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This is the only species in its genus in North America. It is our smallest
dragonfly in North America averaging approximately one inch in length. In
mature males, the thorax and abdomen are black, becoming a powdery blue when mature.
Abdomen is slightly enlarged at the tip. The wings are clear and when seen
perched are positioned down and forward. Eyes are rusty brown.
Females (shown left) have a brown and yellow striped thorax and black abdomen with
yellow bands and is said to resemble a wasp. The wing bases show a faded amber
patch. Their face is white on top and on the sides, elsewhere black.
Female Elfin Skimmers are similar in appearance to no other dragonflies and can
be easily identified in the field by size and color alone.
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