Australian Emperor Dragonfly (9/18)
Odonata: Aeshnidae
Hemianax papuensis
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.
Close-up of Australian Emperor Face
Australian Emperor
Australian Emperor
Australian Emperor Abdomen Detail
Australian Emperor Wing Detail
Australian Emperor
Australian Emperor
Australian Emperor Dragonflies mating
Australian Emperors Laying Eggs
Australian Emperor in Flight
Australian Emperor in Flight
Australian Emperor Dragonfly
Australian Emperor Dragonfly
Australian Emperor Dragonfly
Australian Emperor Dragonflies in Tandem
Australian Emperor Dragonflies in Tandem
Female Australian Emperor Dragonfly
Male Australian Emperor Dragonfly