damselfly

[ dam-zuhl-flahy ]

noun

, plural dam·sel·flies.

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

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

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

From BBC

The plan also calls for a cultural preserve around a Native Hawaiian temple and measures to protect the habitat of an endangered native damselfly.

From Washington Times