
Male jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx splendens).
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.
Learn more about damselfly with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.