Pcgamer reports that sturdy chitin in Hytale is found in the Howling Sands desert biome and must be gathered to upgrade crafting workbenches.
Sturdy chitin drops from Scarak mobs (Defender, Fighter, Louse, Seeker, and Broodmother) as well as scorpions, armadillos, and tortoises. Scarak nests often appear as grey/brown spotty