When male Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) dragonflies are immature, they have yellow markings on their bodies similar to those of the females. As the males mature, those markings turn bright red. I was thrilled to spot several mature male Calico Pennants last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife, the first adult males of this species that I have encountered this year.
The bright body markings and the prominent wing patches really make this dragonfly stand out, although they are quite small, about 1.2 inches (30 mm) in length.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Oh gosh Mike, I can see why you would be thrilled. These two photos, especially when clicked on, are outstanding. What an extraordinary creature.
Thanks, Jet. You know, of course, that I like dragonflies a lot, but these are one of real favorites. 🙂
[…] dragonflies, which are red and has patterned wings, as they flew around over the pond—check out yesterday’s posting to see a photo of a perched male Calico Pennant. Suddenly a larger red dragonfly flew into […]
Love these ones.
What a striking insect – I’ve never seen anything remotely similar. Thanks for featuring it!