The Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)

Quick ID Link

The Emperor Dragonfly

This is undoubtedly the most majestic of all the dragonflies in the United Kingdom. The males can be seen patrolling over their territory along the water side margins, their vivid colours making them unmistakable.

Seeing an Emperor in effortless flight on a warm summers day is an inspiring sight but getting a still image rather challenging and a story for later.

The Emperor can be seen in flight from early June until late August. It is largely distributed in the southern half of the United Kingdom but is slowing spreading its range northwards.

This dragonfly can be found on all manner of still water bodies from lakes, ponds and canals to gravel pits. However it does like thick and dense low level vegetation in the near vicinity.

The male Emperor is easy to identify when fully mature. It has a vivid blue abdomen, which has an irregular black stripe running down its length. The thorax is apple green as are the eyes. It has clear wings with a yellow leading edge.

The female Emperor is of a much greener appearance, however the markings on its abdomen do turn blue hue with age. Immature specimens have brown eyes and a dull abdomen.

Photographic Overview - The Emperor Dragonfly

All of my images are taken in handheld mode without the use of any camera support and this overview is written with that in mind.

The Emperor Dragonfly can be very difficult to photograph and will readily take to the air if disturbed. They are fond of settling low down in thick vegetation making an approach very tricky indeed. Geting within a few feet is an impossible task in these circumstances.

One of the best image opportunities is after copulation but be careful not to disturb them before they part. The female usually flies off leaving the male resting on nearby vegetation.

The Emperor feeds mainly on the wing but they may perch to devour a larger prey. When distracted in this manner they are at their most appraochable. There are no compositional issues and once close enough, images are straight forward to obtain; however make the most of any photographic opportunities that come your way, they will not arise very often.

If you want to know more about this species, then follow this link - To Narrative

Like to see further images of this dragonfly, then follow this link - To Further Images

If you want to see the best of these images, then follow this link - To Slide Show

These images were obtained by stealth and patience alone, no other non photographic techniques were used. I hope you have enjoyed browsing my website and that you'll return again soon.

Page Updated 08/10

All of these photographs were taken by and remain the property of Chris Brooks

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