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Lesser emperor

Lesser emperor

Anax parthenope

A species of Emperors

Its labium and labrum are golden-yellow and face and frons are greenish yellow and eyes are green, bluish when aged. Its thorax is pale olivaceous brown with dark brown sutures. Its segment two of the abdomen is turquoise blue. Segment three has a large blue patch at each side. Segments 4 to 9 have an irregular black middorsal stripe. Segment 10 is black.

General Info About Lesser emperor
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Attributes of Lesser emperor
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Blue
Habitat
pond; lake
Adult Food Sources
Flies, bees, butterflies, other flying insects, smaller dragonflies
Larva Food Source
Small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, zooplankton, small crustaceans
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Lesser 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 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 emperor
It was first seen in Great Britain. It was first seen in Great Britain. It occurs in much of southern and central Europe, South Asia, and on to North Africa. It has been found on the Canary Islands and the Madeira Archipelago.
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Distribution Area of Lesser emperor
Europe, Asia, North Africa
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Life Cycle of Lesser emperor
Egg After oviposition, the lesser emperor eggs are typically small and laid on water or nearby vegetation. They are oval-shaped and initially translucent, slowly darkening as development progresses.
Naiad The aquatic naiads of lesser emperor undergo multiple moults, growing larger and more developed with each stage. They exhibit large eyes, extendable jaws for predation, and lack wings, with coloration often mirroring their environment.
Subimago When ready, the nymph climbs out of the water and its exoskeleton splits. The emerging adult of lesser emperor is soft-bodied and vulnerable, with wings gradually unfurling and body hardening. Coloration brightens as it matures.
Adult The adult lesser emperor displays large, multifaceted eyes and elongated bodies. The wings are clear, veined, and fully functional. Adult coloration is vivid, serving as camouflage or mate attraction. Priorities shift to feeding and reproduction.
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Adult Size of Lesser emperor
6 - 8 cm
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Predators of Lesser emperor Larvae
Fish, water beetles, tadpoles, birds
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Predators of Adult Lesser emperor
Birds, spiders, frogs, other dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Lesser emperor
The lesser emperor has exceptional navigation skills, capable of migrating thousands of kilometers, and employs complex aerobatics during its flight.
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Scientific Classification of Lesser emperor
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Odes
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Family
Darners
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Tips for Finding Lesser emperor
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Youth Habitat of Lesser emperor
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Lesser emperor
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Lesser emperor
Using trap foods is not a common method for finding lesser emperor, as they are predatory insects and their hunting behavior occurs in flight, capturing prey such as mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects.
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Habitat Preferences of Lesser emperor Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of lesser emperor are aquatic and predominantly found in warm still or slow-flowing freshwater habitats, such as ponds, marshes, or ditches, often amid submerged vegetation or debris. The exuviae remain near these water bodies after emergence. Adult lesser emperor are frequently found patrolling or hunting in areas adjacent to their naiad habitats but can also be seen roaming over fields and woodlands. To search for the different stages, one should carefully inspect the edges of suitable water bodies for naiads, while checking for exuviae on plants or structures close to the water. Observing the skies above or nearby open spaces could lead to sightings of adult lesser emperor on the wing.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Lesser emperor
The best time to find adult lesser emperor is generally during the warmer months of the year, typically from spring to fall. Adults are most active during the day, especially when the sun is out and the temperatures are warm, which is ideal for flying and hunting.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Lesser emperor
Adult lesser emperor are typically found in sunny weather with little to no wind, as strong winds can hinder their flight. They prefer warm conditions but can also be found during periods of overcast weather, provided it's not too cold.
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How and Where Can You Find Lesser emperor at Different Life Stages
Egg Lesser emperor eggs are usually laid in or near water. To find them, inspect vegetation, submerged twigs, or even the mud at the edges of ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams. Look for small, cylindrical or spindle-shaped objects attached to aquatic plants or debris.
Naiad Lesser emperor naiads inhabit freshwater bodies. They can be found by gently scooping sediment and aquatic plants from the bottom of a pond or stream with a net and then sifting through the contents in a white tray filled with water.
Adult To find emerging lesser emperor, visit a water body's edge during late spring to early summer. Look on vegetation, rocks, or other vertical surfaces near the water just after dawn for exuviae (the shed skins of the naiad form) or newly emerged adults that are drying their wings.
Adult lesser emperor are strong fliers and can often be found near bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers, where they hunt for prey. They can be observed patrolling the water's edge or resting on vegetation. The best way to find them is by walking slowly along the shores, watching for their characteristic flight patterns.
Are Lesser emperor harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Lesser emperor
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Butterflies
Lesser emperor is an efficient hunter, both in its aquatic naiad stage and as an agile flying adult. Naiads, are aquatic predators that ambush and capture prey with their extendable mouthparts. Adults catch prey mid-flight. Their acute vision and rapid flight allow them to capture various insects, essentially controlling populations of species that are considered pests to humans.
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