Emperor dragonflies are Britain's largest dragonfly and are highly territorial. For example, this particular specimen would take on Broad-bodied Chasers or indeed any dragonfly that came remotely near to its patrolling ground. They mostly feed on the wing but when taking on larger prey will rest to enjoy their meal. In this instance, this well battered Emperor (notice the dent in his right eye) is tucking into a Common Darter.
Before moving closer I took this more compositional shot in which I tried to balance the dragonfly against the teasel on the left.
In this shot you can clearly see that the dragonfly is eating something, although it's still not clear what the meal is?
From this angle, you can clearly see that the prey is a Common Darter. These Emperor dragonflies sure are formidable and I've even seen them take on Chasers!
As well as the dent in his right eye, also notice the dent in his shoulder, upper thorax. At least his wings are in pretty good shape.
The abdomen of the poor Common Darter has all but been consumed in a matter of about the minute it took me to fire away these shots.
