\Scu*tel"lum\, n.; pl. {Scutella}. [NL., neut. dim. of
L. scutum a shield.]
1. (Bot.) A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed
   of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain
   lichens.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) The third of the four pieces forming the upper part of
       a thoracic segment of an insect. It follows the
       scutum, and is followed by the small postscutellum; a
       scutella. See {Thorax}.
   (b) One of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of
       birds; a scutella.