The species is a small damselfly, 35 millimetres (1.4 in) long, predominantly black with iridescent blue markings.

The male resembles blue-tailed damselflies (Ischnura species) but is distinguished by its large, spaced eyes that are a deep red.

It is very similar to the small red-eyed damselfly (Erythromma viridulum).

Males typically spend much of their time perched on the leaves of floating vegetation such as water lilies or mats of algae.

This article related to Coenagrionidae is a stub.