Genus Tramea - Saddlebags

Classification · Other Common Names · Numbers · Identification · Life Cycle · Print References · Works Cited

They are flying in the desert, miles from any water - Tramea onusta - female

Red Saddlebag Dragonfly in Oklahoma - Tramea onusta

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)

Suborder Anisoptera (Dragonflies)

Family Libellulidae (Common Skimmers)

Genus Tramea (Saddlebags)

Other Common Names

Dancing Gliders (after oviposition technique)

Numbers

Nearctica.com lists 7 species in genus.

Identification

Body teardrop-shaped, hindwing large, resembling the rainpool gliders, Pantala.

Life Cycle

Dunkle, p. 217 (1) describes interesting reproductive behavior in this genus. Mating takes place while perched. Oviposition is unusual: Flying in tandem over water, male releases females head and she dips to oviposit. She flies back up and the male grasps her head again.

Print References

Dunkle, p. 217 (1)

Works Cited

1.	Dragonflies Through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America By Sidney W. Dunkle

Contributed by Cotinis on 16 May, 2004 - 7:41pm
Last updated 12 June, 2004 - 6:53am

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