Double-ringed Pennant
Celithemis verna
This record describes Celithemis verna (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Fully adult male distinct from other Celithemis : blue-black body with small dark marks on hindwings .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Celithemis (Pennants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lakes and ponds with emergent vegetation
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States, most common in coastal plain; type specimen from Pushmataha County, Oklahoma ( Essig Museum records )
Seasonal Activity
New Jersey: April-July; Georgia: April-June; flies mostly in spring
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Celithemis verna. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Double-ringed Pennant (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Double-ringed Pennant
What is Double-ringed Pennant?
Double-ringed Pennant (Celithemis verna) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Double-ringed Pennant?
Length 31-36 mm
How do you identify Double-ringed Pennant?
Fully adult male distinct from other Celithemis : blue-black body with small dark marks on hindwings .
Where is Double-ringed Pennant found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Lakes and ponds with emergent vegetation |
| Range | Southeastern United States, most common in coastal plain; type specimen from Pushmataha County, Oklahoma ( Essig Museum records ) |
When is Double-ringed Pennant active?
Double-ringed Pennant: seasonal activity - New Jersey: April-July; Georgia: April-June; flies mostly in spring.