What name is given to the hard forewings of beetles?

What name is given to the hard forewings of beetles? The hard forewings of beetles are called elytra.

An individual forewing is an elytron; the plural form, elytra, is commonly used for the pair. These hardened structures usually meet along the beetle’s back and act as protective wing cases for the delicate flight wings and abdomen beneath them.

When a beetle takes off, it generally raises the elytra and unfolds the membranous hindwings stored underneath. The elytra themselves are usually not used for powered flight, although some beetles can fly with them partly or fully closed.

Elytra vary widely. In flightless beetles they may be fused into a shield, while in some groups they are shortened or reduced. Their protective role helps explain why beetles can survive abrasion, debris and attacks that would damage exposed flight wings.