Common Green Darner vs Black Saddlebags

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Green Darner Black Saddlebags
Scientific Name Anax junius Tramea lacerata
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Libellulidae
Size 68-80 mm wingspan 47-55 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions North America, Central America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Green Darner

A large migratory dragonfly with a green thorax and blue abdomen found across North America. It undertakes multigenerational migrations spanning thousands of kilometers.

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Did You Know?

Green darners migrate in swarms of millions from Canada to Mexico each autumn, with the return journey completed by their offspring the following spring.

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.