description Anax parthenope Overview
Anax parthenope, the lesser emperor, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae found across southern Europe, Africa, and Asia. The species was described by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Selys-Longchamps in 1839. It is generally smaller and less vividly colored than the related common emperor dragonfly (Anax imperator), with a predominantly brown body and a conspicuous blue saddle marking on the upper abdomen. The species is known to be migratory, with movements documented across parts of its range.
help Anax parthenope FAQ
What is the common name for the Anax parthenope dragonfly?
The species is commonly known as the lesser emperor. It belongs to the family Aeshnidae, which includes many of the largest dragonflies in the world.
Where can you find the lesser emperor dragonfly in the wild?
The lesser emperor is found across a vast range that includes southern Europe, Africa, and Asia. They frequent standing waters like lakes and ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Who first described the Anax parthenope species?
The species was officially described by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Selys-Longchamps in 1839. Selys-Longchamps is widely considered the founding father of modern odonatology, the study of dragonflies.
How does the lesser emperor differ from the regular emperor dragonfly?
As its name suggests, the lesser emperor is generally smaller and less vividly colored than the closely related emperor dragonfly, Anax imperator. The lesser emperor also typically has a more dull brown coloration rather than the bright blue of a male emperor.
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