Scutellum (insect anatomy)

{{short description|Anatomical structure on insects}}

{{Refimprove|date=December 2009}}

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.{{cite book |author1=Richards, O. W. |author2=Davies, R. G. |year=1977 |title=Imms' General Textbook of Entomology: Volume 1: Structure, Physiology and Development; Volume 2: Classification and Biology |publisher=Springer |location=Berlin |isbn=0-412-61390-5 }} In Diptera and Hymenoptera, the scutellum is nearly always distinct, but much smaller than (and immediately posterior to) the mesoscutum.

File:Heteroptera morphology-d.svg|26 = Heteroptera scutellum

File:Housefly anatomy-key.svg|6 = Diptera scutellum

File:Coléoptère schématique.jpg|9 = Coleoptera scutellum

File:Scheme ant worker anatomy-numbered.svg|10 = Formicidae scutellum