Epitheca petechialis

Most reliably identified by the presence of dark spots on the hindwings. Individuals lacking these spots are difficult to distinguish from other Epitheca species and require examination of caudal appendage structures. The abdomen is longer and more slender than Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) and other Libellulidae with which it may be confused. Flight season extends later than other baskettails, with activity from January through July.

Medium-sized dragonfly with the brilliant green eyes typical of Corduliidae. Hindwings bear characteristic dark spots that give the species its common name, though these may be absent in some individuals. Abdomen is longer and narrower than superficially similar skimmer dragonflies (Libellulidae). Caudal appendages at the abdominal tip differ structurally from other Epitheca species and can be used for identification.

North America; global presence recorded

Flight season extends from January to July, slightly later than other baskettail species in the genus

Practices exophytic oviposition: females extrude eggs onto the subgenital plate, forming a gelatinous rope that is trailed through water during flight. Eggs are deposited among tangles of floating and emergent vegetation rather than inserted into substrates. The gelatinous matrix expands upon contact with water.

Prior to oviposition, females hold the abdomen aloft in a distinctive posture while carrying the egg mass. During oviposition, the abdomen is dragged through water while flying, trailing the egg rope behind. Females may remain stationary on vegetation during egg extrusion, exhibiting slow rhythmic abdominal movements.

• Epitheca princepsLarger size; lacks consistent hindwing spotting; earlier flight season peak
• Epitheca cynosuraCommon Baskettail; typically lacks hindwing spots; earlier flight season
• Epitheca spinigeraSpiny Baskettail; western distribution; different caudal appendage morphology
• Libellula pulchellaTwelve-spotted Skimmer; family Libellulidae; broader abdomen; different wing pattern

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: How Baskettails Got Their Name