Three species of red-saddled Trameas have been recorded in Arizona: Red, Striped, and Antillean Saddlebags.
The Red Saddlebags usually is easily identified based on the large red saddle with irregular margins on the hind wings. However, differentiating Antillean from Striped Saddlebags may require close examination.
The hind wings of Antillean and Striped Saddlebags have a narrow brown-reddish saddle with smooth edges, which easily differentiate these species from the more widespread Red Saddlebags. To separate Antillean fromStriped Saddlebags, focus on the color of the thorax and the tip of the abdomen, and on the length of the cerci.
Species Compared
Male Comparison
Thorax
- Thorax is brown or reddish, and uniformly colored: Red, Antillean, or Immature Sooty Saddlebags
- Thorax has two pale stripes: Striped Saddlebags. Note, however that these stripes can be rather poorly defined. See following page for examples: http://azdragonfly.org/news/family-portrait-papago-parks-november-striped-saddlebags-tramea-calverti.
Lateral views of the head/thorax of the male Red, Antillean, Striped, and immature Sooty Saddlebags, AZ.
Abdomen coloration and appendages
Coloration:
- Black coloration limited to top of abdominal segments 8-10: Red or Antillean Saddlebags
- Abdominal segments 8-10 are completely black or almost so: Striped or Immature Sooty Saddlebags
- In addition: Underside of abdominal segments is red in Antillean Saddlebags whereas it is black in Immature Sooty Saddlebags
Appendages:
- Upper appendages (cerci) are relatively short: Red or Striped Saddlebags
- Cerci are distinctly longer than in the other two species: Antillean or Immature Sooty Saddlebags
Lateral views of the male appendages of the Red, Antillean, Striped, and Immature Sooty Saddlebags, AZ.
Pictures illustrating the underside of the abdomen in the Antillean and Immature Sooty Saddlebags