sternite
/ˈstɜrnaɪt/
noun
- The ventral (belly-side) plate or segment of the body of an arthropod (such as an insect, spider, or crustacean).
- The scientist examined the sternite of the beetle under a microscope.
- The sternite helps protect the soft organs on the bottom of the insect.
- Each segment of the caterpillar's body has a hardened sternite on the underside.