National Geographic’s latest documentary series, “A Real Bug’s Life” takes viewers on an extraordinary journey into the microcosmic universe of tiny creatures with epic stories.
It premiered exclusively on Disney+, and the first episode, titled “The Big City” revealed the astounding lives of minuscule beings that play significant roles in our world. Here are some mind-boggling facts about the featured insects that are sure to leave you in awe.
Jumping Spiders: Masters of Acrobatic Silk
One of the stars of “A Real Bug’s Life” is the jumping spider, showcasing its incredible ability to spin silk at remarkable speeds. Unlike other spiders that weave webs in advance, jumping spiders spin silk as they jump, reaching speeds of up to 700 millimeters per second or an astonishing 140 times their body length. Despite not weaving webs to catch prey, jumping spider silk is among the strongest of all spiders. What’s more, they boast the best eyesight among their arachnid counterparts, and their agility is demonstrated by the ability to jump nearly 25 times their own body length, akin to a human leaping half the length of an American football field.
Pavement Ants: Masters of Scent Detection
Delving deeper into the insect kingdom, the documentary sheds light on pavement ants, showcasing their extraordinary sense of smell. These industrious insects can detect food from distances that would be equivalent to a human smelling something nearly two miles away. Their olfactory prowess adds another layer to the intricate tapestry of the insect world, proving that size is no barrier to sensory excellence.
Flies: Masters of Visual Processing
The documentary also highlights the remarkable visual capabilities of flies, emphasizing their ability to process images four times faster than humans. This incredible skill allows them to react as if they are in slow motion, making them adept at dodging potential threats. Their swift reactions are a testament to the intricacies of the insect world and the unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in diverse environments.
Cockroaches: The Speed Demons
The episode features the ever-resilient cockroach, shedding light on its impressive speed and agility. If scaled up to the size of a human, a cockroach could run at a mind-boggling 200 miles per hour. Their ability to squeeze through minuscule gaps, equivalent to slotting pennies through, showcases their adaptability and survival instincts. With a reaction time 10 times faster than humans, cockroaches prove to be true speed demons in the insect realm.
Manhattan: A Hub of Insect Activity
While humans dominate the bustling streets of Manhattan, A Real Bug’s Life unveils the astonishing reality that insects outnumber them. In this concrete jungle, the population of ants alone reaches into the billions, surpassing the human population. The documentary captures the bustling insect activity, showcasing how these tiny creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem of the city that never sleeps.
Watch the trailer below:
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