Blue emperor

Introduction: Blue Emperors (Anax imperator) dominate the waterside over other species of dragonfly. Can be observed in a variety of Namibian habitats and biomes that include desert to permanent and temporary waters.

Distribution: Epupa Falls, Kavango River, Caprivi Strip, Kaokoland, northern Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Tsumkwe and Kaudom Game Park, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Windhoek, Okahandja, southern and central Namibia.

Colouration: Green thorax and a blue abdomen with a dark mid-dorsal line. Their eyes are green with yellow anterior margins. Wings in males and females are amber coloured.

Breeding: Oviposition occurs in stems of reeds and sedges running on the surface of the water. Larval period last for some months.

Flight season: Throughout the year.

Max size: 70 to 80mm.

Conservation: Not threatened.