tergum noun, plural terga - The superior, upper or dorsal portion of a segment (especially of the abdomen), separated from the venter by sutural lines, and divided into segments which are generally, especially in the case of the abdomen, perforated on each side, by the spiracles. May consist of several sclerites. See diagram:

tergite noun - a dorsal plate of the exoskeleton, especially of the abdomen. From Latin tergum, the back, plus ite, constituent.

Image

Metasomal tergum 1 of a potter wasp Symmorphus albomarginatus

See Also

sclerite

tergum, tergite (dorsal)

laterogite (dorsolateral)

pleuron, pleurite (lateral)

sternum, sternite (ventral)

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 915(1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.

Contributed by Chuck Entz on 31 May, 2007 - 1:54am
Additional contributions by cotinis, Beatriz Moisset
Last updated 8 January, 2010 - 4:35pm

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