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Small Pennants

Small Pennants

genus: Celithemis

Small Pennants

This rather small colorful genus of eight species is found only in Eastern North America.  The lateral thorax is usually striped in black on a pale background. On the mid-dorsal thorax also occurs a black stripe. The thin abdomen is  somewhat compressed in the basal segments and patterned in colors of yellow, red, orange and black.  All have diagnostic wing patterns of bands or patches making identification fairly simple. The base of the hindwings is broad. The face generally has some yellow tint but may change to red or black in the mature male.

The sexes have similar wing patterns but the females are usually duller overall.

These small delicate looking pennants can frequently be found around ponds, borrow bits, marshes and lakes.

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