Day 215/18. On Patrol

A rather tatty Emperor dragonfly on patrol over its pond in the New Forest today.
These massive insects, up to 14cm wingspan are fierce predators and defend their territory aggressively. This male has certainly been in a few skirmishes judging by its wing damage. But they are (and this one still is) superb aerial acrobats, catching small flies and other insects on the wing for food and hovering in the breeze. With excellent eyesight, they will dart off and attack territorial intruders at impressive speed.
They are, however, totally harmless to humans.