Jumping trap-jaw ants escape from antlion sand pits - video

Trap-jaw ants use their powerful jaws to perform jumps in order to hurl themselves away from waiting antlions. Scientists have found that the enormous power of the trap-jaw ant's mandibles comes from a pair of large, contracting muscles in the head. The ant's jaws open to 180 degrees before snapping shut at more than 60 metres per second (140 miles per hour). The whole action takes place 2,300 times faster than the blink of an eye Continue reading...