Photographing Anax imperator

My recent visits to the local lakes have been focused on photographing Anax imperator. It is a large and beautiful dragonfly, distinguished by its vibrant blue and green coloration. Although it is not as abundant as Aeshna grandis and Aeshna cyanea at these lakes, it is often present but in smaller numbers.

The males spend much of their time patrolling the lake in search of food and rivals, rarely stopping to perch. However, by late afternoon they seem to tire and can often be found resting on branches, reeds, and grasses near the lake.

I have had great success photographing both males and females by visiting the lakes after work in the late afternoon and the resulting photos have been added to the gallery.