Anax papuensis

Australian Emperor at Fyshwick, ACT

Anax papuensis at Fyshwick, ACT - 21 Sep 2020
Anax papuensis at Fyshwick, ACT - 21 Sep 2020
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Identification history

Anax papuensis 22 Sep 2020 HarveyPerkins
Anax papuensis 22 Sep 2020 RodDeb

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User's notes

There were many in total around all the hides and water edges along with Wandering Perchers and probably others that could not identify or photograph successfully

6 comments

HarveyPerkins wrote:
   22 Sep 2020
Hi - there's no doubt these two photos are Anax papuensis; but 20 is a large number for them, unless they were spread out over a fair area. There would almost certainly have been much larger numbers of Tau Emeralds based on what I've seen so far this season. Despite the size difference, they can be difficult to differentiate if not seen well, or seen only at a distance.
RodDeb wrote:
   22 Sep 2020
Thanks Harvey, there was a huge amount of mainly dragonflies in front of 3 hides it was amazing but so difficult to get photos as they were flying around rarely stopping, they did hover for a bit. There were quite a few noticeably larger Dragonflies which we may have thought were these but as you say were probably a mixture with Tau Emeralds. Unfortunately none of our photos showed Tau Emeralds clearly so that is what our estimate was based on. They sure can be difficult to tell in distant photos though. The estimate is for all over the Wetlands where we saw them not just in this location.
HarveyPerkins wrote:
   22 Sep 2020
If your count covers the whole of Kellys Swamp, I have no problem at all with an underestimate of 20!
RodDeb wrote:
   22 Sep 2020
The count covers the whole area we did on that day. Apologies for any confusion. It is difficult when you have to put just one location for a photo and the count is for all you saw, especially when we only got one good photo. How do we do it in the future? As for some other listings when I put multiple photos they are of the same species of insect or birds and usually put the count for how many we saw on the day at that place/visit not just the one location. Is this the correct way of adding the counts? Appreciate your help and guidance.
HarveyPerkins wrote:
   22 Sep 2020
I don't know that there is a "correct" way to account for these variables, and I know the question gets raised not infrequently. Personally, as the record is tagged by its geolocation, I'm usually very conservative, and would normally restrict my 'observed number' for the record to within close proximity of the photographed individual - for dragonflies, say no more than a 25 m radius. But I keep fully detailed records for my dragonflies, so any photos I add to the NatureMaps have a number relating to just that immediate spot, and my full records show the total number for whatever area I surveyed. If I'm putting in a record of, say, a certain plant that is growing over a wide area, I again usually give my number to mean just in the immediate vicinity of the photographed individual(s), sometimes to as little as a few metres radius. This can be just as misleading as the alternative approach. You can always record a number and add a comment as to what sort of area you're number relates to. No simple answer, I'm afraid. I'm not sure what distance is used when the system determines "nearby" records, but that might be a more meaningful way to try to determine the approach.
RodDeb wrote:
   22 Sep 2020
Thanks Harvey, yep it is a tricky one. I like your suggestion of recording a number (probably in the immediate area) and adding a comment if there were more in additional areas visited on the day. Sometimes even then it is difficult to determine what number to put, but underestimating is probably best. Thank you very much for your time and help I will adjust this record as per your very helpful suggestion and try to remember doing future records a such. No promises though as my memory is really getting pretty bad :). thanks again.

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Nearby sightings

Page 1 of 8 - image sightings only

Mentha sp. (A Mint) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 3 Mar 2024 by Mike
Anthela varia (Hairy Mary) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 27 Feb 2024 by Thurstan
Pardalotus punctatus (Spotted Pardalote) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 19 Feb 2024 by RodDeb
Hydromys chrysogaster (Rakali or Water Rat) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 17 Feb 2024 by rawshorty
Hydromys chrysogaster (Rakali or Water Rat) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 15 Feb 2024 by rawshorty
Eurystomus orientalis (Dollarbird) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 14 Feb 2024 by RodDeb
Acrocephalus australis (Australian Reed-Warbler) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 8 Feb 2024 by Thurstan
Ixobrychus dubius (Australian Little Bittern) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 8 Feb 2024 by Bigfish69
Egretta novaehollandiae (White-faced Heron) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 7 Feb 2024 by RodDeb
Nycticorax caledonicus (Nankeen Night-Heron) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 6 Feb 2024 by Christine
Vanessa itea (Yellow Admiral) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 3 Feb 2024 by Christine
Ixobrychus dubius (Australian Little Bittern) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 1 Feb 2024 by rawshorty
Cygnus atratus (Black Swan) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 24 Jan 2024 by MatthewFrawley
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) at Fyshwick, ACT - 24 Jan 2024 by MatthewFrawley
Papilio anactus (Dainty Swallowtail) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 23 Jan 2024 by RomanSoroka
Elanus axillaris (Black-shouldered Kite) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 23 Jan 2024 by RomanSoroka
Cisticola exilis (Golden-headed Cisticola) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 23 Jan 2024 by RomanSoroka
Papilio anactus (Dainty Swallowtail) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 23 Jan 2024 by RodDeb
Nycticorax caledonicus (Nankeen Night-Heron) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 21 Jan 2024 by JimL
Ixobrychus dubius (Australian Little Bittern) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 19 Jan 2024 by rawshorty
Egretta novaehollandiae (White-faced Heron) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 17 Jan 2024 by Thurstan
Ardea alba (Great Egret) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 16 Jan 2024 by RodDeb
Microcarbo melanoleucos (Little Pied Cormorant) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 10 Jan 2024 by Thurstan
Ardea plumifera (Plumed Egret) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 4 Jan 2024 by Thurstan
Porzana fluminea (Australian Spotted Crake) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 4 Jan 2024 by Thurstan
Zapornia tabuensis (Spotless Crake) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 1 Jan 2024 by RodDeb
Nycticorax caledonicus (Nankeen Night-Heron) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 1 Jan 2024 by RodDeb
Anas gracilis (Grey Teal) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 31 Dec 2023 by JimL
Egretta novaehollandiae (White-faced Heron) at Fyshwick, ACT - 31 Dec 2023 by JimL
Ixobrychus dubius (Australian Little Bittern) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 30 Dec 2023 by rawshorty
Nycticorax caledonicus (Nankeen Night-Heron) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 29 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Gallinago hardwickii (Latham's Snipe) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 29 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Zapornia pusilla (Baillon's Crake) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 27 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Hydromys chrysogaster (Rakali or Water Rat) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 25 Dec 2023 by rawshorty
Nycticorax caledonicus (Nankeen Night-Heron) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 22 Dec 2023 by rawshorty
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris (Little Black Cormorant) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 22 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Pachycephala rufiventris (Rufous Whistler) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 14 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Todiramphus sanctus (Sacred Kingfisher) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 14 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Gymnorhina tibicen (Australian Magpie) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 12 Dec 2023 by Christine
Petrochelidon ariel (Fairy Martin) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 12 Dec 2023 by Christine
Anas gracilis (Grey Teal) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 6 Dec 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Dec 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Cygnus atratus (Black Swan) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Dec 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Ardea plumifera (Plumed Egret) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 6 Dec 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Podargus strigoides (Tawny Frogmouth) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 6 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Neochmia temporalis (Red-browed Finch) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 6 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Anas castanea (Chestnut Teal) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 6 Dec 2023 by RodDeb
Gallinula tenebrosa (Dusky Moorhen) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 1 Dec 2023 by JimL
Anas gracilis (Grey Teal) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 1 Dec 2023 by JimL
Strepera graculina (Pied Currawong) at Jerrabomberra Wetlands - 27 Nov 2023 by RodDeb
Zapornia pusilla (Baillon's Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 5 Nov 2023 by Caric
Zapornia pusilla (Baillon's Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 18 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Todiramphus sanctus (Sacred Kingfisher) at Fyshwick, ACT - 18 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Oxyura australis (Blue-billed Duck) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Oct 2023 by BenW
Zapornia pusilla (Baillon's Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Oct 2023 by BenW
Zapornia tabuensis (Spotless Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Oct 2023 by BenW
Malurus cyaneus (Superb Fairywren) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by JimL
Anas gracilis (Grey Teal) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by JimL
Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by JimL
Acrocephalus australis (Australian Reed-Warbler) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by JimL
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by JimL
Gallinula tenebrosa (Dusky Moorhen) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by JimL
Spatula rhynchotis (Australasian Shoveler) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by JimL
Lalage tricolor (White-winged Triller) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Spatula rhynchotis (Australasian Shoveler) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Gallinago hardwickii (Latham's Snipe) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Zapornia tabuensis (Spotless Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Porphyrio melanotus (Australasian Swamphen) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Anas gracilis (Grey Teal) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Malurus cyaneus (Superb Fairywren) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Zapornia pusilla (Baillon's Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Aythya australis (Hardhead) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Rhipidura leucophrys (Willie Wagtail) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Gallinula tenebrosa (Dusky Moorhen) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Acrocephalus australis (Australian Reed-Warbler) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Gallinago hardwickii (Latham's Snipe) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Neochmia temporalis (Red-browed Finch) at Fyshwick, ACT - 11 Oct 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Ptilotula penicillata (White-plumed Honeyeater) at Fyshwick, ACT - 7 Oct 2023 by patrick25
Gerygone fusca (Western Gerygone) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Carduelis carduelis (European Goldfinch) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Caligavis chrysops (Yellow-faced Honeyeater) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Zapornia pusilla (Baillon's Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Anas superciliosa (Pacific Black Duck) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Zapornia pusilla (Baillon's Crake) at Fyshwick, ACT - 3 Oct 2023 by RodDeb
Lampropholis delicata (Delicate Skink) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by RodDeb
Pachycephala pectoralis (Golden Whistler) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by RodDeb
Egretta novaehollandiae (White-faced Heron) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by RodDeb
Stictonetta naevosa (Freckled Duck) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by RodDeb
Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by RodDeb
Haliaeetus leucogaster (White-bellied Sea-Eagle) at Fyshwick, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by RodDeb
Noctuidae unclassified IMMATURE moth (Immature Noctuidae Moth) at Fyshwick, ACT - 9 Sep 2023 by Christine
Pachycephala pectoralis (Golden Whistler) at Fyshwick, ACT - 6 Sep 2023 by RodDeb
Egretta novaehollandiae (White-faced Heron) at Fyshwick, ACT - 25 Aug 2023 by RodDeb
Turdus merula (Eurasian Blackbird) at Fyshwick, ACT - 25 Aug 2023 by RodDeb
Poodytes gramineus (Little Grassbird) at Fyshwick, ACT - 16 Aug 2023 by RodDeb
Porphyrio melanotus (Australasian Swamphen) at Fyshwick, ACT - 8 Aug 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot) at Fyshwick, ACT - 8 Aug 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Malurus cyaneus (Superb Fairywren) at Fyshwick, ACT - 24 Jul 2023 by JimL
Poodytes gramineus (Little Grassbird) at Fyshwick, ACT - 24 Jul 2023 by JimL
Fulica atra (Eurasian Coot) at Fyshwick, ACT - 24 Jul 2023 by JimL

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 4 Abundance
  • 21 Sep 2020 02:54 PM Recorded on
  • RodDeb Recorded by

Additional information

  • 50mm or larger Animal size
  • Male Gender

Species information

Record quality

  • Overall Fit for scientific/research use
  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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