Like An Arrow: Jumping Insects Use Archery Techniques
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 14:35
in Paleontology & Archaeology
Froghoppers, also known as spittlebugs, are the champion insect jumpers, capable of reaching heights of 700mm -- more than 100 times their own body length. New research reveals that they achieve their prowess by flexing bow-like structures between their hind legs and wings and releasing the energy in one giant leap in a catapult-like action.