A very large and impressive dragonfly the Emperor Dragonfly. They are on the wing from June to August. It is a common species of large ponds and lakes, as well as waterways such as canals and ditches. The female lays her eggs in floating pondweed. One of the largest dragonfly species in Europe, the emperor dragonfly flies up high to look for insect prey, such as butterflies and chaser dragonflies. It catches its prey in mid-air and may eat it on the wing.