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Glite Dictionary
mesonotum

mesonotum

1 9.9
The middle part of an insect's upper body where the wings attach
  • noun
  • /ˌmɛzəˈnoʊtəm/
  • Specialized
: mesonoto
  • The wings of many insects are attached to the mesonotum for support during flight.

Examples

  • Damage to the mesonotum can affect an insect's ability to move its wings properly.

  • Scientists examined the mesonotum to identify differences between the two beetle species.

  • The mesonotum is crucial for the insect's flight.

  • Entomologists study the mesonotum of various species.

  • The mesonotum is often covered with intricate patterns that help entomologists identify different insect species.

  • In many insects, the mesonotum plays a crucial role in the structure of the thorax, supporting the wings and legs.

  • During the examination, the researcher noted the size and shape of the mesonotum to classify the insect accurately.

Surface Forms

mesonotum singular
mesonota plural

Morphology

mesonotum = notum (semi-transparent) = meso + notum

Formed by productive prefixation of 'meso-' (middle) onto the entomological noun 'notum', a straightforward morphological combination.

Etymology

Mesonotum comes from Greek parts meso- meaning 'middle' and notum meaning 'back'. So, the mesonotum is the 'middle back' part of an insect's thorax where the wings often attach.