The Obelisk Position - Dragonfly Thermoregulation
Friday, 12 June 2026
This is a fascinating photograph, not only for the obelisk
Position that the dragonfly has positioned itself in, but because of the name
of the species – the Halloween pennant (Celithemis eponina). It is native to North America and the West
Indies. It gets its name because when it flies, these colours look a bit like
traditional Halloween decorations (orange and black), especially when it
perches with its wings held out like little flags. Image
Wait... the obelisk position? Here is the same dragonfly from a different angle. Basically, it’s doing a handstand (like the blue dasher above) and there are a few reasons why it might exhibiting this strange behavior.