sclerite
/ˈsklɪraɪt/
noun
- A hard, plate-like part of the exoskeleton of an arthropod (such as an insect, spider, or crustacean).
- Sclerites protect the soft inner organs of arthropods.
- Each segment of an insect's body is covered by several sclerites.
- The scientist identified the beetle species by the pattern of sclerites on its back.
Synonyms