Volant

Definition

Having the ability to fly; possessing functional wings or other aerial locomotion. In zoological usage, describes animals capable of powered, flapping flight rather than passive descent or gliding. Contrasts with volplaning (gliding) and parachuting (controlled descent without powered flight).

Etymology

From Latin volare, to fly.

Example

Adult honey bees are volant, using their two pairs of wings for directed aerial foraging, whereas worker ants are typically flightless except during the brief nuptial phase of reproductive alates.

Synonyms

• flying
• winged

Related Terms

• Apterous
• brachypterous
• Macropterous
• Alate
• volplaning
• ballooning
• flight muscles
• Pterygota

Usage Notes

In entomology, volant usually implies active, powered flight rather than passive aerial dispersal. Some specialists reserve the term for vertebrate flight, using 'winged' or 'macropterous' for insects; however, broader usage includes any capable flier. Distinguish from 'volant' in heraldry (a bird shown in profile with wings spread), which is unrelated. Arachnologists may describe ballooning spiders as aerially dispersing but not truly volant, as they lack powered flight.