Species Pseudoleon superbus - Filigree Skimmer

the only species in this genus in North America listed at nearctica.com

adult body length 34-45 mm

Adult: eyes pale with dark longitudinal stripes; thorax initially tan with numerous darker brown stripes, becoming diffusely black with age; wings variably patterned with black, but always with wide dark band at nodus; males usually have more black in wings, often with hindwing becoming entirely black except for clear apical tip, and forewing black except for basal half; legs brown but darken with age; abdomen brown, marked with series of "V" marks outlined internally by thinner pale line on segments 3-7; young individuals have pale face that quickly becomes black with age

[adapted from description at Odonata Central]

southwestern United States and Mexico, south to Costa Rica

adults fly from March to November

Black-winged Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax funerea) is more slender with black in wings extending to half-way between nodus and pterostigma.

Band-winged Dragonlet (E. umbrata) has clear basal areas in both wings.

live adult image by Greg Lasley, plus description, flight season, distribution, habitat, similar species, behavior (Odonata Central, U. of Texas)