I was delighted to spot these beautiful Calico Pennant dragonflies (Celithemis elisa) on Tuesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The one with the yellow markings is a female and the one with the red markings is a male.
The combination of bright colors and intricate wing patterns makes Calico Pennants one of the most stunning dragonflies species that I am blessed to see and photograph. They sure do pack a lot of beauty into their tiny bodies that are only 1.3 inches (33 mm) in length.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Absolutely exquisite photos, Mike. I espec. like the first one for the perspective and the glistening light. It is impossible for me to see the fine details and features of dragonflies and darners in the field, and I really appreciate getting the chance with your photos.
You are absolutely right, Jet, about the challenges of seeing the details in the field. It is hard enough to spot the individual dragonflies and damselflies amidst the vegetation. Quite often I have to make identification of species or gender only after I have had the chance to view the images on my computer screen. The details of the wing patterns of this species are especially beautiful, which is primarily why I chose to lead with the first photo in which the wings were spread wide.
It’s almost a flying jewel !
Gorgeous portraits. Those wings are spectacular.
OH My!
The Pennants are one of my favourites. They are so beautiful! Love being able to see their exquisite details.
Very pretty – great photos, Mike.
Thanks, Dan. So many dragonflies are striking in their appearance, but these ones definitely qualify as “pretty.”
These are so dainty!
Nice shots, Mike! One day many years ago I visited a meadow and found dozens of these overnighting on grass stems. It was a lot of fun crawling from one to another as the cool morning kept them lethargic making for easy photography. They are lovely species.
Thanks, Steve. I have always wanted to photograph dew-covered dragonflies, but during the summer you have to get up really early (as you do) to catch them before the sun is fully overhead and the weather has to cooperate for there to be dew.
I thought that I had posted my shots of them but they are from 2009 so maybe not. I might do a post. They only had a few drops of dew so not really dewy.
Really crisp and clear. Amazing for shooting such small subjects. Kudos 👏👏
Very Nice images Mike!
Thanks, Reed.
Body seems too small for those wings!
They are tiny little dragonflies but definitely have magnificent wings.