Sclerite

Sclerites are the segments that constitute the exoskeleton of arthropods. There are different types of sclerites depending on the position of the arthropod's body:

• tergites on the dorsal side;
• sternites on the ventral side;
• pleurites on the side.

Sclerites are essentially composed of chitin and are linked to each other by flexible membranes which allow the animal to move.