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Lesser green emperor

Lesser green emperor

Anax guttatus

A species of Emperors, Also known as Emperor

With intricately veined wings poised perpendicular to its slender body, lesser green emperor exhibits proficient aerial agility. Its larval stage is an aquatic predator, utilizing surprise attacks to consume smaller denizens of freshwater habitats. As it matures, lesser green emperor transitions to airborne predation, harnessing exceptional flight capabilities to pursue a diversity of insects, showcasing an impressive hunting prowess unique to its kind.

General Info About Lesser green emperor
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Attributes of Lesser green emperor
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Blue
Habitat
pond; freshwater; urban area
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, smaller dragonflies
Larva Food Source
Small insects, aquatic larvae, tadpoles, small fish, zooplankton
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Lesser green emperor is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Lesser green emperor typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Lesser green emperor
It is widespread from India to Japan and Australia and Pacific Ocean Islands.
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Distribution Area of Lesser green emperor
Northern Australia, Asia, Africa
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Life Cycle of Lesser green emperor
Egg The lesser green emperor's life begins as an egg, usually laid in or near water. At this stage, the insect is encapsulated and undergoes the initial stages of development invisibly to the external world.
Naiad As a naiad, the lesser green emperor is aquatic and predacious, resembling the adult but lacking wings. It moults several times, growing larger with each stage, as its external features gradually develop.
Subimago The nymph lesser green emperor climbs out of the water onto a plant or another substrate. During this transitional phase, it undergoes significant changes, shedding its final naiad skin to reveal the winged adult form.
Adult Emerging from the exuviae, the adult lesser green emperor’s development is marked by functional wings and reproductive organs. Now terrestrial, it exhibits vibrant colors, a hardened exoskeleton, and focuses on reproduction and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Lesser green emperor
8 cm
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Predators of Lesser green emperor Larvae
Frogs and toads, water beetles, fish, birds, other dragonfly larvae
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Predators of Adult Lesser green emperor
Birds, spiders, frogs and toads, mantises, other dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Lesser green emperor
Despite their robust appearance, lesser green emperor can be spotted engaging in elaborate aerial acrobatics, a result of exceptional flight control during hunting.
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Scientific Classification of Lesser green emperor
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Odes
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Family
Darners
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Tips for Finding Lesser green emperor
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Youth Habitat of Lesser green emperor
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Lesser green emperor
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Lesser green emperor
Adult lesser green emperor are often caught using bait that mimics their prey, such as small insects or artificial lures.
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Habitat Preferences of Lesser green emperor Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of lesser green emperor are usually deposited on aquatic plants in freshwater habitats, such as ponds or slow-moving streams. naiads, or naiads, of lesser green emperor are aquatic and can be found on submerged vegetation or in sediments at the bottom of these freshwater environments. These naiads are predacious and undergo several stages of development underwater before emerging. The adult lesser green emperor are strong fliers, typically encountered in areas surrounding their natal water bodies, including nearby fields and forests where they hunt for prey. An observer seeking to find the various stages would concentrate on quiet freshwater bodies for eggs and naiads, and nearby open areas for adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Lesser green emperor
The best time to find adult lesser green emperor is during warm days, typically late morning through afternoon, which is their most active period for feeding and mating.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Lesser green emperor
Adult lesser green emperor are best found on warm, sunny days with little to no wind, as they are active fliers and rely on the sun for energy.
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How and Where Can You Find Lesser green emperor at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of lesser green emperor are laid in water or on aquatic vegetation. To find them, search the edges of ponds, lakes, or streams for vegetation that might harbor eggs.
Naiad Naiads of lesser green emperor are aquatic and predatory. They can be found in the benthic zone of freshwater habitats, such as ponds and streams. Searching through the mud, detritus, or under rocks in shallow water may reveal their hiding spots.
Adult During this stage, lesser green emperor transition from naiadl to adult form and can often be found near the water's edge, clinging to vegetation or rocks as they molt for the last time. Observing these areas, especially during early morning hours, can provide sightings of newly emerged adults.
Adult lesser green emperor are strong fliers and can be seen patrolling over water bodies or hunting along forest edges. They can often be spotted perched on vegetation in sunny spots. A safe way to find them is to walk slowly around the edges of bodies of water, watching for their fast, darting flight and stopping to inspect sunny spots where they might be resting.
Are Lesser green emperor harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Lesser green emperor
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Ants
Lesser green emperor is a skilled hunter, both as an adult and as a naiad. In the naiad stage, they hunt various aquatic insects, while adults are aerial predators that catch and consume a wide variety of prey on the wing. They have voracious appetites and remarkable hunting abilities, making them effective in controlling pest populations.
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