Lesser emperor

Appearance

''A. parthenope'' is smaller and less colourful than the ''Anax imperator''. In general appearance, especially when seen on the wing, ''A. parthenope'' is similar to ''A. imperator'' but ''A. parthenope'' tends to hold its abdomen straighter than ''A. imperator''. A large dragonfly seen in flight with a bent abdomen is most likely to be ''A. imperator'' rather than ''A. parthenope''. ''A. parthenope'' has a blue saddle at S2 and S3 which can be seen in flight which is in contrast to the rest of the abdomen which is brown. There is a yellow rin at the base of S2. The eyes are green. It is similar to ''A. ephippiger'' although ''A. ephippiger'' is slightly smaller and slenderer and its blue saddle does not wrap around S2 but is mostly blue on top. ''A. ephippiger'' has brown eyes.

Distribution

Occurs in much of southern and central Europe including most Mediterranean islands, across Asia to Japan and China, and north Africa. It has been found on the Canary islands and the Madeira archipelago. It is spreading north and was first seen in Great Britain in 1996 where it has since bred.

Behavior

In the south of its range ''A. parthenope'' can be on the wing in March. It is most commonly seen from June to September but can still be around in November. Often seen patrolling around ponds, lakes and other still water. Where it occurs with ''A. imperator'' it is usually less abundant. When ''A. parthenope'' and ''A. imperator'' occur at the same ponds ''A. imperator'' is dominant. Male and females mate in the normal dragonfly manner and after mating the pair stay in tandem and egg-laying usually occurs whilst still in tandem. This behaviour not seen in other European hawkers with the exception of ''Aeshna affinis'', although two migrants to Europe, ''A. ephippiger'' and ''A. junius'' also oviposit in tandem. Eggs are inserted into plants or in mud and hatch out in two months. Larval development takes two years.

Habitat

Occurs in much of southern and central Europe including most Mediterranean islands, across Asia to Japan and China, and north Africa. It has been found on the Canary islands and the Madeira archipelago. It is spreading north and was first seen in Great Britain in 1996 where it has since bred.