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Elytra

Elytra (singular elytron) are the tough fore wings of beetles and earwigs. The elytra are not used in flight but are used to protect the more delicate hind wings. The elytra are often coloured or decorated with pits and grooves.

A photograph of a summer chafer (_Amphimallon solstitialis_) showing the elytra

A photograph of a summer chafer (Amphimallon solstitialis) showing the elytra.

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