Researchers have discovered that a millimeter-tall arthropod called the globular springtail is the gold medalist for backflips in the natural world. Despite its tiny size, this arthropod is capable of jumping as high as 60 mm in the air, spinning at a rate of up to 368 times per second. It completes its backflip in a mere 161 milliseconds, making it the fastest backflipper on Earth. Biologist Adrian Smith of North Carolina State University notes that these extraordinary abilities are possessed by arthropods found in his own backyard.
To capture the mechanics of the globular springtail’s backflips, researchers used a high-speed camera. During liftoff, the springtail reaches speeds of 1.5 meters per second and can spin up to 29 times in the blink of an eye. These rapid movements make the arthropod appear to vanish into thin air, a tactic often used to evade predators. By analyzing high-speed footage of springtails from liftoff to landing, researchers discovered the secrets behind these acrobatic escape maneuvers.
When a springtail jumps, it initiates liftoff with a thump caused by a spring-like appendage called the furca. This propels the arthropod backward at a speed of 1.5 meters per second on average. While airborne, springtails can spin between 14 and 29 times, showcasing their agility and speed. Despite some flights ending in crashes, springtails often stick the landing using a sticky tube typically used for grooming, serving as an anchor to help them regain their footing.
The discovery of the globular springtail’s incredible backflipping abilities challenges the notion that only exotic or ancient organisms are capable of extraordinary feats in nature. Smith emphasizes that these small arthropods found in everyday environments are also capable of remarkable behaviors if we take the time to observe them closely. By studying the acrobatic skills of springtails, researchers are gaining insights into the diverse and fascinating capabilities of organisms living in our own backyards.
In a world where animals like Simone Biles are celebrated for their acrobatic talents, the globular springtail proves that nature has its own champion backflipper. Despite its minuscule size, this tiny arthropod is a formidable athlete, exhibiting feats of speed, agility, and precision that are unmatched in the animal kingdom. Through high-speed camera footage and detailed observations, researchers are uncovering the secrets behind the springtail’s astonishing backflips, shedding light on the ingenuity and adaptability of these remarkable creatures.
