Species Insects & ArthropodsLesser Emperor Dragonfly

Lesser Emperor Dragonfly

Anax parthenope

RareInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Lesser Emperor Dragonfly (Anax parthenope)

The Lesser Emperor Dragonfly is an Old World species that has been recorded with increasing frequency in North America, likely as a vagrant or early colonist. Males have a striking brown-and-blue pattern with a distinctive blue saddle at the abdomen base. It breeds in warm, productive ponds and lakes. Its increasing North American records parallel the spread of its relative, the Common Green Darner.

Habitat
Large, warm ponds and lakes; rare vagrant to North America
Diet
Adults: large flying insects. Nymphs: aquatic invertebrates
How common
Rare

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