alula

A noun referring to a small, scale-like structure found between the base of the wing and the haltere in two-winged flies, or a tuft of small stiff feathers on the first digit of a bird's wing.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv, das eine kleine schuppenartige Struktur zwischen der Flügelbasis und den Schwingkölbchen bei Zweiflüglern bezeichnet, oder ein Büschel kleiner steifer Federn am ersten Finger des Vogelflügels.

1. Bird anatomy C2 formal scientific

   A small, feathered projection on the first digit (thumb) of a bird's wing, also known as the bastard wing, which helps with slow-speed flight and landing.

   • The alula allows birds to fly at very slow speeds without stalling.
   • During landing, the bird extends its alula to increase lift.
   • Ornithologists study the alula to understand avian flight mechanics.

   🇩🇪Daumenfittich

   Synonyme: bastard wing

2. Insect anatomy C2 formal scientific

   A small, scalelike structure located between the base of the wing and the haltere in certain two-winged flies (Diptera).

   • The alula in flies is a small, membranous lobe near the wing base.
   • Entomologists use the shape of the alula to identify different fly species.
   • The function of the alula in Diptera is still being researched.

   🇩🇪Flügelchen

   Synonyme: calyptersquama

• alulae plural form
• alulae's possessive plural form
• alula's possessive singular form