What is this close-up picture? (WotsThat: ladybird wing case)

Question

What object is shown in this zoomed-in close-up photo?

Accepted Answer

ladybird wing case. Ladybird wing cases are actually hardened front wings called elytra that act like a protective shield, but here's the wild part: they're not connected to the delicate flying wings underneath, which fold up origami-style into an impossibly compact space that takes up less than half the beetle's body. When a ladybird takes off, those rigid cases snap open sideways in a split-second motion that scientists are still studying to understand how such a small creature manages such explosive aerodynamics.

Answer: ladybird wing case

More insect close-ups