Lesser Emperor – Anax parthenope
European common name: Lesser Emperor
BDS pronunciation: an-ax par-then-oh-pee
The Lesser Emperor Dragonfly – Anax parthenope, is a relative newcomer to the region, it’s quickly establishing itself in Bedfordshire and the UK generally. They can be mistaken for the more commonly encountered Emperor Dragonfly – Anax imperator, which is similar in appearance and behaviour, so it’s always worth a closer look.
Classification:
| Odonata | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Anisoptera | Dragonflies | |
| Aeshnidae | Hawkers |
Large dragonfly, its distinctive green eyes, blue ‘saddle’, and duller abdomen, help distinguish it from the slightly lager Emperor Dragonfly – Anax imperator, which it resembles at a distance.
The thorax is a grey brown, with the abdomen similarly coloured but darker. A prominent blue ‘saddle’ on S2 can be very obvious even at a distance. Closer views show a yellow band immediately above the blue.
Females are found in two colour forms, a dull form similar to the male, and a blue form which resembles a male Emperor Dragonfly – but without the blue shoulder patches of imperator and retaining the yellow band on S2.
Often hovers between territorial patrols. Tends to settle out of sight in reed beds at the water’s edge.
Overall length: 62 – 75 mm
Wings: 44 – 51 mm
Most likely to be encountered and confused with the Emperor Dragonfly, often sharing similar habitats.
Hovers more frequently than Emperors, and the blue ‘saddle’ on S2 is very distinctive, even at a distance.
Lakes, large ponds, and slow rivers with lots of vegetation.
Becoming more common and expanding it’s range – at some sites it can be locally abundant.
Most recently reported at still water sites:
Brogborough Landfill
Marston Vale CP
Priory Marina CP
Felmersham Gravel Pits
Willington Grange Estate
Clophill Lakes NR
Broom Gravel Pits
Visible from late May to early September, peaking in July and August.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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External links for Lesser Emperor – Anax parthenope:
British Dragonfly Society | Wikipedia
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