Two Emperor Dragonflies Anax imperator are illustrated, firstly a freshly emerged (teneral) male with pale markings and then a fully mature male with fully developed colours (and a badly ripped wing!). Note the lack of dark spots on the abdomen. These large dragonflies are strongly territorial and they will repel other males of the same species and those of most other large hawkers. When in flight the males are characterised by their bright blue downward drooping abdomens. Smaller dragonflies may be taken as prey. The flight season begins in early June and it may extend beyond August if conditions are favourable.
