Fastest Flying Insects in the world

Fastest Flying Insects in the World
1. Horsefly - Up to 90 mph
The horsefly, often seen pestering horses and other animals, probably gets its name from this behavior. These insects can be quite big, some reaching around two-thirds of an inch long. Their appearance is marked by a dark hue, striped upper bodies, and dark underbellies. Their large, multifaceted eyes are also a distinguishing feature.
While the male horseflies have a preference for plant nectar and pollen, the females are more aggressive, seeking blood. Their target includes anything that moves and has a dark shade. Their persistence is notable as they won’t give up biting their chosen target until they get their blood meal or meet their end.
When it comes to speed, horseflies are champions. Especially the male Hybomitra hinei wrighti, who’s been clocked at a jaw-dropping rate of 90 mph when chasing after a potential mate! Yes, you heard that right - 90 miles per hour!
2. Skippers - Up to 37 mph
Skippers are fascinating insects found across the globe, with around 3,500 species in existence. They’re renowned for their swift, agile flight patterns.
Interestingly, skippers seem to bridge the gap between butterflies and moths. They fly during the day and pollinate like butterflies but sport short, hairy bodies similar to moths.
Flying at speeds up to 37 mph, they have reflexes that are among the quickest in the insect kingdom. To put that in perspective, they could potentially keep up with a galloping horse!
3. Ladybug - Up to 37 mph
One of the unique aspects of ladybugs is their ability to fold and tuck their delicate wings neatly away when they’re not in use. This helps protect their wings from damage.
Ladybugs are voracious predators, feeding on aphids and other small insects that can harm plants. This natural pest control makes them a gardener’s ally, giving them the apt nickname “gardener’s best friend.”
When threatened or searching for food, ladybugs can surprisingly reach a top speed of 37 miles per hour! Their wings can flap up to 85 times per second. Interestingly, ladybugs have the ability to fly for up to 2 hours without taking a break, which is no mean feat!
4. Dragonfly - Up to 35 mph
Distinguishing features of dragonflies include their elongated bodies and two sets of delicately veined wings. These wings, often clear, might carry subtle, colorful patterns. A unique trait that sets them apart from damselflies is the different shapes of their front and rear wings. Typically, a dragonfly’s wingspan ranges between two and five inches.
These insects are natural predators. They feast on small insects like mosquitoes, flies, bees, and even butterflies, capturing them mid-flight. Dragonflies are opportunistic and eat what’s readily accessible.
You’ll commonly spot them near freshwater sources - think riversides, canals, or lakes. Interestingly, they’ve been around for a while, with fossils indicating they’ve graced our planet for over 300 million years! They were among one of the first winged insects to evolve, and some fossil dragonflies have been found to have wingspans of up to two feet!
5. Hawk Moth - Up to 33.7 mph
In terms of size, hawk moths are on the larger side. Their physique is built for powerful flying, with a distinct head and big eyes. The front wings of these moths are elongated and overshadow their smaller rear wings. When they’re not flying, their wings fold above their body in a triangular shape. Their wingspan can vary, generally falling between 2 and 8 inches.
One interesting feature of the hawk moth is its proboscis. This straw-like structure remains curled up unless it’s time to feed. When a hawk moth comes across a flower, it floats in the air, uncurls its incredibly long proboscis, and sips the nectar, much like using a straw.
These insects are one of the fastest moving. At times, their rapid movements can make them seem like hummingbirds. In fact, they can dart around at speeds up to 30 mph and have the unique ability to hover in place, darting forwards and backward just like a hummingbird does.