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Emperor dragonfly

The emperor dragonfly is an impressively large and colourful dragonfly of ponds, lakes, canals and flooded gravel pits.

Scientific name

Anax imperator

When to see

April to September

Species information

Statistics

Length: 7.8cm

Conservation status

Common.

About

The emperor dragonfly is a very large, impressive dragonfly that can be on the wing as early as April. It is a common species of large ponds and lakes, as well as canals and ditches, but is rarely found away from water. The female lays her eggs in floating pondweed. One of the largest dragonfly species in Europe, the emperor dragonfly flies up high to look for insect-prey, such as butterflies or even smaller dragonflies. It catches its prey in mid-air and may eat it on the wing.

How to identify

Male emperor dragonflies are pale blue, with an apple-green thorax and a black stripe running the length of the abdomen. Females are similar, but a duller greeny-blue. Both have greeny-blue eyes.

Distribution

Found across England and Wales, in southern and eastern Scotland, Isle of Man, and Northern Ireland.

Did you know?

The emperor dragonfly is a characteristic dragonfly of new ponds and flooded gravel pits where, for the first few years, the larvae may be extremely common.