pronotum noun - the upper surface of the prothorax, the first segment of the thorax. Shape of the pronotum is often important in identification of beetles, and many other groups. Adjectival form is pronotal.

Photos illustrating the pronotum:

See Also

Divisions of thorax (front | middle | rear):

prothorax | mesothorax | metathorax

Dorsal surface of thorax (notum):

pronotum | mesonotum | metanotum

Lateral (pleural) surface of thorax:

propleuron | mesopleuron | metapleuron

Ventral surface of thorax:

prosternum | mesosternum | metasternum

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 737 (1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Works Cited

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

Contributed by Cotinis on 22 May, 2007 - 8:21pm
Last updated 12 October, 2009 - 7:40pm

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