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Emperor Dragonfly

Anax imperator

1 photo

1 photographer

·Uncommon · 10 pts

Britain's largest dragonfly; vivid blue-and-green.

1 community photo of Emperor Dragonfly on Things With Wings. Top-rated shots often use around 1/800ss shutter, 300mm.

Species Profile

Not listed as threatened; stable and expanding UK range; classified as Least Concern

Lifespan: 1 year (aquatic nymph stage lasts 2 years; adult stage typically 4–8 weeks)
Size & Weight: 75–84 mm body length; wingspan 106–110 mm
Habitat: Large, warm, nutrient-rich freshwater bodies including lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with abundant aquatic vegetation.
UK Distribution: Resident and increasingly common in southern and central England, Wales, and the Midlands; rare in the north and Scotland. Established breeding populations, with some dispersal northward in warm years.
Diet: Carnivorous, hunting flying insects in flight or from perches.
Prey: Flies, midges, mosquitoes, smaller dragonflies, and damselflies
Predators: Birds (herons, kingfishers, hobbies), larger dragonflies, fish, and aquatic insects (diving beetles, water scorpions)
Mating Season: May to September, peaking June to August
Breeding: Females lay hundreds of eggs in long strings into water plants or floating vegetation; eggs hatch within 2–3 weeks. Nymphs undergo 10–12 instars over 2 years before emerging as adults.
Behaviour: Highly territorial and aggressive, males patrolling breeding sites and pursuing rival males and females. Fast, powerful fliers capable of hovering and flying backwards. Females oviposit while guarded by males or alone, inserting eggs into plant tissues.

Did You Know?

•The Emperor is Britain's largest dragonfly and one of the fastest insects, reaching speeds over 30 mph
•Males display brilliant emerald-green or blue abdomens depending on maturity and hydration status
•Nymphs are fierce aquatic predators with extendable jaws (labium) that can snatch prey from distance
•Range expansion northward is attributed to climate warming and creation of suitable breeding habitats
•Adults can live several weeks longer than most dragonfly species and may breed multiple times

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Shutter

1/800ss

ISO Range

400

Aperture

f/f/5.6

Focal Length

300mm

🐛 Emperor Dragonfly

Insect · Rode Heath