Very similar to Red Saddlebags which is fairly common in the southwest.  It differs mainly by having the black on the final segments of the abdomen going completely around the sides.  The "saddles" at the base of the hind wing are limited to a fairly clean cut line that covers much less area.  The sides of the thorax have faint pale stripes which can be hard to see.  It is common and widespread in South and Central America.  It has been recorded in scattered places all across the United States but mostly along the Mexican border.

These photos represent the first record of Striped Saddlebags recorded in the state of California.
This ode was the target species for Ode Blitz II in which a group of enthusiasts and friends joined for a weekend of 
chasing bugs with the intention of having fun and adding to the odonate knowledge base.  We stayed in Yuma, AZ and
focused on the California side of the Colorado River.  The following link goes to the website of Doug Aguillard
who was instrumental in founding and has put together a great photographic story of Ode Blitz. sdbirds.basiclink.com/cal_odes.htm
Last updated
Oct. 29 2006