Sunday, June 19, 2011

Elytra


Today I concentrated on trying to take pictures of the Milkweed Borer Beetle as he took off in flight. I got this photo with his wings (Elytra) in focus, but not his eyes. I will try again, but in the meantime I learned the new word - Elytra. Elytra are the forewings of beetles. Milkweed borers have them and so do ladybugs and other beetles. The Elytra are colorful and protect the beetle from predators. But when the beetle wants to fly, he has to raise the elytra and then spread his real wings which are stored under the elytra.

Oh the wonders of the natural world.

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