Orange emperor

Introduction: Orange Emperors (Anax speratus) are the second largest species of dragonfly in Namibia. They were first recorded in the Cape of Good Hope, speratus being Latin for 'the one being hoped for'. Occurrence is usually in small streams and pools formed by springs.

Distribution: Naukluft and Tsaris Mountains.

Colouration: Orange-red to reddish-brown body and eyes. Females have a green thorax and dorsally brown and ventrally yellow eyes.

Breeding: Females oviposit at the foot of sedges and rushes, often guarded by a nearby hovering male. Larvae tend to take to the pools in the streams.

Flight season: Throughout the year.

Max size: 75 to 85mm.

Conservation: Reductions in their population could be caused by degradation of spring habitats in the Naukluft.