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.

• 🇪🇸Sustantivo que designa una pequeña estructura escamosa situada entre la base del ala y el halterio en las moscas dípteras, o un mechón de pequeñas plumas rígidas en el primer dedo del ala de las aves.

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.

   🇪🇸Álula

   Sinónimos: 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.

   🇪🇸Álula (en insectos)

   Sinónimos: calyptersquama

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