Invertebrates
Emperor Dragonfly
Anax imperator · also called emperor dragonflies
Patrolling the length of a pond in fast, continuous flight, an emperor dragonfly snatches a smaller flying insect directly out of the air, one of the largest and most powerful dragonfly species found anywhere in Europe.
Overview
The emperor dragonfly, Anax imperator, is a Least Concern insect native to ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water across Europe and parts of nearby regions. Its substantial size, sustained aerial hunting ability, and strongly territorial behaviour make it one of the most dominant and conspicuous dragonfly species found at freshwater sites across its range.
A hunter that never has to land
Unlike predators that ambush from a fixed perch, the emperor dragonfly does nearly all its hunting on the wing, combining speed and endurance to snatch prey directly out of the air during long, sustained patrols over its claimed stretch of water.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and common across suitable freshwater habitat throughout its range.
Emperor Dragonfly: common questions
How big is the emperor dragonfly?
It ranks among the largest dragonfly species found in Europe, with a substantial wingspan that makes it one of the more conspicuous insects seen patrolling ponds.
How does the emperor dragonfly hunt?
It hunts almost entirely in the air, catching other flying insects, including smaller dragonflies, directly out of flight rather than ambushing prey from a resting perch.
Why do emperor dragonflies patrol back and forth over water?
Males defend a patch of water as territory against rival males, patrolling it repeatedly to ward off competitors and attract females looking for a place to lay eggs.
How long does the emperor dragonfly spend as a larva?
It spends an extended period as an aquatic larva, considerably longer than its relatively brief life as a flying adult, developing underwater before finally emerging to fly.