Japanese Emperor Dragonfly vs Hairy Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Emperor Dragonfly | Hairy Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax parthenope julius | Brachytron pratense |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 70-80 mm body length | 54-63mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan/Korea | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Emperor Dragonfly
A large hawker dragonfly and one of the most powerful aerial predators in Japanese wetlands. Known as 'gin-yanma' for its silvery-blue markings. Males patrol territories aggressively over ponds.
Did You Know?
This dragonfly can fly at speeds exceeding 30 km/h and catch prey in mid-air using its legs as a basket-like scoop.
Hairy Dragonfly
The earliest-emerging hawker dragonfly in Europe, with a distinctively hairy thorax. Males have blue and green markings on a dark body. It flies along ditches and reed-fringed waterways.
Did You Know?
It emerges up to two months earlier than other hawkers, giving it exclusive access to spring insect prey.