Emperor dragonfly
In the New Forest, emperor dragonflies can be seen wherever there is still water. The emperor is common and widespread in the southern part of England and south Wales. They are never seen in high numbers but patrol across expanses of water as singletons.
Emperors need still water to breed in and prefer a decent expanse of water such as lakes and large ponds. In the New Forest it is easier to find emperors at the larger ponds such as Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu or Eyeworth Pond near Fritham, but they can sometimes be seen at smaller temporary ponds or ditches. They are seen singly because the males are very territorial and will chase off a rival male that strays too close. These are dragonflies of mid-summer and it is best to look for them at any time from June through to mid- September.
Photo credit: Colin Perry
