Elytral Margin

Locating the elytral margin

The elytra are the two large sclerites posterior to the pronotum, which cover the wings. The elytral margin is found at the lateral edge of each elytron.

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

Photo Figures 1© Kindi Smith, Australian Museum

Elytral margin structure

There are two states

1. mediolaterally explanate, or sinuate, so that part of margin in basal half is flatter and slightly projecting (Figure 2A)

2. not medially expanded, without any expansion of the margin (Figure 2B)

Figure 2. Dorsal view of elytral margin. Move cursor over small image to view larger image. Move cursor over larger image to locate expanded margins

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

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