Identification
sclerite noun - the
chitinous plates constituting the hard surface of an insect. They usually do not correspond to particular anatomical areas (particular segments of the thorax or abdomen, for instance). Sclerites in particular areas are given specific names:
tergites - on the dorsal surface of the body
laterogites - on the lateral part of the dorsal surface
pleurites - on the pleural region, derived from the base of limbs (legs)
sternites - on the ventral surface
Sclerotins are the insoluble cross-linked proteins that stiffen the flexible
chitin of the insect
cuticle. The hardening process of the cuticle is called
sclerotization, and the cuticle is then said to be
sclerotized.
