Common Baskettail dragonfly (female)

The following dragonfly was spotted in an open field along the trail to Hidden Pond, a small lake located at Meadowood Recreation Area in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. I think this individual is either a Common Baskettail (Epitheca cynosura) or Slender Baskettail (Epitheca costalis). Expert opinions are invited and welcome!

Editor’s Note: According to Ed Lam, author and illustrator of Damselflies of the Northeast, this individual is more likely a Common Baskettail dragonfly and definitely a female. Thanks for your help, Ed!

Copyright © 2013 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Eastern Forktail damselfly (male)

The following photo shows a male Eastern Forktail damselfly (Ischnura verticalis) spotted along “Great Blue Heron Trail,” Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, a 1,200 acre preserve located at Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. Eastern Forktails are somewhat similar in appearance to Fragile Forktail damselfies (Ischnura posita).

Copyright © 2013 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.