An elytron (/ˈɛlətrɒn/;[1] from Ancient Greekἔλυτρον (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]
The elytra of this cockchafer beetle are readily distinguished from the transparent hindwings.Hemelytra in Schizopteridae; figures B and C are considered "coleopteroid" as they lack membraneRipiphorus fasciatus-complex, female
Descriptionedit
The elytra primarily serve as protective wing-cases for the hindwings underneath, which are used for flying. To fly, a beetle typically opens the elytra and then extends the hindwings, flying while still holding the elytra open, though many beetles in the families Scarabaeidae and Buprestidae can fly with the elytra closed (e.g., most Cetoniinae; [7]).
In a number of groups, the elytra are reduced to various degrees, (e.g., the beetle families Staphylinidae and Ripiphoridae), or secondarily lost altogether, as in various Elateroidea lineages with wingless females.
In some flightless groups, the elytra are present but fused together, and the hindwings are absent (e.g., some ground beetles (Carabidae), scarab beetles, and weevils).
^Tihelka, Erik et al. “Mimicry in Cretaceous Bugs.” iScience vol. 23,7 (2020): 101280. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2020.101280
^"Definition of SHARD". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
^Šípek, Petr; Fabrizi, Silvia; Eberle, Jonas; Ahrens, Dirk (2016). "A molecular phylogeny of rose chafers (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) reveals a complex and concerted morphological evolution related to their flight mode". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 101: 163–175. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2016.05.012. PMID 27165937.
January 01, 1970
elytron, elytra, annelids, annelid, anatomy, academic, journal, journal, elytron, from, ancient, greek, ἔλυτρον, élutron, sheath, cover, elytra, modified, hardened, forewing, beetles, coleoptera, though, true, bugs, hemiptera, such, family, schizopteridae, ext. For the elytra of annelids see Elytron annelid anatomy For the academic journal see Elytron journal An elytron ˈ ɛ l e t r ɒ n 1 from Ancient Greek ἔlytron elutron sheath cover pl elytra ˈ ɛ l e t r e 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 The elytra of this cockchafer beetle are readily distinguished from the transparent hindwings Hemelytra in Schizopteridae figures B and C are considered coleopteroid as they lack membrane Ripiphorus fasciatus complex femaleDescription editThe elytra primarily serve as protective wing cases for the hindwings underneath which are used for flying To fly a beetle typically opens the elytra and then extends the hindwings flying while still holding the elytra open though many beetles in the families Scarabaeidae and Buprestidae can fly with the elytra closed e g most Cetoniinae 7 In a number of groups the elytra are reduced to various degrees e g the beetle families Staphylinidae and Ripiphoridae or secondarily lost altogether as in various Elateroidea lineages with wingless females In some flightless groups the elytra are present but fused together and the hindwings are absent e g some ground beetles Carabidae scarab beetles and weevils References edit a b elytron Merriam Webster com Dictionary Michelle Gleeson 2016 Miniature Lives Identifying Insects in Your Home and Garden CSIRO Publishing p 313 ISBN 9781486301386 Augustus Radcliffe Grote 1909 Canadian Entomologist vol 41 Entomological Society of Canada ἔlytron Liddell Henry George Scott Robert A Greek English Lexicon at the Perseus Project Tihelka Erik et al Mimicry in Cretaceous Bugs iScience vol 23 7 2020 101280 doi 10 1016 j isci 2020 101280 Definition of SHARD www merriam webster com Retrieved 2022 03 26 Sipek Petr Fabrizi Silvia Eberle Jonas Ahrens Dirk 2016 A molecular phylogeny of rose chafers Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Cetoniinae reveals a complex and concerted morphological evolution related to their flight mode Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 101 163 175 doi 10 1016 j ympev 2016 05 012 PMID 27165937 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Elytron amp oldid 1218861754, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
