alula

• Nom désignant une petite structure écailleuse située entre la base de l'aile et le balancier chez les mouches diptères, ou un petit faisceau de plumes rigides sur le premier doigt de l'aile d'un oiseau.

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.

1. Bird anatomyC2formalscientific

   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.

   alula (anatomie des oiseaux)

   • 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.

   Synonymesbastard wing

2. Insect anatomyC2formalscientific

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

   Alula (anatomie des insectes)

   • 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.

   Synonymescalyptersquama