scutellum, scutella, scutellar, scutum

Classification · Pronunciation · Explanation of Names · Identification · See Also · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

No Taxon (Glossary --use Taxonomy, then Info tabs to view entries)

No Taxon (S)

No Taxon scutellum, scutella, scutellar, scutum

Pronunciation

skew-TELL-um; skew-TELL-ah; skew-TELL-ahr; SKEW-tum.

Explanation of Names

From Latin scutum, shield. Scutellum is New Latin, meaning "little shield".

Identification

scutum noun - the anterior portion of the mesonotum, especially when enlarged (in certain groups) and forming most of the dorsal surface of the thorax.

scutellum noun, plural scutella, adjective scutellar - the third section of the upper surface of a segment, very prominent on the thorax, especially in Coleoptera (beetles) of which it is the only visible portion of the mesonotum. It is also prominent in many true bugs, Heteroptera. The scutellum typically forms a little triangle at the base of the folded wings, pointing towards the tip (apex) of the abdomen.

Also: any small, shield-like sclerite.

Photos showing a prominent scutellum:

See Also

Divisions of thorax (front | middle | rear):

prothorax | mesothorax | metathorax

Dorsal surface of thorax (notum):

pronotum | mesonotum (scutellum) | metanotum

Lateral (pleural) surface of thorax:

propleuron | mesopleuron | metapleuron

Ventral surface of thorax:

prosternum | mesosternum | metasternum

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 820 (1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Wikipedia: Scutellum

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology By George Gordh, David H. Headrick

Contributed by Cotinis on 21 May, 2007 - 10:46am
Additional contributions by Tony-2, Abigail Parker
Last updated 14 September, 2009 - 11:01am

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