Male flame skimmers are known for their entirely red or dark orange body, this includes eyes, legs, and even wing veins.

This particular type of skimmer varies in size but is generally measured somewhere between 2 and 3 inches (5.1 and 7.6 cm) long.

Due to its choice habitat of warm ponds, streams, or hot springs, flame skimmers are found mainly in the southwestern part of the United States.

The nymphs, which live in the mud at the bottom of warm streams or ponds, catch their prey by waiting patiently for it to pass by.

Often she deposits her eggs in many different places in order to prevent the naiads from using each other as a source of food.