Four-spotted Pennant Dragonfly

Description:

Several of these were seen in the ponds. The first photo is of a more mature male with a bluish cast. The last two photos are of females or immature males. A Neotropical species generally found along the southern coast of the United States. This graceful species is a long- winged, swift flyer. The wings are transparent in the basal portion, but a brown cloud of alterable intensity occurs between the middle and outer portions of the wings. In males, the cloud becomes black with age, and in some females, the cloud may be reduced to a yellow stain. This dragonfly's slender abdomen is mostly black in coloration.

Habitat:

Pintail Drive and Boardwalk in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is a three mile driving loop through moist soil wetlands managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service to provide feeding/resting habitat for wintering waterfowl. Excellent viewing of a variety of wildlife (lots of alligators!) as well as migratory birds year round. Huge waterfowl populations for viewing and photography opportunities in the fall and winter. There is a also a half mile accessible boardwalk with viewing scopes.

Notes:

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve and protect wintering waterfowl and their habitat. It was the first refuge established under the auspices of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The refuge is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana, in north central Cameron Parish. It contains 9,621 acres that include fresh marsh, coastal prairie, and old rice fields (currently moist soil units). Located at the convergence of two major flyways, the refuge has an important role in management for migratory birds.