Elytron

For the elytra of annelids, see Elytron (annelid anatomy). For the academic journal, see Elytron (journal).
The elytra of this cockchafer beetle are readily distinguished from the transparent hindwings.

An elytron (/ˈɛlətrɒn/;[1] from Ancient Greek ἔλυτρον (élutron) 'sheath, cover'; pl.: elytra, /ˈɛlətrə/)[1][2][3][4] is a modified, hardened forewing of beetles (Coleoptera), though a few of the true bugs (Hemiptera) such as the family Schizopteridae are extremely similar; in true bugs, the forewings are called hemelytra (sometimes alternatively spelled as "hemielytra"), and in most species only the basal half is thickened while the apex is membranous, but when they are entirely thickened the condition is referred to as "coleopteroid".[5] An elytron is sometimes also referred to as a shard.[6]

Hemelytra in Schizopteridae; figures B and C are considered "coleopteroid" as they lack membrane
Ripiphorus fasciatus-complex, female
  1. ^ a b "elytron". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster.
  2. ^ Michelle Gleeson (2016), Miniature Lives: Identifying Insects in Your Home and Garden, CSIRO Publishing, p. 313, ISBN 9781486301386
  3. ^ Augustus Radcliffe Grote (1909), Canadian Entomologist, vol. 41, Entomological Society of Canada
  4. ^ ἔλυτρον. Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert; A Greek–English Lexicon at the Perseus Project.
  5. ^ Tihelka, Erik et al. “Mimicry in Cretaceous Bugs.” iScience vol. 23,7 (2020): 101280. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2020.101280
  6. ^ "Definition of SHARD". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-03-26.