Black Saddlebags vs Finger-net Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Saddlebags Finger-net Caddisfly
Scientific Name Tramea lacerata Philopotamus montanus
Order Odonata Trichoptera
Family Libellulidae Philopotamidae
Size 47-55 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Finger-net Caddisfly

A medium caddisfly with golden-brown wings. Larvae spin finger-shaped silken nets in fast-flowing water to capture ultrafine particles of organic matter.

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Did You Know?

Its silk nets have an incredibly fine mesh, filtering particles as small as one micrometer.