Pleuretra

A pleuretra (plural: pleuretrae) is a sclerotized lateral plate or series of plates found on the pleuron, or lateral region, of the body segments of certain arthropods, primarily insects and some crustaceans. The pleuron is the area between the tergum (dorsal plate) and the sternum (ventral plate). The pleuretra, when present, provide articulation points for the legs and wings, contributing to mobility and structural support. The specific arrangement and number of pleuretrae can vary significantly between different taxa and can be important taxonomic characters. They are generally formed by the sclerotization of the pleural membrane.