Identification

Field Marks

• Average adult size is approximately from 0.9 to 1.3 inches
• Face yellow and red becoming more red with age
• Red eyes
• Reddish-brown thorax with black markings
• Black abdomen with red heart shaped top spots
• Cerci yellow turning red with age
• Yellowish leading edge on each wing with brown spots extending from the base, at the nodus and tip of each wing
• Wide dark red patches at the base of hindwing with red veining and a yellow window in the middle

Field Marks

• Yellow face with eyes that are red over greenish yellow
• Yellow and black thorax
• Black abdomen with yellow triangular shaped top spots and pale cersi
• Large patches at base of hindwing have a much larger yellow window than males

Behavior

Often found in grassy fields near the water. Both males and females frequently perch horizontally from the tops of grasses, weeds, twigs, rushes or other vegetation. When perched in this manner they look similar to flags or pennants which is how this genus (Celithemis) got its common name (Pennant)

Habitat

Clear ponds and lakes with marshy or boggy edges and a lot of vegetation

Reproduction

Mating takes around 5 minutes and usually take place away from the water, usually in grassy fields not far from the water. After mating pair flies in tandem to the water to la the eggs. Occasionally the female will continue to lay eggs alone after the male has released her