In females, the abdomen and face are brownish red, and the basal part of the forehead is violet.

In males, the abdomen and face are bright red, and the entire forehead is violet.

[3] The Carolina saddlebags is found from southern Nova Scotia to Florida and Bermuda west to Texas.

Its habitats include ponds, lakes, swamps, and streams.

[3] Adults feed in groups from morning till evening, flying 2–7 m (7–23 ft) above the ground.