Black Saddlebags

Description:

Black saddlebags, although fairly common, are striking insects. The hind wings are long and wide, with irridescent black bands on the parts of the wings closest to the body. This gives them their common name "black saddlebags," because the black patches make them look like they're wearing saddlebags. The rest of the wing is clear. Black saddlebags are medium to large dragonflies, about 5.33 cm. The body has a streamlined, teardrop shape. Males are mostly black, with deeper coloring than females. Females are larger, and have a whitish-yellow spotted pattern on the back of their abdomen. Recently emerged (newly metamorphosed from their larval state) males look similar to females. Females and newly emerged black saddlebags also have light colored or yellowish faces. Both males and females have black legs.

Habitat:

Riparian area near Lake Lewisville.