Checkered Setwing

The Checkered Setwing (Dythemis fugax) is indeed checkered with black and white. However, so are the other two species in our area, and the differences in the patterns are so subtle that they are quite difficult to use. There are differences in the stripes on the sides of the the thorax, but these are often hidden by the wings. Luckily, there are other clues to identity, and for the Checkered Setwing the best ones are the dark bases to the wings. The tips of the wings also often have a bit of dark color. Mature males develop a brown thorax and red eyes and face, while immature males look much like females but with more slender abdomens.