Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 (Canon R7+RF100-400mm, 1/1000th sec, f/10, ISO800, 400mm. Click image for larger version)  (Canon R7+RF100-400mm, 1/1250th sec, f/8, ISO640, 400mm. Click image for larger version)  (Canon R7+RF100-400mm, 1/1250th sec, f/8, ISO800, 400mm. Click image for larger version) DescriptionWingspan: 88 - 102mm; Length : 62 - 75mm A large, rather dull aeshnid. Its drab colouring makes the greenish eyes and blue saddle of the male particularly striking. Females are usually duller, but can also be blueish. It is common in the Mediterranean counties, and scarcer further north. It is increasingly common in southern England, and is breeding in west Oxfordshire. It prefers standing, often larger, waters. Eggs are laid while in tandem, into the stems of aquatic vegetation. Nymphs emerge after two years. The main flight period is June to August. The Lesser Emperor is a less powerful flier than the Emperor Dragonfly, which is dominant and frequently drives it off. Sightings
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