River Clubtail vs Black Saddlebags

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute River Clubtail Black Saddlebags
Scientific Name Stylurus flavipes Tramea lacerata
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Gomphidae Libellulidae
Size 50-55mm 47-55 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

River Clubtail

A large clubtail dragonfly with yellow and black markings and a distinctly expanded abdomen tip. It breeds in large lowland rivers with sandy beds. Adults spend much time hanging in tree canopies.

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Did You Know?

Adults spend most of their time high in riverside trees, only descending to water to breed, making them hard to observe.

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.