Lesser Emperor vs Large Red Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Emperor | Large Red Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax parthenope | Pyrrhosoma nymphula |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 62-75 mm body length | 33-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Females lay eggs while flying in tandem with the male over open water.
Large Red Damselfly
One of the first damselflies to emerge each spring in Europe, with a distinctive bright red body and black legs. It is commonly found at garden ponds.
Did You Know?
Large red damselflies are among the earliest odonates to emerge in spring, often appearing as early as April when few other species are flying.