Heteropter

/ˈhetərəˌptər/ noun

Definition

An insect with wings that differ from each other in structure, form, or function.

Etymology

From Greek 'hetero-' (different) + 'pter' (from 'pteron' meaning wing). This entomological term emerged in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

All beetles are heteropters—their front pair of wings (elytra) are hardened into protective shells, while the back pair are the actual flying wings, a design that's protected insects for 300 million years.

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