It is known by the common names yellow-patched lieutenant,[3] rufous-backed marsh hawk,[4][5] and blue dasher.

It is powder blue with light brown sides and a dark tip to the abdomen.

The female is brownish yellow in color with darker markings along the dorsal abdomen.

[6][8][9][4][5] This species is found in many types of wet habitat, including brackish and disturbed waters.

Females oviposit by "flicking" an egg mass out of the water into rocks and vegetation nearby.