Elytron (annelid anatomy)

In annelids, elytra (/-trə/; from Greek ἔλυτρον "sheath, cover"; sg.

: elytron /ˈɛlətrɒn/)[1] are shield-like scales that are attached dorsally, one pair on each of a number of alternating segments and entirely or partly cover the dorsum.

[2] Elytra are modified dorsal cirri, and their number, size, location, and ornamentation are important taxonomic characters.

Annelids possessing elytra are also known as "scale worms".

Possession of elytra is characteristic of the annelid suborder Aphroditiformia.