Insects diurnal

Calico Pennant

Celithemis elisa

With its stained-glass wings and vibrant red spots, the Calico Pennant is a miniature masterpiece of the insect world. Often found dancing on the tips of reeds, this small dragonfly brings a splash of color and expert mosquito control to any backyard pond.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length: 1.0–1.3 in (26–34 mm); Wingspan: 2.0–2.4 in (50–60 mm)

palette

Colors

Mature males feature bright red markings on a black abdomen; females and juveniles are golden-yellow. Both have distinctive dark brown wing spots.

visibility

Key Features

Dark triangular patches at the base of the hindwings
Heart-shaped red or yellow spots along the top of the abdomen
Perches at the tips of tall grasses, often swaying like a flag
Small, delicate build compared to larger skimmers

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

calendar_month

Season May – September

restaurant

Diet Carnivorous; feeds on small flying insects like mosquitoes, midges, gnats, and small flies caught mid-air.

park

Habitat Slow-moving or still waters such as ponds, marshes, and lake edges with plenty of emergent vegetation.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

The Calico Pennant is a charming, small dragonfly known for its habit of perching on the very tips of aquatic vegetation or tall field grasses. Unlike many larger dragonflies that patrol territories with aggressive flight, the Calico Pennant spends much of its day "hitching a ride" on the wind, clinging to a stem while its body sways like a tiny flag or pennant. This behavior is where it gets its name, and it makes them a delight to observe as they seem to dance in the breeze.

These dragonflies are active hunters but prefer a "sit-and-wait" strategy. They will sit motionless on a perch until a small fly or mosquito passes by, at which point they dart out in a lightning-fast aerial maneuver to snag their prey before returning to the exact same stem. They are generally less skittish around humans than larger species, often allowing a close approach if you move slowly and avoid casting a shadow over them.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture high-quality images of Calico Pennants, you need to understand their perching habits. Unlike birds that might land anywhere, these dragonflies are highly selective, preferring the absolute highest point of a thin reed or stick. If you have a backyard pond or a marshy area nearby, place a few slender bamboo stakes or tall garden wands about 2–3 feet above the water level. The Calico Pennant will naturally choose these as lookout towers, giving you a predictable focal point for your camera.

Because these insects are small, camera placement is critical. Position your AI-powered camera within 18 to 24 inches of the designated perch. If your camera has a macro mode or adjustable focus, set it for this close-range window. Angle the camera so the sun is behind you or to the side; this highlights the vibrant red of the male's abdomen and the intricate, stained-glass patterns of their spotted wings. A low angle looking slightly upward can also create a beautiful "bokeh" effect, blurring the water or sky in the background and making the dragonfly pop.

Timing is everything with dragonflies. Calico Pennants are ectothermic, meaning they rely on the sun to warm their wing muscles. The best footage is often captured during the hottest part of the day when they are most active. However, for the most striking colors, try the "Golden Hour"—the hour before sunset—when the low light hits their translucent wings. Avoid windy days if you want a clear shot, as their "pennant" swaying behavior can cause motion blur on standard trail camera settings.

If you are using a trigger-based camera, ensure the sensitivity is set to high. Dragonflies are small and light, and their sudden darting movements may not always trip a standard PIR sensor. AI-powered cameras with insect recognition are far superior here, as they can filter out the movement of the grass while locking onto the specific silhouette of the dragonfly. If your camera allows for video, set it to short 10-second bursts; you'll likely catch the spectacular moment they launch off their perch to snatch a bug and return to the same spot.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Calico Pennant.

Halloween Pennant

The Halloween Pennant has orange-tinted wings with full dark bands, whereas the Calico has clear wings with isolated dark spots.

Banded Pennant

Smaller with distinct black bands across the middle of the wings rather than the triangular base spots of the Calico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calico Pennant are most active during the warmest hours of the day, typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun provides enough heat for them to maintain the high energy required for flight.

To attract Calico Pennant, provide a small water feature or pond with plenty of 'emergent' vegetation like sedges or rushes. They also love 'perching sticks'—tall, thin stems or stakes placed in sunny spots near the water.

They are beneficial predators that eat a variety of small flying insects. Their diet consists primarily of mosquitoes, midges, gnats, and flies, which they hunt using a sit-and-wait aerial ambush strategy.

Yes, as long as there is a nearby source of permanent, still water. They are frequently found in suburban gardens with ornamental ponds or near neighborhood drainage basins and parks.

While both have spotted wings, the Calico Pennant is smaller and has red (male) or yellow (female) spots on its abdomen. The Halloween Pennant has much more extensive orange-and-black banding across the entirety of its wings, whereas the Calico's spots are more isolated.

Record Calico Pennant at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo