noun
- One of a pair of hardened, protective forewings in beetles and some other insects, typically covering the hindwings.
Usage: Usually used in plural form 'elytra'; Technical/scientific term in entomology
Examples
- The beetle's elytra are shiny and metallic green.
- Under the elytra, the delicate hindwings are folded and protected.
- Entomologists examine the patterns on the elytra to identify beetle species.
- The ladybug's red elytra have black spots.
- When the beetle takes flight, it lifts its elytra to reveal the wings beneath.