Emperor dragonfly  (Anax imperator)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

This dragonfly has a broad global distribution; it is found in Europe from Portugal to Germany in the north, and extends eastwards to central Asia (1). It is also known from North Africa and the Middle East (2). In Britain, it is fairly widespread in southern England and south Wales, but becomes quite scarce in the north Midlands, although there are signs that the species is currently extending northwards (1).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Breeds in a range of aquatic habitats including large ponds, canals, slow-flowing rivers, lakes, flooded gravel pits, and dykes, but in all cases there must be a plentiful supply of marginal vegetation that emerges from the water (1).

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