Common Baskettail
Epitheca cynosura
This record describes Epitheca cynosura (species). Recorded family: Corduliidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
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 , etc.
Wikipedia reference for Epitheca cynosura: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_baskettail.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Corduliidae (Emeralds)
- Genus
- Epitheca (Baskettails)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.
Geographic Range
Eastern North America.
Seasonal Activity
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.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory on other insects. May feed in swarms on such prey as winged termites.
Life History
Males patrol a patch of shoreline, about 3-10 meters long. Peak patrolling is in late afternoon.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: 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 "omething that strongly attracts attention or guides." Perhaps something on this dragonfly resembles a dog's tail. (Based on Internet searches.)
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Epitheca cynosura. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Baskettail (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by RS.Bernard , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Baskettail
What is Common Baskettail?
Common Baskettail (Epitheca cynosura) is a species in the family Corduliidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Common Baskettail?
36-44 mm (body length)
How do you identify Common Baskettail?
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 , etc.
Where is Common Baskettail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. |
| Range | Eastern North America. |
What does Common Baskettail eat?
The diet of the Common Baskettail includes Predatory on other insects. May feed in swarms on such prey as winged termites..
When is Common Baskettail active?
Common Baskettail: seasonal activity - 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..
What is the life cycle of a Common Baskettail?
Males patrol a patch of shoreline, about 3-10 meters long. Peak patrolling is in late afternoon.