Red-tailed Pennant

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A few different genera of Libellulidae go by the common name pennants. Many species in the Celithemis genus, often called pennants, are known for their colorful wings.

The Red-tailed Pennant (Brachymesia furcata) is one of three Brachymesia species. Brachymesia are considered tropical pennants, with a range limited to the southern most areas of California, Arizona and Texas.

The male Red-tailed Pennant in the top picture shows the brown thorax and red abdomen.

The identification is tentative because there should be a couple of dark spots on the tip of the abdomen. The picture was also shot at an angle that excludes darker coloration on the inside of the wings, next to the abdomen.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels