Many of the Baskettails (Epitheca sp) are notoriously difficult to identify, even in hand. Perhaps the most confusing area for the identification of these species is East Texas, where 5 confusingly similar species co-occur. Usually, the Mantled Baskettail (E. semiaquea) is mostly easily distinguished, with its distinctive hindwing maculation and stout abdomen. Robust Baskettails (E. spinosa) can be distinguished IF the terminal appendages can be seen clearly, as there is a dorsal spine on each. Next is the Common Baskettail (E. cynosura), which occurs in both clear-winged and maculated forms and has a relatively stout abdomen. The Slender Baskettail (E. costalis) is more slender, has no maculations in its wings, a slender abdomen, and relatively straight terminal appendages in males and long appendages in females. The Dot-winged Baskettail (E. petechialis), in its dot-winged form is easily distinguished by the dots on the leading edges of both wings. Unfortunately, it also occurs in a clear-winged form, which can only be distinguished in hand from the Slender Baskettail (E. costalis). In these pages, I have made my best effort to determine species, but this is not always possible with photographs - in fact, many experts would probably suggest that I'm being overly optimistic in some of the identifications presented here. For all individuals which I have been unable to determine species (or make an educated guess), I've created a page for unidentified Baskettails.
These individuals, with short, stout abdomens and pronounced maculations are definitely Mantled Baskettails.
TEXAS: Travis Co; Austin, SE Metro Park - female - March 2018
TEXAS: Harris Co; Bud Hatfield Park on Cypress Creek at Telge Road - female - March 2013
TEXAS: Jasper Co; Angelina National Forest, Boykin Springs Recreation Area - male - March 2011
TEXAS: Newton Co; Temple Inland Scrappin' Valley Experimental Forest - male - March 2011
LOUISIANA: Vernon Parish; Kisatchie National Forest, Cooter's Bog - male - March 2011
TEXAS: Gonzales Co; Rest Area on I-10 - male - March 2011
TEXAS: Angelina Co; ca 4 miles north of Bouton Lake - male - March 2009