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Emperor dragonfly Anax imperator

The emperor dragonfly is a very large, impressive dragonfly that is on the wing from June to August. It is a common species of large ponds and lakes, as well as dykes and ditches, but is rarely found away from water. The female lays her eggs in floating pondweed. One of the largest dragonfly species in Europe, the emperor dragonfly flies up high to look for insect-prey, such as butterflies and chaser dragonflies. It catches its prey in mid-air and may eat it on the wing.

Conservation status

Common.

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Details

Did you know? The emperor dragonfly is a characteristic dragonfly of new ponds and flooded gravel pits where, for the first few years, the larvae may be extremely common.
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