Orthemis ferruginea (Roseate Skimmer)

O. ferruginea is one of two closely related species in Costa Rica that led me a merry dance, the other being O. discolor. The males of both species are very similar with a striking pink body and can be rather tricky to distinguish, IMO. According to Dennis Paulson’s descriptions, O. ferruginea is a slightly less vivid pink than O. discolor and has darker eyes and head. The thorax technically differs as well but that seems to get a bit more subtle.

My main indicator here has been the eyes and head. I am now happy to say that my distinctions have been confirmed on iNaturalist with input from Dennis himself, for which my thanks.

male