Celithemis eponina

Celithemis eponina is commonly called the Halloween pennant because of its orange and dark brown wing patterning, which resembles the colors associated with Halloween. The bold bands and spots on its wings create a distinctive jack-o'-lantern-like appearance. This makes it one of the most visually recognizable dragonfly species in eastern North America.

Celithemis eponina occurs across much of eastern North America, with its range extending westward into parts of the central United States. It is typically encountered around ponds, lakes, and marshes with abundant emergent vegetation. The species is widespread and often one of the more conspicuous dragonflies at suitable water bodies during summer.

The Halloween pennant is known for perching prominently on the tips of tall vegetation such as reeds and grass stems, often swaying in the breeze. Unlike some other dragonflies that hover or patrol continuously, pennants tend to return repeatedly to the same perch. This habit makes them relatively easy to observe and photograph.

Like other dragonflies, Celithemis eponina is a predator that feeds on smaller insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and gnats, which it captures in flight. Both the aquatic nymphs and the winged adults are predatory. The nymphs hunt underwater before climbing out of the water to emerge as adults.