epitheca

ɛpɪˈθiːkə

Definitions

1. noun

A part of the exoskeleton of certain insects, such as beetles, that covers the hind wings or the abdominal segments

“The entomologist carefully examined the epitheca of the beetle’s exoskeleton.”

Synonyms

  • exoskeletal plate
  • tegmen

Antonyms

  • insect thorax