Entom. Pl. -æ. [L., a tile, f. teg-ĕre to cover.] a. A small scale-like structure covering the base of the fore-wing in hymenopterous and other insects. b. Each of a pair of membranous scales (PREHALTERES) in front of the halteres in dipterous insects.
1826. Kirby & Sp., Entomol., xxxiii. III. 377. Tegulæ..., small corneous concavo-convex scales, which in many Orders, particularly Hymenoptera, cover and defend the base of the Upper-Wings. Ibid., xlvii. IV. 381. The tegulæ, or base-covers … cover and defend the base of their wings.
