Emperor Dragonfly
Anax imperator
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Britain's largest dragonfly — a spectacular insect. The male's vivid sky-blue abdomen with a black dorsal stripe is unmistakeable, and the apple-green thorax is beautiful close up. The Emperor was first recorded on the Sefton Coast in 1976 and a breeding colony established in the dune slack ponds. Males patrol territories relentlessly over open water, rarely resting, and are extremely territorial. On a hot July day at Ainsdale's ponds, watching the aerial combat between male Emperors is extraordinary.
At a Glance
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond · Open water with emergent vegetation |
| Diet | Large flying insects — pursues prey aerially, including other dragonflies and large flies |
| UK population | Common in England; expanding northward |
| Sefton Coast | Established breeding species at Ainsdale dune slacks since the mid-1990s. First recorded 1976. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune slack ponds at Ainsdale NNR. Males patrol pond edges relentlessly and are easy to spot.
Identification
Britain's largest dragonfly. Male: sky-blue abdomen with black stripe, green thorax. Female: green-blue abdomen. Powerful, direct flight. Constantly patrolling over water. Very large wingspan to 105mm.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit the dune slack ponds at Ainsdale on a hot July day. Male Emperors patrol continuously and are immediately obvious. Females oviposit in aquatic vegetation — slower and easier to observe.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Emperor Dragonfly establish its territory?
Male Emperor Dragonflies patrol a stretch of open water continuously, investigating any large flying insect that enters and engaging rival males in aerial combat. They rarely perch, instead spending most of their active time in flight. The territory is centred on areas where females come to lay eggs, and a successful male may hold the same pond section for his entire adult life.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.