Lesser Emperor vs Giant Case-Builder Caddis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Emperor Giant Case-Builder Caddis
Scientific Name Anax parthenope Phryganea bipunctata
Order Odonata Trichoptera
Family Aeshnidae Phryganeidae
Size 62-75 mm body length 18-25 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, Central Europe, Western Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Emperor

A large dragonfly with a brownish thorax and distinctive blue saddle at the base of its abdomen. It is a strong migrant expanding northward through Europe.

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Did You Know?

Females lay eggs while flying in tandem with the male over open water.

Giant Case-Builder Caddis

A large caddisfly with spotted wings found in northern and central Europe. Larvae construct conspicuous helical cases from plant material in weedy waters.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are among the few caddisflies known to actively prey on other aquatic invertebrates.