The scutum or dorsal plate of the middle thoracic segment of an insect. See Illust. of Butterfly.

Region of the mesonotum anterior to the transscutal articulation and scutellar-axillar complex. [drawing

The mesonotum excluding the scutellum; in groups with a transscutal articulation, the portion of the mesonotum anterior to the articulation; the mesoscutum is usually divided by the notauli into a medial part and two lateral lobes (see also scutum).