Pic 1: Very pleased to find that my capture of an Emperor Dragonfly devouring a Common Darter, which appeared in Wild Planet issue 20/June, has been chosen to appear in The Wild Planet Annual 2015 (p54). The abdomen of the poor Common Darter has all but been consumed in a matter of about the minute it took me to fire away these shots.

Pic 2: Emperor dragonflies are Britain’s largest dragonfly and are highly territorial.  For example, this particular specimen would take on Broad-bodied Chasers or indeed any dragonfly that came remotely near to its patrolling ground.  They mostly feed on the wing but when taking on larger prey will rest to enjoy their meal. In this instance, this well battered Emperor (notice the dent in his right eye) is tucking into a Common Darter.

Pic 3: Had to be really quick with this one as the Emperor took a short rest from his arial exploits.  Notice the battered right-upper wing.

The emperor dragonfly is a very large, impressive dragonfly which is on the wing from June to August. It is a common dragonfly of large ponds and lakes as well as canals and ditches and is rarely found away from water. The female lays her eggs in floating pondweed. One of the largest dragonfly species in Europe, the emperor dragonfly flies high up looking for insect-prey such as butterflies and chaser dragonflies. It catches its prey in mid-air and may eat it on the wing.

Male emperor dragonflies are pale blue with an apple-green thorax and a black stripe running the length of the body. Females are similar but a duller greeny-blue. Both have greeny-blue eyes. This species is easily recognised by the combination of size and mostly blue colour.

The Wildlife Trusts