
Community identification
Black Saddlebags Skimmer
Tramea lacerata
- Order & Family
- Order: Odonata; Family: Libellulidae
- Size
- Total length of 47-55 mm (approx. 2 inches) with a wingspan of up to 4 inches.
Natural Habitat
Often found around slow-moving or stagnant water such as ponds, lakes, and marshes; also frequently seen in open fields and coastal areas during migration.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predator; as adults, they catch and consume smaller flying insects like mosquitoes, midges, and flies in mid-air.
Behavior Patterns
They are powerful fliers known for their long-distance migrations and spent significant time on the wing. Males are highly territorial over water sources, and females are often seen flying in tandem with males while ovipositing.
Risks & Benefits
Completely harmless to humans; they provide a significant ecological benefit by controlling populations of pest insects like mosquitoes and gnats.