Care needs to be taken distinguishing this species from Orthemis cultriformis (Swamp Skimmer). Males of the latter species have pale basal stripes on the abdomen whereas those of this, Orthemis levis (Slender Skimmer) do not; the basal section is red. There are also differences in thorax colour though both are quite dark.
This character breeds in forest ponds and pools in forest streams, and also in open marshes with dense vegetation, that last being where we found this example ouyside the (closed) PN Palo Verde.
| male |
 male.jpg) |