Panamanian termites, termite Malignant in the World

Although a small body, termite Panama (Termes panamensis) managed to score a record bite fastest among all the animals in the world. His jaws capable of biting prey at speeds of up to 70 centimeters per second.

In fact, to record movement that much faster, the researchers needed a camera with recording capability 40 000 frames per second. Panamanian termite using a pair of claws biting prey in the jaws that are scientifically often called mandible.

"Many insects move much faster than the ability of the human eye to see, so we know that need a high speed camera to record his behavior," said Marc SEID from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute reported the results of research in the journal Current Biology Nov. 25 issue. Nevertheless, he admitted to not expect so soon bite termite Panama.


With a fast bite, insect prey may be destroyed in one blow. A quick bite also become a tool of self defense due to the small body size, termites must find ways to make Panama a great energy to fight the enemy.

Claws large and rapidly effective attack for close combat. This is often done by his enemies because termites more roam the culverts are narrow and not enough space to move.

"They seem to keep his energy in his mandible, but we still do not know how they do it. It becomes the next question, "said another researcher Jeremy Niven.