Japanese Emperor Dragonfly vs Violet Dropwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Emperor Dragonfly Violet Dropwing
Scientific Name Anax parthenope julius Trithemis annulata
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Libellulidae
Size 70-80 mm body length 32-38 mm
Habitat Wetlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions East Asia, Japan/Korea Africa, Europe, Asia
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.

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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.

Violet Dropwing

A stunning dragonfly where mature males turn deep violet-purple with red wing veins. It is expanding its range northward into southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It has colonized southern Europe from Africa and continues to spread north as temperatures warm.