Size: 2.8 in.

Iowa appears to be a transition zone between the darker northern nominate sub-species, Illinois River Cruiser (M. illinoiensis illinoiensis), and the more colorful southern Georgia River Cruiser (M. illinoiensis georgina).

The southern form has a half-length frontal stripe while the northern form is lacking this stripe altogether. Other differences include the amount of yellow on the abdomen and breaks in the abdominal ring on S2. The northern form is found in northern and eastern Iowa and the southern form more west and south. Many of those found in the south are intermediate between the two.  Look for it along rock and gravel bottomed streams.  Is often found some distance from the closest river.