Emperor Dragonfly vs Bladetail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emperor Dragonfly Bladetail
Scientific Name Anax imperator Lindenia tetraphylla
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Gomphidae
Size 66-84 mm body, 78 mm wingspan 55-65 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Africa, Asia Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Emperor Dragonfly

One of the largest dragonflies in Europe. Powerful flier that patrols territories along waterways. Can fly at speeds up to 54 km/h and catch prey mid-flight with near-perfect accuracy.

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Did You Know?

Emperor dragonflies have a prey capture success rate of 95% — the highest of any predator on Earth. Lions succeed only 25% of the time.

Bladetail

A large gomphid dragonfly with leaf-shaped abdominal expansions at the tail.

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Did You Know?

It has declined dramatically due to loss of large natural lakes in the Mediterranean.