BLUE EMPEROR
Also known as the blue emperor, this insect is the largest dragonfly in Europe, with a body length reaching 84mm and a wingspan of 104mm. When they first emerge, both sexes appear pale green with brown markings. The wings start off black but change to yellow/brown as they mature. Males have a bright blue abdomen, marked with a broad black dorsal stripe. The head and thorax of the male is green (occasionally blue), with prominent blue eyes. The females have similar markings but are mainly a duller green. Another identification feature is that whilst flying, their abdomens hang slightly downwards.
They breed in various habitats, from large ponds to streams and slow-moving rivers, but they require a large amount of vegetation in the water. The larvae of the emperor are also large, attaining 46mm and are very aggressive, eating invertebrates and small fish. When the adults emerge, they frequently fly high in search of prey, which includes butterflies and other dragonflies. They will also take tadpoles which they will devour on the wing.
