Patterns independent of sclerotizationsclerotization:
A series or pattern of sclerites.
Most aphids have no patterning on the dorsumdorsum:
The back of the insect. See also tergum.
except as provided by setaeseta:
A socketed, hairlike extension of the body wall. Setae are sometimes called hairs.
and scleritessclerite:
A thickened and darkened region of the cuticle resembling a plate.
. Some species, especially in the genus Aphis have a pattern of reticulationsreticulation:
Pattern of connected polygons. In aphids usually associated with the siphunculus or abdominal cuticle.
on their abdominal cuticlecuticle:
The outer noncellular layers of the exoskeleton secreted by the epidermal cells.
. Still others have more involved sculpturingsculpturing:
Extensive series of small projections covering some or all of the body wall.
.
Reticulationsreticulation:
Pattern of connected polygons. In aphids usually associated with the siphunculus or abdominal cuticle. may be found on the dorsaldorsal:
Pertaining to the upper surface of the body or structure.
abdominal cuticlecuticle:
The outer noncellular layers of the exoskeleton secreted by the epidermal cells.
, and sometimes the thoraxthorax:
The three segmented middle region of the insect body, sometimes bearing 2 pairs of wings and always 3 pairs of legs. Divisible into the prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax.
or headhead:
The first or most anterior region of the body, bearing primary sense organs.
of certain species, especially in the genus Aphis.
A portion of the reticulationsreticulation:
Pattern of connected polygons. In aphids usually associated with the siphunculus or abdominal cuticle. is highlighted here for clarity. Reticulationsreticulation:
Pattern of connected polygons. In aphids usually associated with the siphunculus or abdominal cuticle. can sometimes be rather faint and easily overlooked if not actively searched for.
Dorsaldorsal:
Pertaining to the upper surface of the body or structure.
abdominal sculpturingsculpturing:
Extensive series of small projections covering some or all of the body wall.. First of three examples.
Dorsaldorsal:
Pertaining to the upper surface of the body or structure.
abdominal sculpturingsculpturing:
Extensive series of small projections covering some or all of the body wall.. Second of three examples.
Dorsaldorsal:
Pertaining to the upper surface of the body or structure.
abdominal sculpturingsculpturing:
Extensive series of small projections covering some or all of the body wall.. Third of three examples.
Authors: Favret and Miller
Content updated March 2014; nomenclature updated February 2026
idtools.org
