elytron
noun
one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This beetle has prominent white bands of hair on its elytra and across much of its body.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026
The elytra, which formerly covered the wings, are protective and don't help with flight.
From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024
The diabolical ironclad beetle lost the ability to fly long ago, but it kept the elytra.
From NewsForKids.net ● Feb. 23, 2024
One early idea that was proposed as an explanation is that beetles have hardened forewings, called elytra, that form a protective capsule over their flight wings.
From Scientific American ● Sep. 27, 2023
There is a very distinct scutellem, and the two elytra are rounded at the tip and without venation.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 648, June 2, 1888. by Various
