Insect · GBIF taxon 5051752
Lesser Emperor Dragonfly
Anax parthenopeAlso known as Lesser Emperor
Lesser emperor dragonflies are powerful aerial predators recognized by their striking blue saddle on the front of the abdomen, contrasting with a golden-brown body and greenish eyes. Males patrol open waters tirelessly, defending breeding territories and snatching prey mid-air with leg baskets. Pairs frequently oviposit while coupled in tandem, hovering in unison above sunny ponds, lakes, and slow streams.
TerritorialFast FlyerPredatory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Small moths
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Larger dragonflies
ThreatsWetland degradation, chemical water pollution, and extreme drought
HabitatsPonds, lakes, slow rivers, canals, and coastal lagoons
Life span1–2 years (including aquatic nymph stage; adults live 1–2 months)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAeshnidae
- SpeciesAnax parthenope
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Watch for territorial males patrolling water margins on warm sunny afternoons.
- Photography: Use a high shutter speed to capture them while hovering briefly in flight.
- Habitat Spotting: Look for pairs attached in tandem laying eggs among aquatic vegetation.
Migratory Kin Davidvraju / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Ludivine Lamare, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ludivine Lamare · cc-by
Family Relative (c) SteveM4560, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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