The Skimming Bluet, about 1 inch in length, is one of the smallest Bluets. The male has a black face, blue and black striped thorax and a slim, black abdomen. Abdominal segments 8 and 9 are blue. The wavy blue mark on abdominal segment 2 is diagnostic but difficult to see in the field. The black shoulder stripes are usually constricted and rarely, broken (photo E). The female is similar to the male with a thicker abdomen, paired blue spots on segment 8 of the abdomen, and segments 9 and 10 are black. The wings are clear with small black stigmas near the tip.