Lesser Emperor
Anax parthenope
The adult Lesser Emperor is a strong-flying dragonfly of warm lakes, gravel pits, marshes, and slow rivers, often patrolling open water. It hunts on the wing, catching midges, flies, and other small insects with its legs before eating them in flight or from a perch. Males are territorial and may chase other dragonflies along a regular patrol route. A notable feature is the blue saddle near the base of the male abdomen, contrasting with the otherwise brownish body.
- Type
- Wing
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- Lesser Emperor