Family: Libellulidae, Common Skimmers view all from this family

Description The Carolina Saddlebags is a member of the common skimmer family (family Libellulidae). Dragonflies in this large family have brightly colored bodies, 3/4-2 1/2" (18-64 mm) long, that are shorter than the wingspan, which is usually 1-4" (25-102 mm). The wings often have bands or spots. In some species males and females are different colors. Often the male does not attain full color until a few days after emergence. the short, squat naiads, to 1 1/4" (33 mm) long, inhabit shallower, warmer waters than naiads of other families and tend to be more active, maturing more rapidly.