damselfly: see dragonfly dragonfly, any insect of the order Odonata, which also includes the damselfly. Members of this order are generally large predatory insects and characteristically have chewing mouthparts and four membranous, net-veined wings; they undergo complete metamorphosis.
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Any of numerous predaceous insects of the suborder Zygoptera (order Odonata) having eyes that project to each side. When at rest, the damselfly holds its narrow, membranous, net-veined wings vertically rather than horizontally, unlike dragonflies. Damselflies are more delicate and weak-flying than dragonflies but are similar in having male copulatory organs at the front part of the abdomen. They commonly fly in tandem during mating.
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damselfly
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Male jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx splendens).
(credit: G.I. Bernard—Oxford Scientific Films Ltd.)
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