damselfly

American  

[dam-zuhl-flahy] / ˈdæm zəlˌflaɪ /

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.

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damselfly British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of damselfly

First recorded in 1805–15; damsel + fly ¹

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily • Nov. 17, 2023

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 • Feb. 7, 2023

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 • Mar. 25, 2022

Species expanding their range include the emperor dragonfly, migrant hawker, ruddy darter, black-tailed skimmer and small red-eyed damselfly.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2021

She gobbled it down and chased a damselfly out the open door into the yard.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk