Dragonfly: Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina)

This is a new dragonfly for my life list. I’ve seen them in Wilkes and Jasper counties. I’ve not seen them at Fort Yargo State Park or at home. Interestingly, Each of the dragons I’ve photographed have been femaies which have a cream-colored segment on the front edge at the end of each wing. (The males have an orange-brown segment instead of the cream segment).

The first encounter was at the Broad River Wildlife Management Area in Wilkes County on the south side of the river. It alighted on this stalk in the same in a clear-cut area where I photographed the Red-headed Woodpecker. The stalk was light and the dragon spent most of its time trying to balance in a brisk breeze.

Lateral view

Dorsal view

Both of these photographs were taken with a zoom lens.

The second encounter was at Charlie Elliot Wildlife Management Area in Jasper County. These dragons were on more substantial perches in an open area by Fox Lake, again in a brisk breeze.

Lateral view

This photo was taken with a macro setting and holding it at arms length as I quietly moved within arms length.

I didn't see a male Halloween Pennant on this occasion but photographed one in late August. The males have an orange-brown segment instead of the cream segment on the front edge of the wing. Males also have orange-pink colored patches on the dorsal side of the abdomen whereas females have cream patches. Click here to see a photograph of the male Halloween Pennant.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Identification resources:
- BugGuide: Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) [Male] [Female]
- Georgia Dragonfly Survey: Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina)