tergite
/ˈtɜrdʒaɪt/
noun
- The hard upper part of a segment of the body of an arthropod (such as an insect or crustacean).
- The beetle's tergite was covered in tiny ridges.
- Each segment of the caterpillar's body has a distinct tergite.
- Scientists examined the fossilized tergite of an ancient trilobite.