Hampshire Dragonflies
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(Anax imperator)
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A Moment
A large (78mm) and active dragonfly preferring well-vegetated standing water but may be found along canals and rivers.

Males are very aggressive towards other dragonflies sharing their territory, although, contrary to popular belief, several may share the same pond and set up individual territories. They usually follow a predictive path, retreating swiftly to the start of their patrol before gradually surveying their territory in short, slow bursts, frequently hovering against the wind.

Females are often seen ovipositing into emergent plants, preferably away from inquisitive males and often under cloudy conditions. They spend the majority of their time away from water in meadows and clearings, hunting efficiently and repeatedly over a territory.

They are especially nervous while coupled, easily disturbed and a stealth challenge for photographers. Despite being one of our most common large dragonflies, they always provide a magnificent spectacle and are true masters of their element.

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More Photos


New Forest
Badminston Common Blashford Lakes Broomy Pond Burley Heath Cadnam Common
Crockford Stream Hatchet Pond Hawkhill Ipley Cross Keyhaven
Latchmore Brook Linford Bottom Ober Water Slufter's Pond Eyeworth Pond

Dorset
Alder Hills Troublefield Christchurch Common Dunyeats Hill Higher Hyde Heath
Kilwood Copse Moors Valley Mordon Bog Ramsdown Forest Studland Heath

Surrey
Bolder Mere Esher Common Papercourt Lock Thundry Meadows Thursley Common

Somerset
Shapwick Heath Westhay Moor

Berkshire
Swinley Forest

South Wales
Broad Pool

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