Black Saddlebags vs Violet Dropwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Saddlebags | Violet Dropwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tramea lacerata | Trithemis annulata |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 47-55 mm | 32-38 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Africa, Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
The dark hindwing patches look like saddlebags, giving this strong migrant its memorable name.
Violet Dropwing
A stunning dragonfly where mature males turn deep violet-purple with red wing veins. It is expanding its range northward into southern Europe.
Did You Know?
It has colonized southern Europe from Africa and continues to spread north as temperatures warm.