Epitheca spinigera
(Selys, 1871)
Spiny Baskettail
Epitheca spinigera, the Spiny Baskettail, is a in the Corduliidae. have brilliant green characteristic of the family. The is active from late May to early July in North America. Like other baskettails, females practice exophytic oviposition, extruding onto the subgenital plate and trailing them in gelatinous strings through water during rather than inserting them into vegetation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epitheca spinigera: /ˌɛpɪˈθiːkə spɪˈnɪdʒərə/
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Identification
Distinguished from Libellulidae skimmers by longer, narrower . Distinguished from other Epitheca by details of abdominal spines (implied by specific epithet 'spinigera'). Separated from Prince Baskettail (E. princeps) and other baskettails by geographic range and season timing.
Images
Appearance
have brilliant green . The body is relatively non-descript and can be mistaken for skimmer (Libellulidae). is longer and narrower than similar-appearing skimmers such as the Twelve-spotted Skimmer.
Habitat
Associated with lakes and wetlands. Favors areas with tangles of floating and emergent plant stems for oviposition.
Distribution
North America; recorded from Vermont and other regions of the United States and Canada.
Seasonality
Late May to early July.
Life Cycle
Females extrude onto the subgenital plate prior to oviposition. Eggs are suspended in gelatinous fluid that expands in water. Oviposition occurs via exophytic method: females fly with tip held aloft, trailing egg strings several feet long through water without landing.
Behavior
activity concentrated in spring and early summer. Prior to oviposition, females have been observed holding the in a vertical position with slow rhythmic back-and-forth movement while extruding . During actual oviposition flight, the abdomen tip is held aloft in a distinctive posture while dragging through water.
Similar Taxa
- Epitheca princepsLarger Prince Baskettail overlaps in range but has extended season into summer; E. spinigera restricted to late May-early July
- Libellulidae skimmersSimilar non-descript appearance but have shorter, broader and lack brilliant green of Corduliidae
- Twelve-spotted SkimmerSimilar size and pattern but is shorter and broader
More Details
Oviposition behavior
The 'baskettail' derives from the female's habit of gathering on the subgenital plate (the 'basket') before trailing them in . This was documented in detail for E. princeps and is characteristic of the .