Fundamentals of Entomology

INSECT THORAX

• The insect thorax is divided into three parts: the prothorax (pro=first), mesothorax (meso=middle), and metathorax (meta=last). Each segment consists of hardened plates, or sclerites. Dorsal sclerites are called nota (sing. notum), lateral sclerites are called pleura (sing. pleuron), and ventral sclerites are called sterna (sing. sternum).
• Each of the three thoracic segments contains one pair of legs. Wings are found only on the meso- and metathoracic segments.