Anax imperator - Emperor Dragonfly
Male
Male
Female
Male - close-up
Male in flight
Close-up of eyes
Very newly emerged female(?) with exuvia
Newly emerged male with exuvia
Newly emerged female with exuvia
Pair in mating wheel
Female ovipositing
Exuvia (male, top view)
Description
Length: 78mm
Britain's bulkiest Dragonfly.
Its bright colours and active habit make it very obvious when hunting over medium to large water bodies.
It rarely settles, even eating its prey in flight.
Both sexes have a bright, apple-green thorax and green or blue eyes.
The costa is bright yellow.
They often fly with the rear of the abdomen bent slightly downwards.
The male has a sky blue abdomen with a central dark line.
The female has a green abdomen, similarly marked, which may become blue in warm weather.
Habitat
Mostly associated with large, well vegetated ponds and lakes, but may be found over canals and slow moving rivers.
The female lays her eggs, alone, in floating pondweed.
Status and Distribution
Widespread in southern England and southern Wales; increasing its range northwards. Recently appeared in Ireland.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).
Similar species
Could perhaps be confused with other Hawkers, but the large size and drooping abdomen (in flight) help identification.