Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: tangoblue on 21/05/2010 21:15:14

Title: Does anyone have a clue...
Post by: tangoblue on 21/05/2010 21:15:14

does anyone know what the hard shell that opens on a beetle is called.

Title: Does anyone have a clue...
Post by: Bored chemist on 22/05/2010 16:46:30

Carapace?

Title: Does anyone have a clue...
Post by: LeeE on 22/05/2010 17:16:31

Carapace was the first thing that sprung to my mind too, but carapaces don't open.  I believe that what tangoblue is thinking of are called the Wing Covers.

Title: Does anyone have a clue...
Post by: RD on 22/05/2010 17:57:21

Quote

elytron, elytrum  n. (pl. -ra) insect's hardened forewing, forming case for hind wing.

http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/difficultwords/data/d0005034.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elytron

Title: Does anyone have a clue...
Post by: LeeE on 22/05/2010 19:01:36

Quote from: RD on 22/05/2010 17:57:21

Quote

elytron, elytrum  n. (pl. -ra) insect's hardened forewing, forming case for hind wing.

http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/difficultwords/data/d0005034.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elytron

Yup, that's the fella.  I think I've also heard them called Wing Cases too.

Title: Does anyone have a clue...
Post by: tangoblue on 18/07/2010 02:37:40

The carapace rings a bell, i thaught that there was only one outside 'hard shell'.