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
-
6 = Diptera scutellum
-
9 = Coleoptera scutellum
-
10 = Formicidae scutellum
See also
References
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Wikispecies-logo.svg/34px-Wikispecies-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- ^ 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.
![](/s/i/modif.png)