Table 3.

Summary of the similarities between the alula flipping and the gear change mechanism in Diptera.

alula flipping	gear change mechanism
controlled by 3rd axillary sclerite	involves movement of 3rd axillary sclerite[1]
changes state at mid-downstroke	comes into effect at mid-downstroke[1]
highly variable amongst individuals	highly variable among individuals[1]
associated with large changes in the distribution of wing kinematic parameters	associated with large changes in the distribution of wing kinematic parameters[1,8]
associated with reduced stroke amplitude	associated with reduced stroke amplitude[1,8]
associated with earlier supination	associated with delayed supination[1]
associated with body manoeuvres	associated with body manoeuvres[1]