Scutellum (insect anatomy)

Anatomical structure on insects

The scutellum is the posterior portion of either the mesonotum or the metanotum of an insect thorax; however, it is used almost exclusively in the former context, as the metanotum is rather reduced in most insect groups. In the Hemiptera, and some Coleoptera, the scutellum is a small triangular plate behind the pronotum and between the forewing bases.[1] In Diptera and Hymenoptera, the scutellum is nearly always distinct, but much smaller than (and immediately posterior to) the mesoscutum.

  • Scutellum in various types of insect
  • 26 = Heteroptera scutellum
    26 = Heteroptera scutellum
  • 6 = Diptera scutellum
    6 = Diptera scutellum
  • 9 = Coleoptera scutellum
    9 = Coleoptera scutellum
  • 10 = Formicidae scutellum
    10 = Formicidae scutellum

See also

  • Scutoid

References

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  1. ^ Richards, O. W.; Davies, R. G. (1977). Imms' General Textbook of Entomology: Volume 1: Structure, Physiology and Development; Volume 2: Classification and Biology. Berlin: Springer. ISBN 0-412-61390-5.