What is an elytron? What are elytra?

Elytra are the wing cases of beetles. Wing cases are also called sheaths or shards.

One wing sheath is called an elytron. The plural is elytra.

Rhesus Capricorn Beetle

An elytron is a hard, protective wing case for a beetle’s hindwings (back wings), which are used for flying.

To fly, a beetle opens the elytra and extends its hindwings. So, beetles fly with their elytra open.

Elytra (wing cases)

Photo: Beetle (Melolontha melolontha) by Mario Sarto, 30 April 2004

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM