Question

In cockroaches, elytra are articulated to the tergites of:

• A. Abdomen
• B. Prothorax
• C. Metathorax
• D. Mesothorax

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Mesothorax

The correct option is D.

Explanations of the correct option:

Option D:

1. The cockroach body is divided into three subparts known as head, thorax, abdomen
2. The thorax can be further divided into Prothorax, Mesothorax, and Metathorax.
3. The body is made up of a chitinous exoskeleton.
4. It comprises several sclerites which are hard plates.
5. The dorsal section of the body has a pair of wings.
6. The hind wings are membranous, thin, and transparent structures assisting in flight.
7. The hindwings are known as metaphoric wings as they are attached to the metathorax.
8. The forewings on the other hand are dark, leathery, and transparent structures, they are visible when the cockroach isn't flying as they form a protective covering.
9. The forewings are also attached to the metathorax.
10. The elytra wings are also known as tegmina.
11. Hence, the wings of the elytra are attached to the tergites of the metathorax.

Explanations of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The abdomen of a cockroach is divided into 10 segments.
2. The genital pouch is located between the 7th sternum, along with the 8th and 9th sterna.
3. The anal cerci are filamentous structures present in the 10th segment.
4. The wings are not attached to the abdomen of the elytra cockroach.

Option B:

1. Prothorax forms the anterior segment of the cockroach.
2. It bears the first pair of legs.
3. It does not comprise wings.
4. This is an incorrect option.

Option C:

1. The metathorax belongs to the posterior last segment of the cockroach.
2. It consists of the third pair of legs.
3. It does not contain the sclerotized tergites.

Final answer: In cockroaches elytra are articulated to the tergites of Mesothorax.