Based on the shell and plate theory, this paper uses the divide-and-combine method (DCM) to derive an analytical out-of-plane compression buckling limit expression of the basic unit of the core layer of a grid beetle elytron plate (GBEP); the accuracy of expression and the mechanism of GBEP unit buckling are investigated through experiments and finite element (FE) simulation. The results show that: (1) the theoretical expression of the out-of-plane compression buckling limit of aGBEP unit obtained byDCMis applicable and is closer to the test results than the classical solution of the out-of-plane compressive buckling of a cylindrical shell and the theoretical result of Flugge. Based on this, a modified expression of the theoretical result of Flugge's compressive buckling limit load is proposed. (2) Given the significant differences between the theoretical values obtained in this paper and the experimental values, the out-of-plane compressive buckling resistance of the GBEP unit and its mechanism are investigated from the viewpoints of structural parameters eta (the ratio of the radius of the trabeculae to the width of the element) and deformation process; the synergistic mechanism of the honeycomb-trabeculae structure is also studied. This paper contributes to improving the bionic system derived from the beetle's forewing.