Tegmina
- Pronunciation
- /TEG-muh-nuh/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Tegmen
- Plural
- Tegmina
Definition
The leathery, protective forewings of certain insects, such as grasshoppers and cockroaches, which cover and protect the membranous hind wings.
Etymology
From Latin 'tegmen', meaning 'covering' or 'skin'.
Example
The tegmina of the grasshopper are essential for protecting its delicate hind wings when not in flight.
Synonyms
- Forewings
- Protective wings
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Tegmina are typically more rigid and less transparent than the hind wings they protect. They are primarily found in certain orders of insects, including Orthoptera and Blattodea.