Odonata: Aeshnidae

Hemianax papuensis  

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)
click photo for larger image
© Vik Dunis 2014
Mount Alexander, VIC (Oct, 2014)

The male Australian Emperor Dragonfly has mated with the female and the pair is now flying above a stagnant pool of water with the female laying eggs on vegetation under the surface at various spots.

The male is clasping the female around the neck to ensure that no other males get a chance to mate with her and replace his sperm before she lays "his" eggs.

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Close-up of Australian Emperor Face

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor Abdomen Detail

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor Wing Detail

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor Dragonflies mating

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperors Laying Eggs

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor in Flight

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor in Flight

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Australian Emperor Dragonflies in Tandem

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Female Australian Emperor Dragonfly

Australian Emperor (Hemianax papuensis)

Male Australian Emperor Dragonfly