PARTS OF AN INSECT. 61 



have the half nearer the body dense and stiff, while the 

 remaining portion of the wing is very thin, or membranous. 



In the beetles the front wings are hard throughout, and 

 in most of them are bent and moulded to the shape of the 

 body, and, when closed, form a tight cover over the hind- 

 wings. 



The forward-wings of a beetle are so unlike ordinary 

 wings, that they are not called wings, but are known as 

 elytra^ a single one being called an elytron. 



59. When insects are at rest, they generally bring their 

 wings into a position different from that taken by them in 

 flight. In certain dragon-flies, however, the wings when 



Butterfly at rest with wings 

 meeting over the back. 



Moth at rest with the winps 



Fiu. 63. INSECTS AT BEST. 



at rest assume the same position as they do when flying. In 

 the butterfly the wings are brought together over the back 

 when at rest, while the moths, with few exceptions, rest them 

 sloping over the abdomen, the front-wings covering the hinder- 

 wings. 



