Emperor Dragonfly vs Willow Beauty
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emperor Dragonfly | Willow Beauty |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax imperator | Peribatodes rhomboidaria |
| Order | Odonata | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 66-84 mm body, 78 mm wingspan | 38-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia | Europe, western Asia |
| 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.
Willow Beauty
A well-camouflaged moth with grey-brown wings marked with dark cross-lines that blends perfectly with tree bark. It is one of the most common moths found in gardens.
Did You Know?
Like the peppered moth, it has developed a darker form in areas affected by industrial pollution.