Damselfly: meaning, definitions and examples
🦋
damselfly
[ ˈdæm.zəl.flaɪ ]
insect type
A damselfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, which also includes dragonflies. They are typically smaller and more slender than dragonflies, often with a delicate appearance. Damselflies are characterized by their two pairs of wings, which are usually held together above their bodies when at rest.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The damselfly landed gracefully on the water lily.
- She observed the colorful damselflies fluttering near the pond.
- He captured a photo of a damselfly perched on a leaf.
- The garden was alive with the presence of damselflies during summer.
- Wildlife watchers are often fascinated by the different species of damselflies.
Translations
Translations of the word "damselfly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 libélula
🇮🇳 डैमसेलफ्लाई
🇩🇪 Süßwasserlibelle
🇮🇩 capung
🇺🇦 бабка
🇵🇱 ważka
🇯🇵 メダカトンボ
🇫🇷 demoiselle
🇪🇸 damsel
🇹🇷 damselfly
🇰🇷 다리벌레
🇸🇦 ذباب النمس
🇨🇿 vážka
🇸🇰 vážka
🇨🇳 豆娘
🇸🇮 žužemberk
🇮🇸 damsel flugur
🇰🇿 шабақ
🇬🇪 დამსელფლი
🇦🇿 damselfly
🇲🇽 libélula
Etymology
The word 'damselfly' originates from the combination of 'damsel' and 'fly'. The term 'damsel' has historically been associated with a young girl or a maiden, and it is thought to refer to the delicate and graceful nature of these insects, resembling the charm of a young woman. The word 'fly' simply denotes that they are flying insects. The use of 'damsel' likely stems from medieval times, when such graceful creatures were noted in literature and lore for their beauty. The scientific classification of damselflies places them in the suborder Zygoptera, distinguishing them from their more robust relatives, the dragonflies (Anisoptera). Over time, entomologists have studied damselflies extensively, revealing their role in ecosystems, particularly in aquatic environments where their larvae develop. Today, damselflies are appreciated not only for their ecological significance but also for their aesthetic appeal.