Pronotum

The pronotum is a prominent plate-like structure that covers all or part of the thorax of some insects. The pronotum covers the dorsal surface of the thorax.

The American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is a common pest species found in the home. The pronotum is visible as the light brown area at the anterior (head) end of the insect. Photograph by Gary Alpert, used under GFDL

Related terms

• Thorax

Related groups of terms

• Invertebrate body structure

See other words beginning with P