Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)Slide Show

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.