The emperor dragonfly is a territorial giant currently conquering the cooling northern latitudes

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As one of the largest dragonflies in Europe, the emperor dragonfly is a master of the skies. With a wingspan exceeding 100 millimetres and a reputation for aggressive hunting, this insect is rapidly expanding its range northward, marking a visible shift in ecosystems driven by global climate trends.

The emperor dragonfly, scientifically known as Anax imperator, carries a name that reflects its dominance. Derived from the ancient Greek word for lord and the Latin term for emperor, the species lives up to its title as one of the largest dragonflies found across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. While it is occasionally surpassed in length by the golden-ringed dragonfly or the magnificent emperor in specific regions, it remains the most prominent species across the majority of its vast Afroeurasian range.

Since the 1990s, the emperor has demonstrated a remarkable northward expansion. It was first recorded in Denmark in 1994, followed by Sweden in 2002 and Scotland in 2004. Researchers link this migration to global warming, noting that the emperor is among the first of its order to shift its territory toward higher latitudes and altitudes. This success is supported by a stable population, leading the IUCN to classify the species as of least concern.

Beyond its size, the emperor possesses a unique biological profile. Its mitogenome, consisting of 16,087 base pairs, is the longest known among all dragonflies, nearing the length of the human mitogenome. This biological complexity complements a predatory lifestyle; adults hunt butterflies and other dragonflies mid-air, while their aggressive larvae, reaching up to 46 millimetres, can significantly alter the composition of freshwater ecosystems. Males are notoriously territorial, often patrolling aquatic habitats with a distinct flight pattern, their abdomens hanging slightly downward as they guard their domain.

The species is highly adaptable, breeding in diverse aquatic environments ranging from slow-moving rivers to large ponds, provided there is sufficient vegetation for egg-laying. While the males display striking blue or turquoise abdomens, these colors can fade during cold weather. This combination of physical resilience, territorial behavior, and an expanding range makes the emperor a significant, if sometimes overlooked, force in the natural world.

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