throat

In insects, the gula is a sclerite (hardened plate) located on the ventral side of the head, specifically between the mouthparts and the prothorax. It's a part of the head capsule that plays a role in connecting the mouthparts to the body. In some insect groups, like Heteroptera, the gula is a distinct, hard plate, while in others, like Homoptera, it may be small, membranous, or even absent.