docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Saddlebag dragonflies are a species in the family Libellulidae, the skimmers and perchers. Their genus Tramea are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. They can be found in most all of the US. They have colored patches at the base of their hindwings that gives the impression that they are carrying saddlebags. Thus the name Saddle bags or Saddlebag Gliders.

Saddlebags mating takes place while perched. Oviposition is unusual: Flying in tandem over water, male releases females head and she dips down to the water to oviposit. She flies back up and the male grasps her head again. Because of this they have also been called Dancing Gliders.

Here in Pennsylvania Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata) along with Common Green Darners (Anax junius) are the first dragonflies that usually show up in early Spring as they can be migrants from the tropics and southern states. Black Saddlebags from this area will migrate to the south at the end of our flight season. They can be difficult to photograph as they tend to spend little time perching and a lot of time gliding. They may be seen in swarms migrating along the flyways along with migrating birds.


Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea carolina) is a common and distinctive species native to eastern North America. The Carolina saddlebags is found from southern Nova Scotia to Florida and Bermuda west to Texas. It is seen all year in Florida and from May to August in Canada.

Another common saddlebags species is the Red Saddlebags or Red Manteled Saddlebags (Tramea onusta). Clear patch in middle of saddlebags near the body at the base of the hindwing helps distinguish this species from the Carolina Saddlebags.They can be found in the Eastern half of the US and west to southern plains and southwest, including the southern half of California.

You may look at the photographs and say, "wait, aren't these insects? They only have four legs!" Look very closely behind the head and you will see the forelegs tucked behind the eyes.

Here are a few of my photographs of these three species of Saddlebags. Comments are welcome. Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas!
>i< Doc

Black Saddlebags (Male)

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Black Saddlebags (Female)

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Carolina Saddlebags (Male)

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Red Saddlebags (Female)

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Red Saddlebags (Male)

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Iron Sight Loc: Utah

Very Interesting

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you John. I post so people might find some interest in these beautiful creatures as I have for the last 14 years.
>i< Doc

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Your usual expert photography with an interesting narrative, Doc!

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Excellent.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

What a beautiful set Doc. Thanks for the narrative.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Field Guide worthy, Thanks for both the narrative and the images.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Great photos & wright-up!

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Fantastic set!!! Doc

JimmyTB

Great set of subjects that can be, in my experience, difficult to photograph. And thank you for sharing your knowledge of these beauties

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you for the thumbs up. Glad you enjoyed them.
>i<Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you Mike. So glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for taking me back to Costa Rica.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thank you very much Barbara.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

I appreciate that Jack. 14 years of studying these creatures gives a little bit to talk about. I’m never sure if people are really interested. If not I guess they can just look at the pictures.
>i< Doc