genus: Hetaerina

This genus consists of only four species in  North America.  The mature males are of a bronzy or coppery brown coloration with pale off white stripes on the thorax.  The wings are narrow and usually have a ruby red basal spot at the base, hence it's common name "Rubyspots." Eyes are black in the mature male.  Rubyspots have long, spiny slender legs.

Females are generally paler in color and have more prominent light lateral stripes on the thorax and stouter abdomens.  Females generally have brown eyes.

These damsels are usually found to inhabit streams and rivers with flowing waters and can often be observed perched on sticks and vegetation sticking out of the water.