Manolis (2003) describes the characteristic ovipositing in this genus: "flying low in tandem over water, the male quickly releases the female, who drops to the surface and taps a cluster of eggs off the tip of the abdomen, then instantly the male recaptures her to fly on and repeat the process." This was been observed in Monterey County.

photo (left) Arroyo Seco Lakes 5 Aug 2006

Black Saddlebags is a somewhat erratic dragonfly, appearing and disappearing from sites, possibly due to migratory movements. There is some thought that southern and lowlands populations move north and/or upslope to breed, and their offspring later move south and downslope (Manolis 2003). Perhaps that accounts for the occurrence of the individual shown above. This male — and several others — were suddenly present along the edge of Odello Lagoon in late September, although none were seen there throughout the summer.

Elsewhere in MTY, breeding activity was observed at various inland lakes and farm ponds in July-August. This map (right) shows some representative localities. More than 30 were at Arroyo Seco Lakes on 19 July 2004 (Rob Fowler, Steve Rovell), and ten at a small farm pond near Soledad 10 Aug 2006 (Don Roberson, Dave Keegan). As there were no specimens of this species taken in earlier years, the full date span is not known; 17 July-2 Oct is the span currently established. Elsewhere in California, Black Saddlebags fly April-October (Manolis 2003).