[2] This species is present in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland.

It has four cells on the anal triangle of the rear wing, but no yellow line on the 'vertex'.

This dragonfly is bigger and rarer than the small pincertail (Onychogomphus forcipatus), but they are rather similar.

The two species can be distinguished on the basis of the shape and extension of the black markings, especially on the thorax and on the last abdominal segments.

Adults of these dragonflies can be found from mid April through late August.