Sclerotin is a component of the
cuticles of various
Arthropoda, most familiarly
insects. It is formed by cross-linking members of particular classes of
protein molecules, a biochemical process called
sclerotization. Technically it amounts to a form of
tanning. The resulting material increases the rigidity of an insect's
chitinous exoskeleton. It is particularly prominent in the thicker, armoured parts of
insect and
Arachnid integument, such as in the biting mouthparts and
sclerites of scorpions and beetles.