Black Saddlebags vs Cretan Hawker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Saddlebags Cretan Hawker
Scientific Name Tramea lacerata Boyeria cretensis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Aeshnidae
Size 47-55 mm 60-70 mm body
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Mountains
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions North America Crete, Greece
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Black Saddlebags

A large migratory dragonfly with conspicuous black patches at the base of its hindwings. It flies for extended periods and is often seen in feeding swarms.

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Did You Know?

The dark hindwing patches look like saddlebags, giving this strong migrant its memorable name.

Cretan Hawker

A dragonfly endemic to the island of Crete, found only along a few shaded mountain streams. One of Europe's most range-restricted dragonflies. Threatened by water extraction.

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Did You Know?

Found nowhere else on Earth except a few mountain streams on the island of Crete.