Emperor Dragonfly vs Eastern Pondhawk
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emperor Dragonfly | Eastern Pondhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax imperator | Erythemis simplicicollis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 66-84 mm body, 78 mm wingspan | 55-63 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
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.
Eastern Pondhawk
A robust skimmer dragonfly where mature males are powdery blue and females are vivid green. It is an aggressive predator that ambushes prey from low perches.
Did You Know?
Eastern pondhawks are fierce predators that regularly attack and eat other dragonflies, including species larger than themselves.