Carapace

[ kar-uh-peys ]

noun

1. the hard upper shell of a turtle, crustacean, or arachnid
2. something regarded as a protective or defensive covering

Examples of carapace in a sentence:

• Crayfish have a carapace that acts as a shield, protecting their delicate gills with its hard surface.  
• The small crustacean’s carapace was not able to protect its eyes and mouth when the predator attacked.