Thoracic plate

Pronunciation
/THOHR-as-ik PLAYT/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Thoracic plate
Plural
Thoracic plates

Definition

A shield-like dorsal covering or plate on the body segment immediately behind the head of arthropods such as insects, especially noticeable in caterpillars, usually dark in color.

Etymology

From Latin 'thorax', meaning 'chest' and 'plate', referring to the protective function.

Example

The thoracic plate of a caterpillar provides protection against predators.

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