Elytral Apices

Locating the elytral apices

The elytra are the two large sclerites posterior to the pronotum, which cover the wings. The elytral apices are tips of each elytron, where they meet along the elytral suture.

Figure 1. Dorsal view of Anoplognathus. Move cursor over image to locate character.

Photo Figure 1© Kindi Smith, Australian Museum

Shape of elytral apices

There are two states

1. apex of each elytron truncate or feebly rounded, so that apices are contiguous or almost so (Figure 2A)

2. apex of each elytron rounded, curving inwards to suture, with angle of more than 130 degrees between each elyton at sutural apex (Figure 2Bi and 2Bii)

   
   

Figure 2. Posterior view of elytral apices.

Move cursor over small image to view larger image

scale bar equals 1mm Photos Figure 2 © Kindi Smith, Australian Museum

Copyright © Australian Museum 2016
Authors: Chris Reid & Kindi Smith