alar squama
- Pronunciation
- /AY-lar SKWAH-muh/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- alar squama
- Plural
- alar squamae
Definition
A pair of membranous lobes located near the base of the wings in certain dipteran insects, serving to cover and protect the halteres.
Etymology
From Latin 'alaris', meaning 'pertaining to the wings', and 'squama', meaning 'scale' or 'flap'.
Example
In flies, the alar squamae are crucial for stabilizing the halteres during flight.
Synonyms
Related Terms
Usage Notes
The alar squama is an important structural component in dipteran insects, contributing to their specialized flight mechanisms.