elytra

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elytra

insect anatomy

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June 26, 2026

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The term "elytra" refers to the hardened forewings of beetles and some other insects, serving as protective covers for the delicate hindwings. These wing covers are characteristic of the order Coleoptera. In net-winged beetles (family Lycidae), the elytra are notably broader at the tip than at the base and feature a raised, veined network. Some insects, like leaf insects (family Phylliidae), also have elytra that resemble leaves, aiding in camouflage. In heteropterans, the forewings, also called hemelytra, are stiff at the base and membranous at the tip, folding over the hindwings when at rest. The evolution of elytra may be linked to the habit of living under tree bark, where protection for wings is essential.123456

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Coleoptera
Distinguishing taxonomic features
…hard and brittle, are called elytra and usually serve only as protective covers. A few beetles have greatly reduced wings. Variations in the structure of the first abdominal segment is one criterion used to separate the various suborders of Coleoptera; the hind coxal leg segments (by which the legs are…
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…hard and brittle, are called elytra and usually serve only as protective covers. A few beetles have greatly reduced wings. Variations in the structure of the first abdominal segment is one criterion used to separate the various suborders of Coleoptera; the hind coxal leg segments (by which the legs are…
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Coleoptera
Evolution and paleontology
…they consist mostly of isolated elytra, which reveal little about the history of the order. Complete fossil specimens are closely related to living forms. The evolution of elytra may have been associated with the habit of living under the bark of trees, where protection for flying wings is required. Most…
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…they consist mostly of isolated elytra, which reveal little about the history of the order. Complete fossil specimens are closely related to living forms. The evolution of elytra may have been associated with the habit of living under the bark of trees, where protection for flying wings is required. Most…
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Coleoptera
Pupae
…the adult except that the elytra are represented by pads on the exterior of the body; the color, generally white, is sometimes pale brown or patterned. As the time for emergence of the adult approaches, the pupa may darken, especially the mandibles and eyes. After emerging from the pupal skin,…
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…the adult except that the elytra are represented by pads on the exterior of the body; the color, generally white, is sometimes pale brown or patterned. As the time for emergence of the adult approaches, the pupa may darken, especially the mandibles and eyes. After emerging from the pupal skin,…
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rove beetle
The short, thick elytra protect the second, fully developed pair of flying wings. These functional wings can be unfolded rapidly from under the elytra when the beetle is ready for flight. They must be refolded carefully after use, however, often with the aid of both the abdomen and…
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The short, thick elytra protect the second, fully developed pair of flying wings. These functional wings can be unfolded rapidly from under the elytra when the beetle is ready for flight. They must be refolded carefully after use, however, often with the aid of both the abdomen and…
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sap beetle
In some species the elytra (wing covers) cover the abdomen, while in others the tip of the abdomen is exposed. The picnic beetle (Glischrochilus fasciatus), a common North American species, is shiny black with two yellow-orange bands across the elytra.
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In some species the elytra (wing covers) cover the abdomen, while in others the tip of the abdomen is exposed. The picnic beetle (Glischrochilus fasciatus), a common North American species, is shiny black with two yellow-orange bands across the elytra.
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