Eurasian Baskettail
VU

Eurasian Baskettail

Epitheca bimaculata

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epitheca_bimaculata

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Eurasian Baskettail faces significant population declines primarily due to wetland habitat degradation and loss across its European range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has compromised the quality of breeding ponds and slow-flowing streams essential for larval development. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, reducing water levels in critical breeding habitats during the species' reproductive season.

Threat summary

Habitat

This dragonfly species inhabits shallow, well-vegetated ponds, slow-flowing streams, and marshy areas with abundant emergent vegetation across temperate Europe. Adults require nearby woodland edges and meadows for hunting and maturation, while larvae develop in muddy substrates of permanent or semi-permanent freshwater bodies.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Eurasian Baskettail classified as Vulnerable?
Eurasian Baskettail is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Eurasian Baskettail faces significant population declines primarily due to wetland habitat degradation and loss across its European range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has compromised the quality of breeding ponds and slow-flowing streams essential for larval development. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, reducing water levels in critical breeding habitats during the species' reproductive season.
Where does Eurasian Baskettail live?
Eurasian Baskettail occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and China (plus 25 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Eurasian Baskettail?
The main threats to Eurasian Baskettail are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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