Insect · GBIF taxon 1428517
Halloween Pennant
Celithemis eponinaAlso known as Halloween Dragonfly, Pennant Dragonfly
Halloween pennants are distinctively patterned dragonflies named for their vibrant orange and brown banded wings, which evoke autumn colors. Unlike many dragonflies that stay hidden near the water's surface, adults perch prominently on the highest tips of tall weeds and grasses, swaying freely in the breeze like small flags. They are agile aerial predators, capturing midges, mosquitoes, and small flies right out of the air before returning to their favorite vantage points.
PercherColorfulWetland Insect
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Midges
- Gnats
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Larger dragonflies
ThreatsWetland drainage, water pollution, and excessive pesticide use
HabitatsPonds, lakes, marshes, fields, and wet meadows
Life span1–2 years (aquatic nymph for most of life; adults live up to 2 months)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderOdonata
- FamilyLibellulidae
- GenusCelithemis
- SpeciesCelithemis eponina
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Optimal Viewing: Look for them perching at the tops of tall stems along sunny pond margins on warm summer afternoons.
- Approach Slowly: Walk carefully to avoid disturbing tall vegetation, as sudden vibrations cause them to take flight.
- Perch Loyalty: Watch a startled individual carefully, as it will often return to the exact same stem within minutes.
Frequent Companion (c) mayfly1963, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mayfly1963 · cc-by
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byClose Relative
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Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
Wetland Territory
Halloween Pennant is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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