Calico Pennant vs Common Clubtail Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Calico Pennant Common Clubtail Dragonfly
Scientific Name Celithemis elisa Ictinogomphus ferox
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Gomphidae
Size 28-37mm 55-65 mm body length
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Calico Pennant

A small dragonfly with triangular red or yellow wing spots creating a calico pattern. Males have red body and wing markings while females have yellow. It perches delicately on vegetation tips.

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Did You Know?

Its patterned wings inspired its 'calico' name, resembling the printed cotton fabric of the same name.

Common Clubtail Dragonfly

A large, boldly marked black and yellow dragonfly with a distinctly clubbed abdomen tip. It is a powerful flier that perches prominently on vegetation overlooking water.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most voracious aerial predators among East African dragonflies, often catching prey nearly as large as itself.