Robust baskettail

Epitheca spinosa

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: threatened

IDENTIFICATION

Approximately 1.7”, this thick-bodied dragonfly has a wide, untapered abdomen and a distinctive dense coating of white hair on the thorax. Females have reddish eyes, a wider abdomen, and short cerci. Males have metallic green eyes and downturned cerci.

Distribution & Habitat

The robust baskettail reaches its northern limits in New Jersey where it inhabits flood plain swamps and marshes along the coastal plain.

Diet

Predatory larvae and adults feed on other invertebrates.

Life Cycle

The robust baskettail emerges as early as mid April and has been observed until mid May. Females release large masses of yellow or orange eggs on or near emergent vegetation while in flight.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

Due to a scarcity of habitat, the robust baskettail is considered Threatened in New Jersey.

References

Text derived from the book, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey. 2009. By Allen E. Barlow and Jim Bangma.

Edited and updated by Karena Di Leo in 2011.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Corduliidae
Genus: Epitheca
Species: E. spinosa