One of the anterior pair of wings in the Coleoptera and some other insects, when they are thick and serve only as a protection for the posterior pair.

the forewings of Coleoptera (beetles). Elytra are leathery or chitinous covers that serve as protection for the hind wings. The elytra are not used in active flapping during flight, but when the beetle is at rest they normally meet in a straight line down the middle of the dorsum (upper surface). View image

either of the horny front wings in beetles and some other insects which cover and protect the functional hind wings

Hardened front wings of a beetle.

Hardened front wing of a beetle.

The anterior leathery or chitinous wings of beetles, serving as coverings to the hind wings, commonly meeting in a straight line down the middle of the body when the beetle is at rest and not flying.

a thick, hard front wing

(plural elytra) The hard and horny wing case of a beetle. In stag beetles Lucanus cervus they have a lovely chestnut colour.

An elytron (plural: elytra) is a modified, hardened forewing of certain insect orders, notably beetles (Coleoptera) and true bugs (Hemiptera). An elytron is sometimes also referred to as a shard.