United States and Canada
This is a small uncommon species in the south-central United States that can be recognized by the extent of the wing markings and the unmarked thorax. Its face is yellow becoming brown or red in older males. The thorax is yellow, turning brown with age, and largely unmarked. The forewings are unmarked with red veins. The hindwings have a large basal amber or brown spot, extending approximately 1/4 the length of each wing. The spot generally contains 2 anterior and a single posterior black stripe. The abdomen is largely dark brown or black with pale dorsal spots on segments 1-7. Segment 3 and the basal portion of 4 are pale yellow, turning red in older individuals.
Size: Total length: 24-31 mm; abdomen: 16-22 mm; hindwing: 21-27 mm.
Similar Species (south-central US): Faded Pennant (C. ornata) has a basal spot in the hindwing with 2 or 3 dark stripes running through it. Other similar small pennants have larger spots in the hindwing.
Habitat: Calm lakes, ponds, and marshes with emergent vegetation.
Natural History: This species is uncommon west of the Mississippi River. As is typical for the genus, it is often seen perching on tall grasses or bushes around the water. Pairs mate while perched on emergent vegetation. Females thereafter lay eggs along the shore accompanied by the male similar to Faded Pennant.
Distribution: Southeastern U.S., generally along coast from Florida to Texas.
Source: Abbott, J.C. 2006-2010. OdonataCentral: An online resource for the distribution and identification of Odonata. Available at OdonataCentral.
Edited by Drew Weber (9/24/2015).
