damselfly

This term refers to a specific group of insects that are frequently mistaken for dragonflies. The primary visual distinction for a layperson is the resting position of the wings; while dragonflies keep their wings spread flat, damselflies typically fold them together along their abdomen.

In a biological context, the word carries a neutral, descriptive tone. It is used primarily in entomology and nature writing to specify a smaller, more delicate member of the Odonata order.