Tawny Pennant
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Brachymesia herbida
Gundlach, 1889
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Libelluloidea
Family Libellulidae
Genus Brachymesia
Species herbida (Gundlach, 1889) [Libellula]
Identification
This species is rare in the south-central United States, and it may be confused with teneral individuals of Four-spotted Pennant (B. gravida). The pterostigma is tan, not white, and the wings lack a dark spot, although they may be smoky. The face is tan or brown and the thorax is brown and unmarked. The wings may be amber or smoky, especially along the front border, but they never have a dark spot beyond the nodus. The abdomen has a black middorsal stripe and yellow
lateral stripe.
Size
Total length: 43-48 mm; abdomen: 32-36 mm; hindwing: 33-38 mm.
Similar Species
See similar species under Four-spotted Pennant.
Habitat
Ponds, lakes, marshes and roadside ditches including brackish waters.
Discussion
Nothing has been published on the biology of this tropical species, but it seems most similar to Four-spotted Pennant. It occurs year round farther south in its established range.
Distribution
Southern Florida and Texas through Central America south to Argentina.
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