Fiery Emperor (අග්නි රාජ බත්කූරා)

  

The Fiery Emperor is one of the largest dragonflies in Sri Lanka, with a body length exceeding three inches. It is a fast and strong flyer, often seen actively flying around its habitat.

Habitat & Behavior: This species primarily inhabits large streams and rivers in the mountains. During the day, it is almost always in flight and is rarely seen resting under vegetation near streams.

Reproduction: Unlike most dragonflies, the Fiery Emperor, a member of the Aeshnidae family, lays eggs inside submerged plant tissues using a spine-like ovipositor. Females can be seen perched on vegetation with their abdomen tips underwater during egg-laying.

Distribution: The Fiery Emperor is widely distributed across Asia and parts of Europe, but in Sri Lanka, it is restricted to the highlands.