General: Black Saddlebags Dragonflies (Tramea lacerata) are active daytime fliers often seen over ponds and slow waters around Las Vegas. Adult males are recognized by their overall black color and black at the base of otherwise clear wings (looks like saddlebags on a horse). On closer inspection, the thorax is blue-gray, the eyes are reddish over blueish, and there are is a pair of yellowish spots atop the abdomen. Females are similar, but the yellow spots are more prominent.

These active creatures are harmless to humans, but they are voracious predators of small flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes. The larvae, however, can provide a bit of a bite. There are some good places for Watching Dragonflies Around Las Vegas.

Taxonomy: Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera, Family Libellulidae (Skimmer).