Norfolk Hawker vs Lesser Emperor

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Norfolk Hawker Lesser Emperor
Scientific Name Anaciaeschna isosceles Anax parthenope
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Aeshnidae
Size 62-67mm 62-75 mm body length
Habitat Wetlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe Southern Europe, Central Europe, Western Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Norfolk Hawker

A large brown hawker dragonfly with distinctive green eyes and a yellow triangle on the second abdominal segment. It is associated with grazing marshes containing the water soldier plant.

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Did You Know?

It depends on the water soldier plant for egg-laying, making it vulnerable to the loss of this aquatic plant.

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.