This Mite (Paratarsotomus macropalpis) has now bumped the Australian Tiger Beetle of being the fastest land animal relative to its size. It can move an amazing 332 body lengths per second. Its no bigger than a sesame seed and to put that into perspective the Cheetah running at 60 miles per hour, can only move 16 body lengths per second! It almost doubles the Tiger Beetle which could move 171 body lengths.The Mite, that was found in Southern California, was filmed using high speed cameras and the speed was then calculated from that. It was also found that it was good as changing direction extremley quickly, this is being research further.
It was first discovered in 1916, however little is know about its food sources and habitats.
Links: scpr sciencedaily
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