Common Baskettail - Epitheca cynosura
The specific name cynosura is a Greek name for the Pole Star, more frequently called Polaris. Cynosura means tail of the dog. More broadly, cynosure means something that strongly attracts attention or guides. Perhaps something on this dragonfly resembles a dog's tail.
Adults dragonflies are between 36-44 mm. Identification of this species, is tricky. Some individuals have large basal spot on hindwings, like Mantled Baskettail, E. semiaquea, but spot does not extend to hindwing. Clear-winged form of Common Baskettail may be indistinguishable in the field from E. costalis and E. spinigera. With some exceptions, Epitheca can be a difficult genus to work with in the field in terms of identifying species, but given this individuals markings and the range of the various members of the genus, E. cynosura is the most likely identification.
Found throughout eastern North America at lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. One of the first dragonflies of spring. May fly as early as January in southeastern states. Flight extends to August, but most are about in spring, flight usually lasting about five weeks. May to August in Canada. Additional fall flight in Florida.
Predatory on other insects as all dragonflies are. May feed in swarms on such prey as winged termites.
Males patrol a patch of shoreline, about 3-10 meters long (as this individual did). Peak patrolling is in late afternoon.
Common Baskettail - Epitheca cynosura
The specific name cynosura is a Greek name for the Pole Star, more frequently called Polaris. Cynosura means tail of the dog. More broadly, cynosure means something that strongly attracts attention or guides. Perhaps something on this dragonfly resembles a dog's tail.
Adults dragonflies are between 36-44 mm. Identification of this species, is tricky. Some individuals have large basal spot on hindwings, like Mantled Baskettail, E. semiaquea, but spot does not extend to hindwing. Clear-winged form of Common Baskettail may be indistinguishable in the field from E. costalis and E. spinigera. With some exceptions, Epitheca can be a difficult genus to work with in the field in terms of identifying species, but given this individuals markings and the range of the various members of the genus, E. cynosura is the most likely identification.
Found throughout eastern North America at lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. One of the first dragonflies of spring. May fly as early as January in southeastern states. Flight extends to August, but most are about in spring, flight usually lasting about five weeks. May to August in Canada. Additional fall flight in Florida.
Predatory on other insects as all dragonflies are. May feed in swarms on such prey as winged termites.
Males patrol a patch of shoreline, about 3-10 meters long (as this individual did). Peak patrolling is in late afternoon.