What is the primary function of the hardened forewings known as elytra?
Answer
Protection for the fragile flight wings and body segments
The elytra serve primarily as armor, protecting the delicate, membranous hindwings underneath and shielding the softer thoracic and abdominal segments from physical damage and desiccation.
Related Questions
What is the single most important physical characteristic identifying a beetle?What defines the mouthpart characteristic of the order Coleoptera?What is the primary function of the hardened forewings known as elytra?Which anatomical structure is dedicated entirely to locomotion in a beetle?What is the rigid outer casing of a beetle made primarily of, which must be shed for growth?What mechanism causes the iridescent blues, greens, and golds seen on many flashy beetle species?Which type of leg adaptation is designed specifically for digging?What characteristic antenna shape is often used to detect pheromones and is described as having plates that can fan out?What does the scientific name for beetles, *Coleoptera*, literally mean?Which type of coloration, responsible for reds and yellows, is relatively fixed and may fade over time?If a beetle has legs modified for running, what type of leg structure does it possess?What is a potential biomechanical consequence of the heavy armor provided by the elytra on flight efficiency?