The Fastest Flying Insects
Among flying insects, the dragonfly (scientific name: Odonata) holds the record for speed, reaching up to 56 km/h. Following closely is the hawk moth (scientific name: Sphingidae), which can achieve speeds of 54 km/h.
The Fastest Non-Flying Insects
The title for the fastest walking insect goes to the Australian tiger beetle (scientific name: Cicindela hudsoni), which can move at a speed of approximately 9 km/h. Another notable contender is the species Cicindela eburneola, which boasts a speed of 6.8 km/h.
About the Dragonfly
In addition to its remarkable speed, the dragonfly is distinguished by its unique ability to maneuver each of its four wings independently. This capability allows it to rotate its wings both forward and backward, as well as move them up and down. Consequently, dragonflies can fly not just forward but also backward, and hover in place while flitting their wings. Furthermore, they can make sharp turns without needing to reduce their speed or can choose to execute these maneuvers at a slower pace. Researchers from Harvard University managed to capture footage of a dragonfly taking flight, capturing its prey, and returning to its original position in just 1 to 1.5 seconds using high-speed cameras.
About the Australian Tiger Beetle
The Australian tiger beetle feeds on small insects and other arthropods, relying on its impressive speed to catch prey before they can escape. However, during the chase, these beetles often come to a halt multiple times. This is due to their extraordinary speed, which can induce a temporary form of blindness, preventing their eyes from gathering enough photons reflected from their prey. Consequently, the beetles must stop and scan the area to accurately identify the location of their target before dashing off again, repeating the process until they successfully capture it.