Ground Skimmer vs Black Saddlebags

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ground Skimmer Black Saddlebags
Scientific Name Diplacodes trivialis Tramea lacerata
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 25-32 mm 47-55 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Asia, Oceania North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ground Skimmer

A small dragonfly that becomes powder-blue with age in males. It is one of the most common dragonflies in tropical Asia.

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Did You Know?

It often perches directly on the ground rather than on elevated vegetation like most dragonflies.

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.