Elytron

Elytra ( wing covers also ) is a collective term for various types of thickened and hardened forewings of many insects. Through a stronger sclerotization a higher strength is achieved. So that this does not lead to excessively rigid and brittle wings, a stronger Chitinisierung takes place in the rule.

Elytra types

Depending on the nature and distribution of thickened regions different deck panel types are distinguished:

• Elytra are always loose vein, often greatly thickened forewings of beetles ( Coleoptera), earwigs ( Dermaptera ) and other insects. In beetles of the margin also turned up and forms the so-called Epipleuren.

• Tegmina are always provided with veins still clearly recognizable, -derived from the trachea, thickened forewings of stick insects ( Phasmatodea ), cockroaches ( Blattodea ), Short ( caelifera ) and long horned crickets ( Ensifera ) and other insects.

• Hemielytren are thickened in the basal part about two-thirds of the front wing of the bugs ( Heteroptera). Your Back -third is membranous.

• Pseudoelytren are only slightly thicker than the hind wings trained, forewing of some insects.

Function

All types of elytra have the function of the abdomen and, if present, to protect the delicate hind wings against mechanical influences. Since they are always pigmented, they often carry significantly to the appearance of the respective insect. This means that they (eg the wanderers leaves) as well as support of warning signals (eg ladybugs ) or may be part of the warning garb both important part of the camouflage (eg when the Real Aries Bock).

Situation in the air

At rest, the elytra cover the abdomen or depending on the length of which at least parts.

In flight, they are diagonally folded forward to allow the rear, flying enabling pair of wings can be unfolded. Only when the rose beetles ( Cetoniinae ) the elytra after deployment of the hind wings are placed back over the abdomen. The hind wings are fully deployed and operational by special grooves on the edge of the closed while flying wing covers.

Shape and size

Elytra may be hairy, bristles, spines, smooth or sculptured. They do not always cover the entire abdomen:

• The elytra of rove beetles ( Staphylinidae ), blister beetles ( Meloidae ) and some longhorn beetles ( Cerambycidae ) are greatly shortened and leave almost the entire abdomen free. For common beetles ( Cantharidae ) and shipyard beetles ( Lymexylonidae ) let free only Abdomenspitze. For other groups of beetles, the two elytra may be grown on the elytra seam as in some ground beetles ( Carabidae ).

• The tegmina of many stick insects, cockroaches, short and long horned crickets are greatly reduced and often cover only the base of the hind wings.

Pictures

Dicladispa testacea with spiny covering wings

Ocypus olens with shortened wing covers

Leather beetles ( Carabus coriaceus ) with closed and fused wing covers