Insect · GBIF taxon 4302535
Common Baskettail
Epitheca cynosuraAlso known as Common Basket-tail
Common baskettails are among the earliest dragonflies to emerge in spring across eastern North America. Females get their name from carrying a basket-like clump of yellow eggs beneath their abdomen before attaching it to floating vegetation or submerged sticks. Males actively patrol sunny shorelines of ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams, hovering in place between rapid bursts of aerial pursuit.
Spring FlyerPredatoryAquatic Hunter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Midges
- Small flies
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Larger dragonflies
ThreatsWater pollution, shoreline habitat loss, and invasive species
HabitatsPonds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and marshy clearings
Life span1–2 years (mostly as nymph); 1–2 months as adult
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCorduliidae
- SpeciesEpitheca cynosura
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look around sunny margins of quiet ponds and lakes in early spring.
- Behavior: Watch for males patrolling distinct aerial territories close to water.
- Photography: Approach slowly while individuals rest on low twigs or shore weeds.
Frequent Companion no rights reserved · cc0
Predator (c) Eugene Zelenko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Muir · cc-by
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