Red Saddlebags Dragonfly

The red saddlebags dragonfly is uncommon here in Minnesota. Typically we only see the black saddlebags but from time to time red saddlebags do show up, typically in the southern part of the state. They are a member of the skimmer family that is found through out the eastern portions of North America as well as parts of southern California. Saddlebags get their name from the large patches on the inner wing that some what resemble saddlebags. They are very easy to identify. I photographed this saddlebag at Bentsen State Park in South Texas.