Central Shade

Pronunciation: /SEN-truhl shayd/

Category: Anatomy

Singular: Central Shade

Plural: Central Shades

Definition

A darkened area found along the dorsal midline of the body or wings of certain insects, often serving as camouflage or a form of disruptive coloration.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'centralis', meaning 'of or at the center', and 'shade', from Old English 'sceadu', meaning 'shadow'.

Example

The central shade on the wings of the moth helps it blend into its environment, making it less visible to predators.

Synonyms

Median shade
Midline shade

Related Terms

Camouflage
Disruptive coloration
Dorsal

Usage Notes

The central shade can vary significantly among species and can be a key characteristic in the identification of certain insects.