BLACK SADDLEBAGS Tramea lacerata

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES OF WEST VIRGINIA SPECIES PAGE

The Black Saddlebags may be found in a variety of wetlands, and at lakes, man-made ponds, and vernal pools in the Mountain State. They are not commonly observed along streams.

The species name comes from the large dark spot on each hind wing. The stigmas are brown, while the forewings are essentially clear.

On the abdomen, there are a series of whitish to yellow to orange spots on segements three through seven. These fade with time, and older individuals may have only a single spot visible, on segment seven, or may show no spots at all.

Males and females are quite similar, and are best distinguished by examining the terminal appendages. If you are able to view the face, the face is yellowish-brown in females and immatures males, but becomes black in mature males.

The males patrol large territories, alternately gliding and working their wings. Females lay their eggs by tapping the tip of their abdomen against the water’s surface while in flight.

On this younger male, all the yellowish spots on the abdomen are still visible.

As Black Saddlebags age, the yellowish spots began to fade; on this individual only two spots are still distinct.

Dense, pale hairs on the thorax are characteristic of the species, though these wear off with time.

The female flies above the water, and will soon dart down to the surface to release the eggs as her abdominal tip touches the water. Note the brownish face; in a mature male the face would be largely black.

This species is also included in the Odonate pages of the Insects of West Virginia site.