Emperor Dragonfly
ExploreInsects
Emperor Dragonfly
Anax imperator
The Emperor Dragonfly is one of the largest dragonflies and has bright blue and green colors. They are powerful fliers and can be seen near water!
Habitat: Lakes and rivers
Appearance
The Emperor Dragonfly is a large and striking insect. Males have a bright blue abdomen with a black stripe and a vivid green thorax, while females sport a greenish-yellow abdomen. Its large, green eyes dominate its head, making it visually distinct.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyAeshnidaeGenusAnax
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Emperor Dragonflies can eat up to 30 mosquitoes in just one meal!
Baby Emperor Dragonflies, called nymphs, live underwater for several years!
Its huge eyes have over 28,000 tiny lenses, seeing almost everything around it!
They can fly straight up or hover in place, just like a miniature helicopter!
Special abilities
Ability
360 Vision
Emperor Dragonflies have huge compound eyes that provide an almost complete panoramic view to easily spot both prey and predators.
Ability
Aerial Hunter
This dragonfly can catch insects mid-flight by forming a "basket" with its spiky legs, never missing a meal.
Ability
Flight Master
Emperor Dragonflies possess incredible agility, allowing them to hover, fly backwards, and make sharp turns to chase prey.
Ability
Underwater Prowler (Nymph)
Their babies, called nymphs, are fierce underwater predators that hunt other aquatic creatures with an extendable jaw.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 95-110 mm
- Size
- 70-84 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-60 days
- Flight Speed
- 50 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
A super speedy hunter, it zips through the air catching other insects to eat!
Age differences: Nymphs hunt aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small fish; adults hunt flying insects.
Primary Foods
- midges
- mosquitoes
- flies
- butterflies
- damselflies
- other dragonflies
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Yellow Fever Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Adults hunt mosquitoes in the air.
hunts
Azure Damselfly
Coenagrion puella
Adults will prey on smaller damselflies.
eaten by
European Perch
Perca fluviatilis
Nymphs are sometimes eaten by fish.
eaten by
Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
Adult dragonflies can be prey for birds.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Emperor SkimmerGreen Emperor
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emperor Dragonfly's wingspan?
95-110 mm
How big is Emperor Dragonfly?
70-84 mm
How long does Emperor Dragonfly live?
30-60 days
How fast can Emperor Dragonfly fly?
50 km/h
What does Emperor Dragonfly eat?
A super speedy hunter, it zips through the air catching other insects to eat!
Where is Emperor Dragonfly usually found?
Lakes and rivers
How does Emperor Dragonfly hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Emperor Dragonfly have?
6
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