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Common Baskettail
Epitheca [Tetragoneuria] cynosura
The Common Baskettail (Epitheca [Tetragoneuria] cynosura) is essentially a dragonfly of the eastern half of the United States. The males in the top 2 shots here were in the Davy Crockett National Forest, Houston Co., Texas, in March, 2008. These images were shot with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender. All members of this genus complex can be extremely difficult to identify. Some individuals of this species show maculation on the leading edge of the hind wing, but none of the shots I got on this occasion show this. The dusting of small specks on the abdomen of the dragonfly shots was pollen, probably pine pollen, which was in the air and thick on the ground on this day.
The next two shots of a male and female Common Baskettail were taken in April, 2010, near the edge of Caddo Lake, Marion Co., Texas, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 580 flash. These individuals show the maculation in the wings which is often apparent on this species. Note the difference in this maculation compared to the Mantled Baskettail.

Common Baskettail
Epitheca cynosura
male
Angelina River,
Bevilport,
Jasper Co., Texas
25 March 2013
This area now consists of a few houses and a boat ramp along the Angelina River but in the 1800s a town called Bevilport stood here.

Common Baskettail
Epitheca cynosura
male
Angelina River,
Bevilport,
Jasper Co., Texas
25 March 2013
This area now consists of a few houses and a boat ramp along the Angelina River but in the 1800s a town called Bevilport stood here.
Common Baskettail
Epitheca cynosura
male
Angelina River,
Bevilport,
Jasper Co., Texas
25 March 2013
This area now consists of a few houses and a boat ramp along the Angelina River but in the 1800s a town called Bevilport stood here.