Elytra, or WING-COVERS, a term applied to the fore-wings of beetles (Coleoptera), which are modified to form more or less tough and hard coverings for the hind pair. The term Hemelytra is applied to the short, firm fore-wings of Earwigs (q.v.) (Dermaptera). See INSECTS, BEETLES.
Elytra
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 4: Dionysius to Friction, p. 311
Source scan(s): p. 0320