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Lesser Emperor |
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Anax parthanope |
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Key Sites: Recorded at Maxey gravel pits, near Peterborough and Pitsford Reservoir. Spotting: This rare migrant species is becoming increasingly common in the UK, and has been recorded for several consecutive years at Maxey including the oviposting pair above seen by Kevin du Rose. It is still classed as a migrant, non-breeding species until a stable breeding population is established. It is likely that the eggs laid in 2007 will emerge in June 2008. The Lesser Emperor is distinguished from the Emperor by the bright cyan thorax and sandy brown abdomen. It is also the only species where oviposting is in tandem. |
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Oviposting pair, Maxey Gravel Pits (photo copyright Kevin du Rose) |
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Territorial male, Maxey gravel pits (Kevin du Rose) |