An elytron ( from Greek : ἔλυτρον ; plural : elytra ) is a modified , hardened forewing of certain insect orders , notably beetles ( Coleoptera ) and a few of the true bugs ( Heteroptera ) ; in most true bugs , the forewings are instead called hemelytra , as only the basal half is thickened while the apex is membranous .
In most true bugs , the forewings are called hemelytra , as only the basal half is thickened while the apex is membranous .