Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Materials Facet
3. Materials (hierarchy name)
4. materials (substances)
5. [materials by origin]
6. biological material
7. animal material
8. chitinous material

Anotations

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.