A medium dragonfly often associated with beaver impoundments. Reflects ecological relationship between dragonflies and habitat-engineering beavers.

Also called: Beaverpond Baskettail

Native status: Native; northern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 4.3–5.0 cm (1.7–2.0 in); wingspan 6–7 cm
Weight~0.4 g
LifespanAdults 4–6 weeks; aquatic larvae 1–2 years
OrderOdonata
FamilyCorduliidae

§ Encyclopedia

Epitheca canis, the beaverpond baskettail, is a species of emerald dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. It is found in North America.

Source: Wikipedia — Epitheca canis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small to medium dragonfly with bronze-green eyes and metallic green-brown thorax; clear wings with no dark spot at base of hindwing (vs. Common Baskettail, which has a black spot).

Similar species. Common Baskettail (black spot at hindwing base). Other Epitheca species (subtle differences).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: small flying insects (mosquitoes, midges, gnats). Larvae: aquatic invertebrates.

Behavior. Specialist of beaver-created ponds — depends on the stable, fishless backwaters that beavers create. As beaver populations recovered from near-extirpation, baskettails recolonized many areas. Adults patrol pond edges, hovering close to the water; sometimes form mating swarms over open ground.

§ Range

Northern North America

§ Habitat

Beaver ponds, marshes, slow streams

§ Threats

Beaver removal, wetland drainage, pesticide drift.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the beaver pond baskettail is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support beaver populations. Maintain wetlands. Skip pesticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Xerces Society Dragonfly Migration Partnership
  • OdonataCentral
  • iNaturalist