Damselflies are
insects of suborder
Zygoptera in the order
Odonata. They are similar to
dragonflies, which constitute the other odonatan suborder,
Anisoptera, but are smaller, have slimmer bodies, and most species fold the wings along the body when at rest. An ancient group, damselflies have existed since at least the
Lower Permian, and are found on every continent except
Antarctica.