Hemianax ephippiger - Vagrant Emperor

Vagrant Emperor (immature male)
Immature Male

Description
Length: 63mm
This medium-sized hawker has an overall pale brown appearance and brown eyes. The costa is yellow and the pterostigma is long and brown.
The top of S2 is blue in the male whereas it is brownish-violet in the female and immatures.

Habitat
Breeds in small ponds and marshes and can tolerate brackish conditions.

Status and Distribution
Rare migrant from sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. It is a well known long-distance migrant, and may occasionally appear even in winter.
Distribution map from the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (opens in new window).

Similar species
The brown colouration distinguishes it from the Lesser Emperor.