Emperor Dragonfly
Back Grayling Silver-studded Blue Green Tiger Beetle Emperor Dragonfly Golden-ringed Dragonfly Black Darter
EMPEROR DRAGONFLY
Anax imperator
The UK’s largest dragonfly. The Emperor is the most territorial of all the hawker dragonflies. It emerges in late spring and flies almost continuously in the airspace above a water body. Its size, and its bright green and blue markings make it instantly recognisable.
Both sexes have a bright green thorax. In flight, the abdomen is often held in a drooping position.
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Where/when to find them
They can be seen flying from June to August, high above densely vegetated ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and slow-flowing rivers.
Adaptations
Adept at catching and eating prey in flight, males can fly higher that any of the hawker dragonflies, aggressively chasing away any entering its territory. Like other dragonflies, Emperors have large eyes to spot prey, and powerful toothed jaws to grab victims in flight. Their streamlined bodies are built for speed and their four wings, capable of independent movement enable flight in all directions, making the emperor a phenomenal predator.
Diet
Carnivores. They feed on insects, including butterflies and other smaller dragonflies and damselflies.
Rarity
Emperors are common in southern UK, but has expanded its range further north and westwards in recent years.
Read more
British Dragonfly Society’s website: Emperor Dragonfly
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