Gula

Pronunciation: /GOO-luh/

Category: Anatomy

Singular: Gula

Plural: Gulae

Definition

A sclerotized plate located on the ventral side of the head of certain insects, connecting the submentum to the posterior tentorial pits.

Etymology

Derived from Latin 'gula,' meaning 'throat' or 'gullet.'

Example

In some beetles, the gula can be a critical feature for species identification.

Synonyms

Throat plate

Related Terms

Sclerite
Head
Submentum
Tentorial pits

Usage Notes

The gula is notably present in some insect orders, such as Coleoptera (beetles). In these groups, it can vary significantly in shape and size, which can be useful in taxonomic studies.