Insects diurnal

Double-ringed Pennant

Celithemis verna

A delicate gem of the wetlands, the Double-ringed Pennant is known for its graceful perching and the striking pale rings that tip its dark tail. This elusive skimmer is a favorite for backyard pond owners looking to witness the beauty of North American dragonflies.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 1.2–1.4 inches (30–35 mm); Wingspan: approximately 2.0 inches (51 mm)

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Colors

Males are primarily black with distinctive pale blue rings on the end of the abdomen; females and juveniles are dark with yellow or gold markings. Both sexes feature dark, smoky patches at the base of the hindwings.

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Key Features

Two prominent pale rings on abdominal segments 8 and 9
Dark, triangular patches at the base of the hindwings
Slender, delicate abdomen compared to other skimmers
Dark compound eyes and a blackish thorax

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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Season April – July

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Diet Carnivorous; they hunt small flying insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, and flies caught mid-air during short, acrobatic flights.

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Habitat Acidic ponds, bogs, and slow-moving streams with plenty of tall, emergent vegetation like sedges and rushes.

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Behavior

The Double-ringed Pennant is a master of the 'perch and wait' hunting strategy. Like other members of the Celithemis genus, they are frequently seen clinging to the very tips of tall grasses, reeds, or twigs near the water's edge. They sit horizontally or at a slight angle, swaying gracefully in the wind like a tiny flag or 'pennant,' which is where their name originates. They are highly territorial over their small patch of shoreline and will dart out to chase away rivals or catch passing prey before returning to the exact same perch.

These dragonflies are somewhat more shy and elusive than the more common Halloween Pennant. They prefer the quiet, undisturbed edges of acidic ponds and bogs. During the hottest parts of the day, they may raise their abdomen into a vertical 'obelisk' position to minimize the surface area exposed to the sun, a fascinating thermal regulation behavior that makes for excellent photography. While they are active flyers, they rarely venture far from the safety of dense emergent vegetation.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality images of the Double-ringed Pennant, you must focus on their perching habits. These dragonflies are creatures of habit and will often return to the same tall reed or twig repeatedly. Position your AI-powered camera or trail cam on a tripod about 2 to 4 feet away from a prominent piece of vegetation that stands above the rest of the water-side grass. Using a macro lens or a camera with a high-resolution sensor is vital, as these are small subjects and their defining 'double rings' are fine details that require clarity to see.

Lighting is your best friend when it comes to dragonflies. Set your camera to face away from the sun so the light illuminates the intricate venation in their wings and the metallic sheen of their bodies. If you are looking for more artistic shots, positioning the camera so the dragonfly is backlit can make the wing patches glow. Because they are active during the brightest part of the day, use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to prevent motion blur during sudden take-offs. If your camera allows for 'Zone Focusing,' set it specifically on the tip of the perch where you expect them to land.

You can 'bait' these dragonflies naturally by creating a perfect landing spot. If your backyard pond lacks tall perches, simply stick a thin, dry bamboo skewer or a tall, sturdy weed into the mud near the water's edge. The Double-ringed Pennant will likely choose this new high ground as its lookout tower. Early morning is the best time for close-up shots; before the air warms up, dragonflies are often sluggish and will stay still for longer periods, allowing your camera's AI to lock focus perfectly before they begin their midday patrols.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Double-ringed Pennant.

Martha's Pennant

Very similar in size and wing spots, but Martha's Pennant lacks the distinct pale double rings on the tip of the abdomen.

Ornate Pennant

Has much more extensive and darker markings on the wings that extend further toward the tips than those of the Double-ringed Pennant.

Halloween Pennant

Much more common and larger, with distinctive orange and black banded wings that are easily distinguished from the smoky base patches of the Double-ringed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Double-ringed Pennants are most active during the warmest part of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun provides the energy they need for high-speed flight.

The best way to attract them is to maintain a chemical-free garden pond with plenty of emergent plants like cattails or tall grasses. They specifically look for acidic, still water and tall perches to hunt from.

They are aerial predators that eat a variety of small flying insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, and small moths, making them great natural pest controllers for your garden.

They are less common in manicured suburban yards and are more likely to be found in properties that border natural wetlands, bogs, or undisturbed ponds.

Look for the two distinct pale/blue rings on the very end of the abdomen (segments 8 and 9) and the dark, triangular smoky patches only at the base of the hindwings, rather than throughout the wing.

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