Dragonflies & Damselflies of Aruba Theo Muusse - the Netherlands

Striped Saddlebags (Tramea calverti)

This species is recognized by its striped thorax, both in males and females. In males, the underside of the abdomen is black as are S8 – S10, with small pale lines at the base of these segments.

The dark spot in the hindwing is not as broad as in onusta, it looks more circular and more restricted. In females, the spots are smaller, restricted to the basal part of the hindwing.

Note the shorter and rounder hamulus when compared to onusta. In females, the thorax is striped too, the abdomen is warm yellow-orange with the same distinctive black S8 - S10 as in males. Note the extending ovipositor.

The nose is pale to red, the mandibles are pale and there is a black line over the frons.

August 8th to August 12th 2007, numbers rose quickly with large groups seen at various spots. During those days it was observed at many locations, migrating/ wandering males and females seen easily. In July and at the start of August, this species was absent.

Striped Saddlebags (Tramea calverti). Female, Aruba.