Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 4302535

Common Baskettail

Epitheca cynosura

Also 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
Common Baskettail reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Cole Shoemaker, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. FamilyCorduliidae
  2. SpeciesEpitheca cynosura
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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