CLOSED: Gymnastic Dragonfly

neefman East Bridgewater, MA Jul 20, 2013

What type of dragonfly is this and what why was it arching it's back? This was taken in SE Massachusetts. Thanks!

Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 20, 2013

This is one of the pennants in the genus Celithemis; possibly the calico pennant, Celithemis elisa - http://www.thehibbitts.net/troy/photo/odonata/calico.pennant.c.elisa.tx.liberty.09.3a.jpg
Unfortunately, I cannot provide a reason for its pose.

neefman East Bridgewater, MA Jul 20, 2013

I think Calico Pennant is the proper ID. Thanks for the help. :)

Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 22, 2013

I have taken another look at this image, and now believe that I was mistaken in calling it a pennant; it more likely is a female eastern amberwing, Perithemis tenera - http://www.dragonhunter.net/perithemis_tenera_f.jpg
And I have found out that the pose is called "obelisking" - http://home.earthlink.net/~twhelanb/images/diary/obelisking.htm

neefman East Bridgewater, MA Jul 24, 2013

Wow, I'm glad i checked back to this post. Obelisking to stay cool. It was hot as hell that day so that makes sense. Thanks!

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