Nebraska Dragonflies and Damselflies

Common Baskettail

Epitheca (Tetragoneuria) cynosura

Say, 1839

The Common Baskettail (subgenus Tetragoneuria) is a medium-sized, dull brown dragonfly with a series of yellow-orange lateral spots on its stout abdomen. Many individuals have a large brown triangular spot at the base of each hindwing; however, the wings may be clear. The eyes range from blue or green in adults to red-brown in juveniles. It is very similar to our other Tetragoneuria baskettails (Dot-winged and Spiny).

This is a common, early-season eastern species extending west to westernSouth Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. It is found all across the state andis probably to be expected in all counties. A pond and lake species,it usually flies short patrol routes around edges of ponds at a heightof 2-8 feet. When perched, it hangs vertically from a branch. In thesouthwestern counties, it overlaps extensively with Dot-winged Baskettail, and numerous intermediates have been found in Scotts Bluff Co.

Green indicates accepted county record (specimen or photograph).
Yellow indicates sight record only.