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Animal profile

Emperor Dragonfly

Anax imperator

InsectaWell-vegetated ponds, lakes, canals and gravel pits in Europe, North Africa and western AsiaLeast Concern

Field profile

The emperor dragonfly is one of Europe's largest dragonflies, with a sky-blue abdomen in males and a green one in females. It patrols open water tirelessly and rarely settles during the day. Larvae spend one to two years underwater before climbing emergent stems to emerge.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-02-28

Emperor Dragonfly

Dragonflies intercept prey rather than chase it

A hunting emperor dragonfly does not follow its target. It steers to a point where the prey is going to be, holding the victim at a fixed bearing while closing the distance, a strategy that pushes capture success far above what a simple chase could achieve.

Read with evidence →

Emperor Dragonfly | Daily Animal Facts