beetle elytra

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Scope note
The hard exoskeletal components composed of chitin that covers the wings of a beetle (Coleopter). Elytra provide protection from heat, wind, and moisture evaporation allowing beetles to live in adverse conditions, such as a desert environment. Beetle elytra often have bright jewel-tone colors and an iridescence due to the interference of light between the multiple layers of chitin. They have been used as applied decoration on textile and other cultural artifacts.
beetle elytra
Accepted term: 03-Feb-2025