Which term describes the protective outer covering of beetle wings?

• A. Tegmina
• B. Scales
• C. Elytra
• D. Hemelytra

Answer: (C)

Beetles use a hard protective shield for their forewings. These front wings are modified into rigid coverings called elytra. The elytra stay closed over the hind wings and abdomen when the insect is at rest, protecting the delicate flight wings beneath and the body from damage. When the beetle wants to fly, the hind wings unfold from under the elytra, while the elytra largely stay in place or open only slightly.

This differs from other wing forms: tegmina are leathery forewings found in some insects like crickets and related groups, serving mainly protection; hemelytra are the partly hardened forewings of true bugs, with a thickened base and a membranous tip; scales are the tiny plate-like coverings seen on many Lepidoptera wings (butterflies and moths).