elytra
Hardened wing covers
Elytra are the hardened front wings of beetles, forming protective covers over the delicate flight wings beneath.
They meet in a straight line down the beetle's back and lift during flight.
The singular is elytron.
In the video game Minecraft, elytra are rare wings that let players glide: I finally found elytra in the End City.
Order containing beetles
- scarabBeetle held sacred anciently
- ladybugSpotted red beetle
- fireflyBioluminescent nocturnal beetle
- weevilSnouted crop beetle
carapace · forewing · hindwing · iridescence · spotting
Arthropod shell polymer
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- integumentNatural outer covering
- forewingInsect's anterior flight appendage
hindwing · thorax · abdomen · veins · membrane · hinge · suture · spiracles
Design imitating natural systems
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- deployableReady for field use
- microstructureSubmillimeter material composition
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
Concealment through visual blending
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
- glidingEngineless aerial movement
coleoptera
Order containing beetles
weevil · carapace · forewing · hindwing · iridescence · spotting
chitin
Arthropod shell polymer
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- integumentNatural outer covering
forewing · hindwing · thorax · abdomen · veins · membrane · hinge · suture · spiracles · articulation
biomimicry
Design imitating natural systems
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- deployableReady for field use
- microstructureSubmillimeter material composition
camouflage
Concealment through visual blending
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
gliding · aerodynamics · lift