The Emperor is our largest dragonfly, with broad wings and a robust body. The males have a green thorax and bright blue abdomen with a black dorsal stripe running the entire length. Females have a mainly green thorax and abdomen. Very aptly named, this species aggressively dominates still-water habitats, from small garden ponds and dew ponds, to large lakes and reservoirs. Aerial ‘dog-fights’ between rival males are an impressive spectacle.

National status
Widespread in southern England and southern Wales; extending its range northwards.

Status in Sussex
Common all over the county wherever there is suitable habitat. In the decade to 2020, there appears to have been an increase in records on the Wealden Greensand and along the southern Arun with a decrease from Ashdown.

Distribution at 1km scale

Historical records
Dannreuther (1939) regarded this as a “rather local southern species” but most other authors have suggested that this has always been a common insect in Sussex. Chelmick (1979) commented that in the south west of the county it was less common than elsewhere but this appears to have changed.

Flight times
Late May - early September. Unlike for many other Sussex Odonata, the flight time of this species doesn’t appear to have expanded in recent decades.

Phenology (adult)

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Emperor Dragonfly habitat at Woods Mill
Photo: Simon Linington

Habitat
Still waters like ponds, lakes, gravel pits and canals.

Conservation
As an early coloniser of new ponds, and perhaps our most magnificent dragonfly, the Emperor provides a great incentive to creating new wetland habitats.

Similar species
See Southern Hawker for a discussion of potential confusion species.