Antillean Saddlebags
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Tramea insularis
Hagen, 1861
Order Odonata
Suborder Anisoptera
Superfamily Libelluloidea
Family Libellulidae
Genus Tramea
Species insularis Hagen, 1861 [Tramea]
Identification
This species is predominantly found in the Bahamas and Greater Antiles but is fairly common in southeastern Florida and ranges into Mexico and Texas. The face is brown in females and young males but becomes black in mature males. The top of the head is metallic violet. The thorax is brown and unmarked. The wings have predominantly red veins anteriorly and the hindwings each have a brown basal crossband. The legs are black except at their extreme bases. The abdome
n is red, except segments 8, 9 and sometimes 10, which are black dorsally.
Size
Total length: 41-48 mm; abdomen: 26-31 mm; hindwing: 36-40 mm.
Similar Species
Hyacinth Glider (Miathyria marcella
) is smaller and has a dark middorsal stripe running the length of the abdomen. Aztec Glider (Tauriphila azteca
) has dark thorax and a yellow abdomen.
Habitat
Ponds, lakes and slow streams.
Discussion
In our region, this species is only known from a couple of localities in west Texas including, Big Bend National Park, the Devils River and Ft. Clark Springs near Brackettville. There are apparent breeding populations in both localities and I suspect this species may become more common in Texas as it further establishes itself. Individuals can be seen flying quickly at great heights.
Distribution
Florida, southern and Western Texas; also Mexico, Bahamas and Greater Antiles.
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