Vagrant Emperor vs Tau Emerald

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vagrant Emperor Tau Emerald
Scientific Name Anax ephippiger Hemicordulia tau
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Corduliidae
Size 60-70 mm 55-60mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Africa, Europe, Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Vagrant Emperor

A nomadic dragonfly that wanders vast distances across Africa, Europe, and Asia. It has a sandy-brown body with a distinctive blue saddle marking on the abdomen.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the most migratory dragonflies, regularly crossing the Sahara Desert and reaching northern Europe.

Tau Emerald

A metallic emerald-green dragonfly with bright green eyes and a distinctive T-shaped yellow marking on the abdomen. It is one of the most common dragonflies in Australia. Males patrol relentlessly.

💡

Did You Know?

The yellow tau-shaped mark on its abdomen gives it both its scientific and common name.