Lesser Emperor

The Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) is a large dragonfly that can be identified by its distinct dark brown thorax and a bright blue "saddle" on the top of its abdomen. Unlike the related Emperor dragonfly, it has a predominantly brown body rather than a bright green thorax. Males also develop a characteristic blue eyespot.

The Lesser Emperor is widely distributed across Southern Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. In recent years, its range has been expanding northward, and it is increasingly seen in the United Kingdom during the summer months. They prefer warm, still bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, and gravel pits.

The Lesser Emperor belongs to the Aeshnidae family, which encompasses some of the largest and most powerful flying dragonflies in the world. This family includes various hawker dragonflies known for their rapid, continuous flight. They are highly skilled aerial predators.

The flight season for the Lesser Emperor typically runs from May through to September, peaking in the hottest months of the summer. Because they are a migratory species, they often appear suddenly in new territories when temperatures rise. The best time to spot them is during warm, sunny weather near standing water.