An elytron ( / ˈɛlɪtrɒn /; from Greek ἔλυτρον "sheath, cover"; plural: elytra /- trə /) is a modified, hardened forewing of certain insect orders, notably beetles (Coleoptera) and a few of the true bugs ( Hemiptera) such as the family Schizopteridae; in most true bugs, the forewings are instead called hemelytra (sometimes alternatively spelled as ...
Adult beetles are distinguished from all other insects by the presence of hardened forewings called elytra (sing., elytron) that cover and protect the membranous hindwings (Fig. 9.1). Coleoptera means “sheath-winged” in Greek. The size range of beetles is impressive, varying from 0.4 to 167 mm; however, most species are 2–20 mm long.
DA:60PA:16MOZ Rank:69
Elytron - definition of elytron by The Free Dictionary
el·y·tron. (ĕl′ĭ-trŏn′) n. pl. el·y·tra (-trə) Either of the leathery or chitinous forewings of a beetle or a related insect, serving to encase the membranous hind wings used in flight. Also called wing case. [New Latin, from Greek elutron, sheath; see wel- in Indo-European roots .] el′y·troid′ (-troid′) adj.
DA:19PA:50MOZ Rank:7
ELYTRON | 5 Definitions of Elytron - YourDictionary
elytron (plural elytra) A sheath or outer covering, especially around the spinal cord or over the hindwings of certain insects. 1997 , Thomas Pynchon, Mason & Dixon :
Elytra (singular elytron) are the tough fore wings of beetles and earwigs. The elytra are not used in flight but are used to protect the more delicate hind wings. The elytra are often coloured or decorated with pits and grooves. A photograph of a summer chafer (Amphimallon solstitialis) showing the elytra. Related terms. Coleoptera; Dermaptera ...
DA:15PA:4MOZ Rank:97
Mechanical Properties of the Beetle Elytron, a Biological ...
cuticle-rich structure, the beetle elytron or modified forewing. Beetles are studied as they comprise the dominant order of insects, they include species whose genetics and metabolism are relatively well understood, and specimens of their cuticle, such as the elytron, are easily acquired. Insect cuticle is a complex biocomposite. Its macroscopic