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

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

A really fine set, Doc. Great job.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent photos and information, Doc!

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks Ken. It was a great trip that garnered me a few lifers. The 100º heat was more than I could take all at once. I'm sure you are quite used to it. Things are perkin' up here. My wife had a Springtime Darner the other day on our back porch.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

So glad you enjoyed the set Mike. Thanks for looking in. I hope to be able to post some local dragons and damsels soon.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you for the thumbs up Gary. I really do appreciate the encouragement.
>i< Doc

merrytexan Loc: georgia

thank you for the beautiful shots and the interesting information, doc...i love the shots...
you must have had fun in texas except for the extreme heat. congratulations to your granddaughter!!

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks Merry that was much appreciated. It was a wonderful trip in so many ways. So glad you enjoyed the dragon shots. >i< Doc

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

Did I mention that those photos are superb?

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you my friend for the high praise. Coming from you that's quite the compliment.
>i< Doc

gmontjr2350 Loc: Southern NJ

I have enjoyed this set! I like the ID's.

George

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks so much George. I really appreciate you taking the time to look in and comment.
>i< Doc