Family: Libellulidae, Common Skimmers view all from this family

Description 1 3/4-2 1/4" (45-58 mm), wingspan 3 3/4-4" (95-102 mm). Black. Abdomen has 2 yellow spots near tip on upper surface. Hind wings with broad black saddle mark. Naiad is green marked with brown.

Food Adult preys on small flying insects. Naiad eats small aquatic insects and worms.

Life Cycle Female released from mate's hold darts down to water, washes off eggs, then flies upward to be seized again by male. Naiads clamber actively among submerged plants, transforming to adults in late summer in the North. Adults seen May-June in the North, almost certainly emigrated from the South. Probably 2 generations a year in the South, 1 in the North.

Habitat Slow broad rivers with quiet backwaters full of submerged vegetation.

Range Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas and California, north to Washington, south to Mexico.

Discussion Saddlebags are named for the large saddle-shaped mark on the hind wings. In late spring or early summer often so many adults travel together they have difficulty finding separate suitable perches for the night and must compete for a roost.