Noun
The word is derived from elytron
of Elytrum
Source: Webster's dictionaryA beetle's flight wings are crossed with veins and are folded after landing, often along these veins, and stored below the elytra. Source: Internet
Adult crawling water beetles use both their elytra and their hind coxae (the basal segment of the back legs) in air retention, citation while whirligig beetles simply carry an air bubble down with them whenever they dive. Source: Internet
The tergum in almost all species is membranous, or usually soft and concealed by the wings and elytra when not in flight. Source: Internet
Many have the two elytra fused together, forming a solid shield over the abdomen. Source: Internet