The prodni paškratec (Erytromma lindenii or Cercion lindenii) is between 30 and 36 mm long, and the span of its wings is between 19 and 21 mm. The male, with its sky-blue body color and dark pattern, is strongly similar to the genus Coenagrion, but its eyes are completely blue, whereas other damselflies have the upper part of the eyes black. For the male prodni paškratac, features such as completely blue eyes, broad blue antehumeral bands, and a blue 'dot' limited to the extreme end of the abdomen can be observed from afar. Up close we also observe the pattern of distinctly shaped black blotches on the dorsal side of the abdomen. The black blotch on the 2nd abdominal segment is shaped like a scythe, the blotches on segments 3 to 6 are shaped like a spear, and the posterior part of segments 7 and 8 is completely covered by the black blotch. The female's body is light green, with only the middle part of the abdomen blue. The black pattern on the dorsal side of her abdomen forms blotches of different shapes. For this species there is also a light gray, relatively long pterostigma.
The prodni paškratec is a heat-loving species, most common in the Mediterranean region. It lives in larger standing or slowly flowing waters, rich in oxygen and dense aquatic vegetation. Adults have a habit of hovering low over the water surface and resting on floating vegetation or emergent vegetation far from shore.
In our region, adults are most commonly observed in July and August. The prodni paškratac is endangered in Slovenia; as a vulnerable species (V) it is listed on the Red List.
