Tergum facts for kids

The tergum of this wasp is labeled 19.

A tergum (say: TER-gum) is the top or back part of a body section in animals like insects, spiders, and crabs. Think of it as a hard shield on their back. These animals are called arthropods. A tergum helps protect their soft insides. Sometimes, a tergum is made of several smaller, hard plates called tergites (say: TER-gites).

What is a Tergum?

A tergum is the upper part of a body segment in an arthropod. Arthropods are a big group of animals with jointed legs and a hard outer shell. This group includes insects, spiders, scorpions, and crustaceans like crabs and lobsters.

Body Segments and Protection

Most arthropods have bodies divided into different parts, or segments. Each segment often has a tergum on its back. This tergum acts like a strong armor. It protects the animal from danger and helps keep its body shape.

Tergites: Smaller Plates

Sometimes, a tergum is not one solid piece. Instead, it is made up of several smaller, hard plates. These smaller plates are called tergites. They fit together like puzzle pieces. Having tergites allows the animal to move more easily. It gives them flexibility while still offering good protection.

Where Can We Find Terga?

You can find terga on many different arthropods.

• Insects: Look at the back of a beetle or a bee. Their hard, shiny backs are made of terga.
• Spiders: Spiders also have terga on their abdomen, which is their main body section.
• Crabs and Lobsters: The hard shell on the back of a crab or lobster is also a type of tergum.

These hard parts are very important for the survival of arthropods. They help them stay safe from predators and the environment.

Images for kids

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  Abdominal tergum (divided into several tergites) of a bee.

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  Seven sclerites distinctly visible on the back of a pregnant scorpion.

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  Thoracic tergites of various trilobites.