Emperor Dragonflies: A Guide for Young Nature Enthusiasts
Introduction
Have you ever seen a large, blue and green insect hovering over your pond or lake? That’s likely an emperor dragonfly! These fascinating creatures are the largest dragonflies in the UK, and they’re a joy to beobachten.
Identifying Emperor Dragonflies
Emperor dragonflies are easy to identify by their distinctive appearance. Males have pale blue bodies with a greenish thorax (chest), while females are green. Both males and females have green-blue eyes and a black stripe running along the top of their bodies.
Habitat and Behavior
Emperor dragonflies are found near large bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and canals. They can also be found in gardens with ponds. These dragonflies are skilled fliers and can often be seen catching prey such as butterflies and smaller dragonflies in mid-air.
Life Cycle
Female emperor dragonflies lay their eggs in pond weed. Unlike other dragonfly species, the male does not clasp onto the female while she lays her eggs. The nymphs (baby dragonflies) spend up to two years in the pond, eating tadpoles and other aquatic larvae. When they’re ready, they climb up tall stems and transform into adult dragonflies.
How to Attract Emperor Dragonflies to Your Garden
If you want to attract emperor dragonflies to your garden, the best thing you can do is create a pond. Emperors need large bodies of water to lay their eggs in. You can also plant blanket weed in your pond, as this is what emperor dragonflies prefer to lay their eggs in.
In addition, you can create a habitat for other aquatic species, such as tadpoles, newts, and frogs. This will provide food for adult emperor dragonflies. You can also plant long grass and wildflowers around your pond to attract butterflies and other insects that emperor dragonflies eat.
Conclusion
Emperor dragonflies are beautiful and fascinating creatures that can add a touch of magic to your garden. By creating a habitat that meets their needs, you can attract these amazing insects to your backyard and enjoy their presence for years to come.
