docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

I was in Texas for my granddaughter's graduation from A&M. While there I went behind their house to a retention pond on the Green Belt. There I was quite fortunate to encounter a very large emergence of Four-spotted Pennants (Brachymesia gravida). This "tropical" dragonfly is a species of skimmer in the family known as Libellulidae. It can be found from the Mid-Atlantic states down the coast to Florida and across the South to Arizona.

They are called pennants because of the position in which they perch. You will find them on the tips of shrubs, reeds or any emergent plants looking like a flag. Their hind legs are longer than their fore legs which puts them in that position. If you look at the pictures below you might say, "Wait, I thought they are insects and should have six legs. These only have four." If you look very carefully you can see their fore legs tucked up behind their eyes.

They prefer water that's shallow and slow moving, where there are few other dragonfly species. They can tolerate alkaline water and brackish water as well as fresh.

They can be identified by the brown spot on each wing, a black and white face that turns black with age and the wings are also marked by white stigma on the leading edges of the wings near the tip.

The photo below is an immature male. The colors will change to a very dark blue as it ages. You can see that in the second photo.

Four-spotted Pennant - Brachymesia gravida - Imm. Male by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Four-spotted Pennant - Brachymesia gravida - Male by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

The last photo is a Female. They change from an orange color to a drak brown.

Four-spotted Pennant - Brachymesia gravida - Female by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

I hope you enjoyed this set and have a great day! And to quote "Hill Street Blues", Hey, hey, let's be careful out there!"
>i< Doc

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Such an interesting set, Doc, and beautiful pictures!
There is of course the giant darner (Anax walsinghami ) down there, which is apparently the largest dragonfly in the world.
I see records in BugGuide for Ash Creek, Madera Canyon, and Big Bend national park. I expect Odonata Central would have very specific records.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Excellent set of images Doc

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Thanks for the education once again, Doc. Very interesting, especially how they carry their front legs when perched.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks Mark. Yes, walsinghami is quite large. I photographed one in Arizona a few years ago but I climbed to the top of the volcano in Kauai, HI to see the "Pinao." The Giant Hawaiian Darner (Anax strenuus) is the largest dragonfly. It was super fast and one of those that just don't seem to perch. I never did get a picture of one. I'd love to get the exuviae of one.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks so much for looking in. I hope you enjoyed the set.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you Jack. It was an easy survey. Three retention ponds basically in my son's backyard!
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

You are very welcome Dave. I really appreciate you looking in and taking the time to comment. They are quite interesting. I think that's what drew me to them in the first place.
>i< Doc

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

tcthome Loc: NJ

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Doc, thanks for taking me along with you.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Excellent dragon images, Doc!

Stan

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great shots, Tony.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

What a beautiful set Doc