antion

Thanks for including all three, Mike. I Was having a hard time figuring out how much was dragonfly and how much was shining through the wings. That last photo puts that to bed.,
- on June 24, 2020 at 10:10 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Dan. I really like to include shots from different angles and/or shots of different species to give viewers a better appreciation of the subjects that I shoot. Sometimes, of course, that is not possible when, for example, the subject is really skittish and flies, swims, or dives away after a single shot. 🙂
on June 24, 2020 at 10:15 am | Reply Wally Jones

A wonderful series of photographs, Mike, showcasing a beautiful dragon!
The Calico Pennant is not found in our local area but does occur in northwest Florida where my brother lives.

Thank you for sharing!
- on June 24, 2020 at 10:27 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Wally. I am fortunate to live in Northern Virginia, which has many of the bird and species found in the Northeast and many of the ones found in the Southeast.
on June 24, 2020 at 10:59 am | Reply Reed Andariese

Very Nice Mike! Great images!
on June 24, 2020 at 1:56 pm | Reply mitzybricker

Wow! They sure are gorgeous! Beautiful shots, Mike!

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- on June 25, 2020 at 8:09 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Mitzy. It is hard for me to be objective about dragonflies–I definitely have my favorites–but I think it is pretty clear that Calico Pennants are one of the prettiest species.
on June 24, 2020 at 9:09 pm | Reply Ellen Jennings

These are real beauties, Mike, and wonderfully sharp.
- on June 25, 2020 at 6:16 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Ellen. I was sometimes in waist-high vegetation, but I was able to maneuver into positions where I could get a decent angle of view. In at least one case, I opened up the aperture to deliberately throw the background out of focus. As you can probably tell, I love my 180mm macro lens. 🙂
  - on June 25, 2020 at 10:20 am Ellen Jennings
    
    Hmm, hadn’t noticed 🙂
on June 24, 2020 at 9:54 pm | Reply Eliza Waters

Wow, these are fabulous, Mike! Such pretty markings.
- on June 25, 2020 at 6:14 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Eliza. These dragonflies always remind me of pieces of fine jewelry.
on June 25, 2020 at 6:40 am | Reply krikitarts

Fine work here, Mike. When I double-click your second image, it’s hard for me to leave it again. Great stuff.
- on June 25, 2020 at 7:04 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Gary. I think that it shows that I really like dragonflies and I tend to devote a lot of loving attention to photographing them as well as I can. 🙂
on August 16, 2020 at 7:15 am | Reply Immature Calico Pennant dragonfly | Mike Powell

[…] If you want to see photos of a female Calico Pennant and an adult male, be sure to check out the earlier posting entitled “Calico Pennant dragonflies in June.” […]