The Leaproach (Saltoblattella montistabularis) has a talent that none of the other 4000 plus known species of cockroaches have. It’s one of the insect world’s best jumpers. Discovered in Cape Town, South Africa, it is a third of an inch long, and can jump 50 body lengths (we can only manage about 2) at take-off velocities of 6.9 feet per second while experiencing an acceleration of 23 g (humans would pass out at only 5 g).
About a third of an inch long, the roach is technically named Saltoblattella montistabularis, but let’s stick with Leaproach. (The researchers came up with that nickname.) Its jumping movements were captured with a high speed camera operating at 2,000 frames per second.
Analysis of the photos showed that Leaproach propels itself jumping by rapid movements of enlarged hind legs. The muscles of these buff legs contract long before take-off, storing energy that is suddenly released a/la a catapult.
Picture Credit : Google
