The Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)

Emperor Dragonfly

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

Seeing an Emperor in effortless flight on a warm summers day is an inspiring sight but getting a still image is 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 with age. Immatures have brown eyes and dull abdomens.

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.

Emperors can be very difficult to photograph and will readily take to the air. They are fond of settling low down in thick vegetation, making an approach tricky. 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.

Whilst they feed mainly on the wing they may perch to devour their larger prey, when distracted in this manner they are also appraochable. There are no composition 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.

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