This dragonfly is in the same family (Libellulidea) as pondhawks. It is found near ponds, shallows and slow streams, and the naiads feed in still, silty bottom water. It is about 1 3/4 inches long with a wing span of about 2 1/2 inches, and the body is broader than that of most dragonflies. The male has a blue body, brown thorax and distinctive wing markings (see photograph). The female has a brown body with a pale yellow stripe on each side, and there are three smaller spots on each wing (base, middle and tip).

The female hovers over water to wash off her eggs which hatch in about 5 days. The males are very territorial and raise their tails in aggressive display towards other males. They may also guard the female as she deposits her eggs.