‘Anax’ derivative from Ancient Greek means master or king. Anax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae and species Imperator.
Female insects lay their eggs in water. After hatching, dragonflies spend most of their lives as nymphs beneath the surface of the water. Their diet consists of other invertebrates such as tadpoles and also fish. They breathe through gills and can advance rapidly by emitting water from their anuses.
In many parts of Corfu the dragonfly is called a "spinner".
The Anax Imperator is a sturdy dragonfly with a body length ranging from 66 to 84 mm and a wingspan of between 90 to 104 mm.
The thorax is green. In males the area between the thorax and abdomen is blue with a black dorsal line, while in females and immature dragonflies it may be greenish in colour.
It is considered a common dragonfly species on the island of Corfu and flies around from May to October. It is to be seen in calm wetlands and stagnant waters that have an abundance of aquatic vegetation such as the Kounoufadi swamp in northeast Corfu and Alikes Lefkimmi wetlands south of the island.
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ΨΗΦΙΑΚΟ ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑΣ ΚΕΡΚΥΡΑΣ
eMUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY OF CORFU
eMUSEO DI STORIA NATURALE DI CORFU
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