Halloween Pennant Dragonfly Male
by Donna Brown
Title
Halloween Pennant Dragonfly Male
Artist
Donna Brown
Medium
Photograph - Photographic
Description
Habitat
Halloween pennant larvae live in many habitats, the most common being aquatic. They have been known to inhabit lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. They can also live in some terrestrial spots such as tree holes and bromeliad leaf-bases.
The adults leave the water and live elsewhere until they are ready to mate. They then return to the water of their youth. (O'Toole, 1986)
Habitat Regions freshwater
Aquatic Biomes lakes and ponds rivers and streams temporary pools
Wetlands marsh swamp bog
Physical Description
The Halloween pennant's characteristics vary depending on the sex and age of the dragonfly. The larvae (also known as a nymph or naiad) can grow from 5 to 6 cm in length and are yellow to green. Their rectal chamber contains gills and can be used to jet them through the water. Before they emerge as adults, the larvae develop compound eyes and tissue from the labium is withdrawn. As the dragonfly matures, the cuticle becomes thicker and the males develop their bright colors such as reds, yellows, and browns. The males also develop red rectangular spots on the front edge of each wing. They can also grow to 35 to 42 mm. The females are yellow.
The anatomy of both sexes of Celithemis eponina is similar. Like all insects, the Halloween pennant is divided into three sections: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. Their head is movable and contains biting mouthparts, antennae, and very large eyes. These eyes meet in the midline at either one or two points and occupy the greater part of the head. The antennae are quite short and small, containing few sense organs. They play a limited role in sensory life. The thorax has weak legs and four wings. These wings are not attached and operate independently. When the dragonfly is at rest, the wings lie at ninety degrees to the body. The six legs are covered with spurs and are used to grasp items. They are rarely used for walking. In flight, the legs are rested against the body to protect them from wind. The abdomen is long and flattened. The whole body (minus the legs) is devoid of hair and quite colorful. (Grzimeck, 1972; Lyons, 1999; Milne and Margery, 1980; O'Toole, 1986)
Uploaded
August 28th, 2014
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