General: Red-tailed Pennant Dragonflies (Brachymesia furcata) are active daytime fliers often seen around ponds and slow waters around Las Vegas. Adult males are recognized by their overall bright red color and clear wings. On closer inspection, the thorax is dull red or brownish, and the bottom of the eyes is greenish. Females are similar, but the color is not as bright.

These active creatures are harmless to humans, but they are voracious predators of small flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes. The larvae, however, can provide a bit of a bite. There are some good places for Watching Dragonflies Around Las Vegas.

Taxonomy: Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera, Family Libellulidae.