In some true bugs, what is the small triangular plate on the dorsal side behind the thorax called?

In some true bugs, what is the small triangular plate on the dorsal side behind the thorax called?

• A. Pronotum
• B. Scutellum
• C. Tegmina
• D. Vertex

Answer: (B)

In true bugs, the small triangular plate on the dorsal surface behind the thorax is the scutellum. It sits on the mesothorax between the bases of the forewings (the hemelytra) and often shows up as a distinct triangular shield. The pronotum is the plate in front of it on the first thoracic segment, the vertex is the top of the head, and tegmina are the hardened front wings. The scutellum’s size and shape vary among groups and can be a handy feature for identifying different true-bug families, such as the large triangular scutellum seen in many stink bugs.

In true bugs, the small triangular plate on the dorsal surface behind the thorax is the scutellum. It sits on the mesothorax between the bases of the forewings (the hemelytra) and often shows up as a distinct triangular shield. The pronotum is the plate in front of it on the first thoracic segment, the vertex is the top of the head, and tegmina are the hardened front wings. The scutellum’s size and shape vary among groups and can be a handy feature for identifying different true-bug families, such as the large triangular scutellum seen in many stink bugs.