Australian Emperor
Hemianax papuensis
Female
Very similar to male. Abdomen slightly thicker especially at segments 3 and 4. Segment 10 much shorter than male.
Similar species
A distinctive very large dragonfly unlikely to be confused with any other species when seen well. A. brevistyla similar large size.
Behaviour
Hawks in open terrain flying relatively slowly at moderate height but capable of rapid bursts of speed. Slightly bouncy flight and wing bursts interdispersed with short glides.
Habitat
Relatively large lakes and other standing water with tall emergent bankside vegetation. Often seen far from water hawking along forest rides.
Identification
Very large dragonfly with complex yellow and black markings. Thorax with very diffuse markings appears plain and greenish grey, a small black ringed yellow spot near legs. Abdomen yellow with a craze of black lines giving a mosaic effect. Segments 9 and 1
Courtesy of
Male
