damselfly

[dam-zuhl-flahy]

noun

plural

damselflies 

1. any of numerous slender, nonstinging insects of the order Odonata (suborder Zygoptera), distinguished from the dragonflies by having the wings folded back in line with the body when at rest.

damselfly

/ ˈdæmzəlˌflaɪ /

noun

1. any insect of the suborder Zygoptera similar to but smaller than dragonflies and usually resting with the wings closed over the back: order Odonata

Word History and Origins

Origin of damselfly¹

First recorded in 1805–15; damsel + fly ¹

Example Sentences

"We must act now to support the wildlife that live there, including Atlantic salmon and southern damselfly."

From BBC

A damselfly gazes through a hole in a vibrant green leaf, offering a rare glimpse into its delicate world in Sundarganj, Bangladesh.

From BBC

For over 20 years, a research team at Lund University in Sweden has studied the common bluetail damselfly.

From Science Daily

The most underrepresented species, the researchers found, include critically endangered ones like the dinosaur ant of southern Australia, the crimson Hawaiian damselfly, and the harnessed tiger moth found in eastern North America.

From Salon

In other words, when rural or city damselfly and flea populations are matched, there seems to be more balance—as you’d expect if two populations are evolving in step with each other.

From Scientific American