Answer: elytra

AnswerCrossword Clue
ELYTRAFront wings in beetles
elytraone of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings
elytraone of the anterior wings in beetles and some other insects that serve to protect the posterior pair of functional wings
elytraELYTRUM, a hardened forewing of certain insects, also ELYTRON