Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)

Common statewide in North Carolina, this is the largest dragonfly with several dark wing spots normally encountered patrolling over bodies of water including ponds, lakes, rivers, and creeks. Prince Baskettails seem to patrol endlessly and are not commonly found perched.
Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)
Sandhills Gamelands, Scotland Co., NC
1 Oct 2006

Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)
Bottomland forest near confluence of Rocky and Deep Rivers, Chatham Co., NC
7 June 2008

At mid-day under very hot conditions (upper 90s, sunny, humid), this individual flew into the forest and perched vertically with its head down and its abdomen curled backwards to roost.

Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)
Bottomland forest near confluence of Rocky and Deep Rivers, Chatham Co., NC
7 June 2008

Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)
Bottomland forest near confluence of Rocky and Deep Rivers, Chatham Co., NC
7 June 2008

Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)
Bottomland forest near confluence of Rocky and Deep Rivers, Chatham Co., NC
7 June 2008

lateral/ventral view; note brown, relatively unmarked body.


probably Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps) exuvia
Collier Co., FL
16 Apr 2005

Thanks to C. Hill for ID suggestion!



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Created on ... May 27, 2008 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com