OTHER NAMES: Blue Emperor
Latin Etymology: Anax (?) imperator ("emperor")
Adult Emperor Dragonfly (subspecies A. i. imperator) at Wellingborough, Northants - June 2016
Featured Subspecies: Anax imperator imperator
Length: 76mm / Wingspan: 106mm
UK Status: Not Evaluated / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
The largest of the British dragonflies, and as such, arguably the most powerful insect predator in the country. Emperor Dragonflies are fairly widespread throughout the Summer months. As nymphs, they are able to feed on small vertebrates such as tadpoles and small fish, while as adults they are able to take larger insects such as butterflies and smaller dragonfly species. The female markings seen on this individual are green on females.
Related Species:
Order: Odonata
Family: Aeshnidae
Genus: Anax
SUBSPECIES: A. i. mauricianus, A. i. imperator
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - A fairly common resident species which is seen in Summer
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
No comments:
Post a Comment