The dragonfly can measure up to 4.5 cm in length, with wingspans ranging from 7.2 cm to 8.4 cm. Its head typically displays hues ranging from yellowish to reddish on the front side, while the thorax is often yellow to golden, marked by a dark, hairy line. Some specimens may have a brown or olive-colored thorax. Similarly, the abdomen tends to mirror the coloration of the thorax. Its wings are broad at the base and transparent, though variations exist with some individuals showcasing olive, brown, or yellow hues. On Easter Island, there are dragonflies known as wandering gliders with black wings. The pterostigma, a darkened area at the front edge of each wing cell, tends to turn yellowish, and the transparent wings may take on a yellowish tint towards the tips. Its chestnut-red eyes dominate the head, which is a common trait among large dragonflies (Anisoptera), contributing to the numerous scientific descriptions of this species under different names. Females exhibit distinct differences from males. Typically, males feature a reddish-yellow abdomen with black markings, while females lack this reddish hue in the abdomen. Additionally, males often have a golden-yellow patch at the base of their hindwings and a narrow brown spot at the hind border of the wings, which is absent in females. In mainland populations, male dragonflies may vary in the length of their femur, the longest segment of their legs, and typically have longer front wings and shorter hindwings compared to females. However, island populations show differences, with both sexes having longer front and hindwings, and the femur length being consistent between them. Island specimens also tend to have darker coloring overall.