mesothoracic

Mesothoracic refers to the middle segment of the thorax in insects. The thorax itself is the second major body section of an insect, located between the head and the abdomen. It is primarily responsible for locomotion, bearing the legs and wings. The mesothorax is specifically the middle of these three thoracic segments, with the prothorax being the first (closest to the head) and the metathorax being the third (closest to the abdomen).

Each thoracic segment in insects is typically equipped with a pair of legs. Therefore, the mesothorax bears the second pair of legs. In winged insects, the mesothorax also plays a crucial role in supporting wings. The forewings, if present, are usually attached to the mesothorax. In many insect orders, the mesothorax is the largest and most robust thoracic segment due to the significant musculature required for wing movement. The exoskeletal plates forming the mesothorax are known as the scutum, scutellum, and pleura. The precise size and structure of the mesothorax can vary greatly among different insect species, reflecting their specific adaptations for flight, running, jumping, or other forms of movement.