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 – Emperor Dragonfly