Red Saddlebags
Tramea onusta
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Tramea
- Species: onusta
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tramea onusta: //ˈtrɑː.mi.ə oʊˈnʌs.tə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The red saddlebags (Tramea onusta) is a skimmer dragonfly characterized by its translucent wings with red veins and distinctive dark red blotches that resemble saddlebags when in flight. It has a wide distribution across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Physical Characteristics
43-46mm long with translucent wings and red veins. Notable dark red blotches at the proximal base of the wings and a clear patch in the middle of the saddlebags at the base of the hindwing. Females are light brown or pale orange with lighter eyes, while males exhibit a distinctive red body color. The last two bands and cerci are black.
Identification Tips
To distinguish from T. carolina, look for the clear patch in the middle of the saddlebags near the body at the base of the hindwing, and minimal black on the tip of the abdomen that is only present on the top.
Habitat
HW Lakes, ponds, and other quiet waters.
Distribution
Eastern half of the United States, northeast to southern Ontario, west to southern plains and southwest including the southern half of California up to the Bay area; also found in Central America and the Caribbean.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Dragonfly
- Odonata
- Skimmer
- Tramea onusta
- Red Saddlebags