Emperor dragonfly

Anax imperator

The Emperor Dragonfly is large and colourful, often observed around the forest ponds from April to September.  It is one of the largest dragonfly species in Europe and flies at high altitudes to search for insects to feed on, including butterflies and smaller dragonflies. It snatches its prey in mid-air and may consume it while flying. Females are green, while males are blue. The female lays her eggs in floating pondweed.